Page 14 of Declan
Elise frowned as she watched him get into his car, start it, then pull out of the alleyway. Most men would wait until a woman was inside before they left but apparently Stephen Johnston lacked a few manners.
She would, however, give him another chance. She knew how hard it was to go out at night after a long day. Yes, she’d give him one more chance.
Stepping into her apartment, she locked the door behind her, set her purse down, removed her sweater, then sat on the sofa and removed her shoes.
“Maybe you shouldn’t wear shoes like that. Seriously? Most men love them. Women wear them to look sexy, and he says that. Next time I’m wearing flats. See how you like that,” she grumbled the entire way to her bathroom and after washing her face, she changed into a soft T-shirt and lounge pants, then crawled into bed.
She punched her pillow wondering if it was worth going out with him again. She would bet a year’s salary that Declan Cavanaugh had manners.
“Ugh, stop thinking about him,” she snapped, then rolled over, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.
The following week seemed to fly by, and it was Saturday afternoon and closing time. Though Frankie was at her class on Wednesdays, Declan didn’t pick her up and Elise missed seeing him.
“You really have to get that man out of your mind,” she whispered.
“Are you talking to me?” Brandy asked as she stood beside her.
“No. Myself. Again.” Elise sighed.
“Is everything alright?”
“Yes.” She looked at Brandy. “I’ve never asked, but do you have a man in your life?”
Brandy shifted her eyes away then back. “I have a woman in my life.”
“Oh! Okay. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay, unless you have a problem with it and don’t want me here?”
“No. I mean, yes, I want you here. Brandy, whoever you see is your business and no one else’s. It doesn’t bother me in the least.”
“Thank God. I was going to tell you, but some people…”
“I get it. I’m fine with it.” Elise smiled.
“So, why did you ask? Are you having man trouble?” Brandy grinned.
“I am so attracted to… well, let’s just say a man, and he doesn’t seem the least bit interested. I could smack him upside his head at times.”
“It isn’t Stephen Johnston, is it?”
“No. Why do you say it like that? Is there something about him I should know?”
“I don’t want to say anything.”
“Oh, too late now, woman. Spit it out.”
Brandy sighed. “I don’t know anything about him, other than he gives me the creeps.”
Elise took her bottom lip between her teeth, then sighed. “There is something about him, isn’t there?”
Brandy nodded. “I don’t know what it is, but…” She shrugged.
Elise told her about the date they’d gone on last weekend. “Maybe he was tired. I don’t know, but when he snapped at me, I almost told him to just take me home.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because he seemed genuinely sorry about it and asked for another chance, so we’re going out tonight. He’s taking me to the same restaurant, but he didn’t act like he liked the place. I thought it was beautiful and had fantastic food.” She shook her head. “We’ll see how it goes, but if it’s anything like last week, this could be the last time I go out with him.”
