“You know what…” I shook my head as I turned at the light. “I’m fine. I’m meeting The Funny One downtown to watch a comedian he’s into.”
“James is The Funny One, right?”
James Stansfield was a little younger than me at twenty-seven years old. He was an electrician by day and a comedian by night. He kept me laughing, and he was really handy. I never allowed him in my space; however, when I needed the lights in my closet, I consulted with him about how much something like that should cost. He was hilariously helpful, and I appreciated the role he played.
He was funny. He kept things light, and nothing was ever serious with him. With me still struggling with my decision and what I wanted to do about the job offer, I needed to just laugh the night away.
“Yeah. That’s him. The Funny One.”
“Well, don’t stay out too late,” she advised. “You have a big meeting tomorrow.”
“Oh, I definitely won’t. He wanted me to go back to his place so he could cook for me when the show was over, but I already told him I was making it an early night.”
“If the show is at eight, it sounds like you would’ve gotten back to his place at ten o’clock.” She sucked her teeth. “He was planning on feeding you more than just food.”
I nodded. “He was definitely hinting that he wanted to feed me dick.”
“I’m proud of you for saying no. I know you say sex is the great stress reliever.”
“It is. But I wouldn’t jeopardize my work for The Funny One,” I scoffed. “Can’t let a man get in the way of money.”
“Weren’t you late to work because of your date with The Fun One?” she countered.
My mouth dropped as I parallel parked.
“That’s different,” I protested.
“How?” she pressed
“Because…” I started, racking my brain for an explanation.
“Because you like The Fun One,” she teased.
Even though she couldn’t see me, I shook my head. “I’m not doing this with you.”
“Mm-hmm.” Aaliyah’s intonation let me know she was calling bullshit. “You know what’s interesting… Since having sex with Russ, you’ve completely lost interest in The Funny One.”
Feeling my cheeks heat up, I shook off the realization. “I don’t know what you’re trying to insinuate—”
“You know exactly what I’m insinuating!”
I burst out laughing as I got out of my car. “I’ve never denied liking Russ. But if I had a big meeting in the morning, I would prioritize that meeting.”
“I hear you,” she said in a tone that made it clear she didn’t believe me. “You’re full of shit right now, but I hear you.”
She wasn’t wrong, but I needed clarification.Is it that obvious?
Slightly amused and extremely curious, I wondered, “Why don’t you believe me?”
“Because the way you go on and onand onabout Russ, I don’t think you’d turn that down.”
Just the thought of Russ and all the ways he took care of me sent a chill down my spine. Because it wasn’t just the dick that was magical. Every single thing about that man was magical.
I could not resist him.
Even though I wanted to deny her claims, the truth nagged at me. I smoothed down my black-and-lavender romper and collected myself.
“Of course I’m not turning him down!” I exclaimed. “The dick is exquisite.”