Page 64 of Perfect Date
But automatically I know there’s something that’s missing; I notice it the second his skin touched mine. There’s no spark. No tingle, no catch of my breath at the feeling of his lips on my skin. Perhaps I’m being too hasty in my evaluation, so I take a breath and tell myself to give this a chance and remind myself of the even bigger reason for doing so.
As I sit, I make the mistake of looking over at Justin. He’s standing with his arms crossed across his chest and he almost looks like a bull that’s seen its target. Nostrils flaring, jaw tight, lips pulled inward - oh he’s angry alright.
Good.
“You look so nice too,” I tell Jordan turning my attention to him.
“I just came from work, no big deal,” he shrugs.
“How was work today?” I ask.
“Good, good. Working on an intense portfolio so I’m happy it’s the weekend. How was your workday?”
“Also good, thank you for asking. And I’m also grateful to begin the weekend and to start it with you.”
“What do you want to drink?”
Jumping at the voice that rudely demands our order, I turn and look into the very angry eyes of Justin. He’s not even acknowledging Jordan’s presence; he only has eyes for me.
“What should I get to drink, Jordan?”
Justin makes an annoyed sound when I say his name. I ignore it.
Jordan looks at him a little curiously, but when I smile, he seems to brush it off, “The lady will take a white wine, and I’ll have a bourbon on the rocks, please.”
“She doesn’t like wine,” Justin says with a roll of his eyes.
“I like it fine,” I say ignoring him.
“No. You don’t.”
Ignoring him, I dismiss him and turn to my date, “So, Jordan, are you hungry? I’m famished.”
“I am definitely hungry,” he says and smiles at me kindly before opening his menu.
“Is he going to order your food for you too?” Justin asks.
“Don’t you have drinks to go get us?”
“Can I please talk to you?”
“Sure, go ahead, we’d like to know the specials,” I tell him and I swear there is metaphorical steam coming out his ears.
“Alone?” He asks.
“No,” I shake my head.
“What exactly is going on?” Jordan asks looking between us, clearly confused by our exchange.
“Nothing,” I say.
“Everything,” Justin says at the same time.
“Could you please just get our drinks?” I say to Justin and I don’t know what he sees in my eyes, or what he’s thinking, but after staring at me for a few beats, he turns and walks away.
“What is going on with that guy?” Jordan asks looking at me curiously.
“I’m sorry. He’s a… friend. One that I found out wasn’t really who I thought he was.”
