Page 17 of Business Casual

He has no idea what I would do to him…

Maybe it was the alcohol swirling around in my system, but I was definitely weighing my options.

Can I afford to lose the Franklin Financial contract?

Is dick worth losing a six-month contract that is paying more than I made last year?

Is dick ever worth losing a bag?

Can I wait six months to ride this man?

I was tipsy enough to consider the questions, but I was sober enough to know the answers.

I could not afford to lose the Franklin Financial contract.

No dick would be worth jeopardizing my money.

I had self-control so I could resist him for six months.

Tearing myself from the trance I was in, I looked at our friends. “Wasn’t there a debate I was supposed to settle?”

“Oh!” Bryce exclaimed. “Your friend here”—he gestured to Keisha— “claimed that you know cars, but”—he looked me up and down— “you don’t exactly look like you’ll know the answer.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Try me.”

“It’s not which car is better looking,” he prefaced, using his hands for emphasis. “But which car is better overall, the Lamborghini or the Corvette?”

“If you’re not talking about better looking, what are you talking about?” I asked.

“Like I suspected!” Bryce chuckled to himself. “That’s okay, that’s perfectly okay. Most girls don’t know the difference between a Lambo and a ‘Vette anyway so you’re good.”

“Believe me, I know my shit.” Giving him a look, I leaned forward. “And mostboysthat think that having knowledge of cars is gender exclusive aren’t very smart.”

Keisha giggled.

“I believe her,” Tre offered with a nod.

“Look at her, of course you do,” Bryce retorted. When he turned back to me, he held up his hands. “Okay, okay… my bad. I shouldn’t have called you a girl. You are most certainly a grown woman.” He gave me a look that bordered on flirtatious.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Tre shift his stance. “Bryce.” There was a warning in Tre’s voice that pulled my attention.

I eyed his profile as he glared at his friend.

“My bad, my bad. Mostwomendon’t know cars and you kind of proved my point,” Bryce continued.

“I asked for more context to your question, and you couldn’t provide it so you’re proving my point.” I lifted my shoulders. “Not very smart.”

Still believing he had the upper hand, he smirked. “It’s self-explanatory, sweetheart. And since you don’t know, you just proved my point. It’s okay. Nice try though.”

Ire simmered just under my skin causing my flesh to become hot. Even though I was used to it and didn’t get as mad as I used to, men talking down to me about cars really struck a nerve.

“You didn’t specify any particular model, but since you want an answer to a vague ass question, the Corvette is the better option overall. Esthetically, the Lamborghini is going to give you that exclusivity because it’s an unmistakable car. No matter the model, you’re going to know it’s a Lambo and that has its own prestige tied to it because of the price point. But the newer Corvette models are becoming more unique and exotic in their kits as well. If we’re talking interiors, it depends on the model but typically Corvettes are going to give you a little more room. If we’re talking mechanicals, it depends on the model because we need to compare the engine, the horsepower, the fuel efficiency, the technology. But if I’m being forced to choose based on this flimsy ass question, I would choose the Corvette because despite the model, it’s always going to be cheaper than the Lambo.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Sweetheart.”

Bryce was speechless. The look on his face was priceless.

Tre let out a low whistle. “You can’t ever leave well enough alone and now look at you…” He shook his head. “Sick.”

“Got him,” Keisha snickered from behind her glass.

---