Page 78 of The Jerk in Apartment 1B

“Asher never did. I had to plan everything.”

“I think we need a rule that you can’t talk about him tonight.”

She nods. “You’re right. No talking about Asher. Starting now.”

We have two rounds of drinks before deciding to move on to dinner. I feel totally fine, but Trina is drunk. The drinks were strong and she’s tiny and probably didn’t eat lunch.

“Those were so good,” she says, stumbling out of the bar.

“You need some help?” I say.

“Maybe a little.”

I take her hand as we continue down the street. I haven’t held a girl’s hand since… a time I don’t care to remember. Holding hands is one of those relationship things I don’t do anymore. I’m only doing it with Trina so she doesn’t fall, or that’s what I’m telling myself.

“We should’ve been doing this the whole time.”

“Doing what?”

“Holding hands,” she says, looking up at me. “It’s something you do on a date.” She holds up our joined hands. “This is practice for my real date.”

“I didn’t know we were taking it that far. I thought just being out with me was enough.”

“I’d like to make it as real as possible,” she says, swinging our hands. “So I won’t be nervous when I’m out with someone else.”

As real as possible?How real are we talking about? Is she expecting us to kiss? Or do more than that?

I’m surprised she said that, but I’m sure it’s only because she’s drunk. Drunk Trina is a lot different than sober Trina. She’s more expressive, talking with her hands and acting out thestories she’s telling me. And she seems to say whatever pops in her mind, which could make for a very interesting night.

We arrive at the restaurant, which is a trendy place in the heart of Manhattan. I took my parents here when they were in town. They loved the food but said it was too expensive, even though I was paying. They forget how much money I have and that I have no problem spending it.

“I really want the steak,” Trina says, looking at the menu. “But it’s so expensive.”

“You sound like my parents. They said the same thing when I took them here. If you want the steak, get it. I’m paying. Don’t worry about the price.”

She shuts her menu. “How often do your parents visit?”

“They’ve only been here once. They didn’t like all the noise and the crowds so I doubt they’ll come back.”

“Oh, shit,” she says, staring at the door.

“What?”

“It’s not him.” She sighs in relief. “I thought this guy coming in the restaurant was Asher, but it was just a guy who looks like him.” She puts her hand on her chest and takes a breath. “Okay, I can relax now.”

“Were you worried about running into him, or worried about him seeing you with another guy?”

“Both. I’m not ready to see him, and I don’t want him seeing me with you and thinking I’m already dating someone.”

“Why do you care?”

“I guess I’m just thinking how I’d feel if I saw him with another girl. I’d feel bad that he moved on so fast.”

“Why are you worrying about his feelings? He didn’t care about yours when he dumped you and left you homeless.”

She just shrugs.

“I know we’re not supposed to talk about him, but I have to ask. Were things good between you two before he ended it?”

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