Page 9 of Continuum

I inhaled softly. “I was fine with my own dessert and it was delicious from beginning to end.”

The waiter stopped by with the bill and my boxed meal that he handed to Jordan. “Would you like a small box for the macaroons, sir?”

“Yes, please,” he replied, handing over a credit card. “Thank you.”

“This place is lovely. Thank you for dinner, Jordan.”

“Thank you for being here with me. I always look forward to the next time I can be in the presence of this much beauty.”

My lips curled into a grin. “Well maybe the night doesn’t have to end just yet.”

“Oh?” He tried to play off his surprise, but it was evident. “Yeah, yes. That sounds…yes.”

I lifted my eyebrows and sat back in my chair. “Good.”

We were out of the restaurant five minutes later and waiting for the valet to bring his car around.

“Whoa, um…” Jordan put his hand on his stomach and took a step back. “Let me um… give me a second.” He muttered something to the other valet attendant and then hustled back into the restaurant.

“Okay…” I said as I watched his back retreating through the glass.

I’d been waiting for three minutes when the valet gave up and pulled his car to the side. “Ma’am? What’s…going on?”

I shrugged. “I have no clue.” Pulling my phone from my bag, I tried to call Jordan but didn’t get an answer. “I’m not sure.”

A couple minutes later I received a text message.

Jordan Scott:I’m sorry. I’m sick. It’s going to take a little longer than I thought. I hate to do this, but I’m going to be in here for a while.

I stared at the phone for a full minute.Um what?

Aisha Young:Are you okay? Do you need anything?

Jordan Scott:I might have overdone it with the dessert. I just ordered a driver to pick you up and take you home. It’s a black SUV. Driver is Samantha. She’s two minutes out. I’m so sorry.

I pursed my lips.It was probably the mousse.

While it was unfortunate that Jordan got sick, I couldn’t help but think about how this ruined my sex plans. With a sigh, I texted him back.

Aisha Young:Okay, I’m sorry you’re not well. I hope you feel better. Thanks again. Let me know when you make it home.

A black SUV pulled up and rolled the window down. A woman with a cute pixie cut stared at me for a moment. “Aisha?” she called out.

With a tight smile, I climbed into the backseat. “Hi.”

“You’re headed to Parkwood Terrace?”

“Yes, thank you.”

It was a quiet ride and I appreciated not having to engage in idle chitchat while I was telling my best friends what went down on the date in the group chat.

We stopped at a traffic light a couple of blocks from my building and when I happened to look up, I caught a glimpse of a ghost from my past. I did a double take as the figure disappeared into the neighborhood bar, Lucky’s.

“I need to get out here!” I exclaimed, slightly shaken. “Thank you for the ride, but I’m going to get out here.” I pointed to the corner. “Do you take cash tips or only in the app?”

“Just the app. But thank you.”

With a wave and a quick thank you, I jumped out of the vehicle just as the light turned green. My heart thumped in time with the music as I made my way into the packed bar. Keeping my head on a swivel, I looked for her.

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