Page 50 of Curvy Girl Summer

8

“You didn’t get anything to eat,” Ahmad noticed. “You can’t drink on an empty stomach. Not that you were drinking much.”

My stomach rumbled as I nodded. “Yeah, I guess I’ll take a basket of fries.”

“Our wings are good, too.”

I shook my head. “You do not want to see me eat wings.”

“Well, I’d rather offer you wings than a burger.” He pointed to my striped dress. “Ol’ robble robble ass.”

I gasped as he made the unintelligible noise that the Hamburglar was known for. The unexpected joke caused a loud laugh turned cough.

“I hate you,” I told him with tears in my eyes. Wiping away any eyeliner that could’ve smeared, I couldn’t hide my amusement. “You’re really showing your age with the Hamburglar reference.”

He cocked his head to the side. “And yet, you knew exactly who I was talking about.” With a smirk, he tapped his hand on the bar and backed away. “I’ll put an order in for you.”

I rolled my eyes, but my cheeks hurt from smiling.

“What’s your name, beautiful?” a deep voice asked about a minute later as he took the seat next to me.

I glanced over at him.

He was cute and wore a nice suit.

“Aaliyah,” I responded. “And you are?”

He flashed a smile. “I’m Ray.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Ray.”

His gaze lingered on my lips. “The pleasure isallmine. I like to get to know the people I’m sharing space with.”

“Oh, we’re sharing space?”

“We are now.” He grinned. “I came in here to celebrate, andthen I noticed this beautiful woman at the bar, so if you’ll allow me to stay in your presence, I’d say we are sharing space.”

“Hmm.” I gave him a skeptical look. “Okay.”

“Can I buy you a drink?”

I tapped my half-filled glass. “I have one, but thank you.”

“What can I get you?” Ahmad asked.

I did a double take.Damn! Did he sneak up?

“I’ll take a vodka martini, and you can get this beautiful lady another drink if she wants it.”

“I told you, I’m fine,” I replied with a soft smile. “But thank you.”

“You are more than fine,” Ray flirted.

Ahmad cleared his throat. “Okay, I’ll get your drink.” He glanced at me. “And your food will be out in a couple minutes.”

My eyes connected with Ahmad’s. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, thanks, man,” Ray added. “Now back to you…” He turned his attention back to me. “What are you doing here tonight? Looking all good and shit… you can’t be here all alone.”

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