Page 30 of Whatever He Wants
I avoided him all week.His response should fill me with reluctance, or make me dread the reason why he came to see me.Excitement surges inside me instead.My response masks that, though.
K.See you soon.
Before Isaac texted, I moved slowly, my body sore from standing and zipping around for hours.Now, there’s urgency in my movements as I finish putting away hair products and equipment, wipe down my station counter, and sweep up hair.Then I linger in the bathroom, making sure I look put together and smell fresh, even though I usually don’t care about my appearance after work.
Outside, Isaac leans against his car, dressed in a beige leather jacket over a light-grey shirt, and dark jeans.He looks up from his phone as I approach and shoves it into his pocket.It’s the strangest thing.I’m more excited, even though I’m standing right in front of him.
Before the theft, Isaac and I used to talk to each other every day.His absence was noticeable this week, but I didn’t realize how much I missed him until now.I feel like I can breathe again, and I barely resist the urge to hug him.
We’re silent, staring at each other.The last time we were together, he admitted he had feelings for me.I almost did the same thing, almost let him fuck me too.The man who’s always been like a brother to me.
My face warms despite the chilly air as dirty snippets of that night replay in my mind.How he kissed me like his life depended on it, how amazing his thick fingers felt as they pushed inside me, and how hard he made me come.The intensity in his eyes says he’s remembering the same things.
“A friend told me about a place that makes the best wings in town,” he says, breaking the silence.“Want to try them with me?”
At the mention of food, I rub my empty stomach.I haven’t eaten since the cup of coffee and a croissant for breakfast this morning.Tasty chicken wings sound fantastic right about now, but I’m nervous.It’s not a good idea for me to be alone with Isaac.A public setting should be fine, right?
I nod.“I could eat.”
Isaac unlocks the car, opening the passenger door for me.For a moment, our gazes meet as I slip past him into the car, and a pleasant thrill goes through me before I stifle it.
* * *
Isaac and I sit at a booth and order a basket of wings with a side of sweet potato fries.I glance around, liking the moody, intimate vibe of the place with its dark teal walls, soft amber lights, and black leather seats.
A song plays overhead, the male singer’s crooning voice paired with gentle guitar notes.It’s sad yet beautiful and romantic, though the lyrics confuse me.
“Kisses from roses sounds like he’s singing about love, but what does he mean byon the grey?”
“I think most people believe it’s a song about love,” Isaac says.“One that ends in heartbreak—thegrey.Others think he’s referring to drug addiction.”
“I didn’t know it’s a popular song.This is the first time I’m hearing it.”
“It was popular when I was a kid.It’s from the early 90s.”
“The 90s.Wow.What was it like living in ancient times?”
Isaac chuckles.“It was the Dark Ages.We had to roll down our car windows, Beanie Babies were currency, and everybody was wearing neon.”
We share a laugh, then fall into silence.His stare makes me shy, and I lower my gaze to the table, drawing circles on the smooth wooden surface with my finger.
“Gordon’s birthday is on Sunday.Did you remember?”
I straighten, moving my hands to my lap.
“I did.Why?”
“Mom is throwing a party for him and she wants you there.”
I scoff.“That’s funny.Gayle didn’t say anything when Dad threw me out.Seemed to me she supported him.”
“She told me once she regrets she didn’t stick up for you that day.”
“Oh, yeah?She’s never said that to me.”
Isaac leans forward and folds his arms on the table, a faint smile on his lips.
“Because you blocked her from contacting you.”
