Page 26 of To Feel Like This Again
“Yes. Go out and enjoy New York City,” Alex instructs, like he’s my older brother and needs to give me advice.
“Yea, you should definitely, go,” Lisa joins in, because she really has no choice but to say that.
“Okay, great. I’m in,” I say. Now this is starting to get a little weird… me going out with Lisa’s ward. “Send me the location and let me know what time to meet you.”Shit, now we’re going to have to exchange numbers… in front of Lisa.
“We’re going to pre-game at my apartment first, then head to the club. It’s only a few blocks away. I’ll text you the address. What’s your number?” While she saves my number, I glance at Lisa who is looking uncomfortable. Her smile reminding me of the smiles of contestants at a Miss Universe pageant, the ones who are among the top five finalists but who aren’t ultimately selected.
“What’s your number?” I ask, because it would be weird if I hadn’t. Now, I’m just overthinking.Right?
“212 ...” She stops, “Are you going to save it?
“No, its fine… I’ll remember it and save it later. My battery is on four percent.”
“212 - 375 - 6859.”
“That’s crazy… do you have photographic memory?” she asks giddily, like a kid excited about a magic trick.
Lisa shifts in her seat, looking even more uncomfortable.
As I reach across the table for the lobster, Emily asks, “Uh. Where do you find time to be involved with so many charities? I really love that you volunteer to serve food at a homeless shelter. It’s something I’m passionate about, but I only get to volunteer on Christmas day when I can make the time... not consistently like you.”
“I don’t know. Thankfully, it just works out that way,” I respond. “I’m fortunate to be in a position to be able to help those in need.”
“By the way, at the luncheon, I was speaking to Alicia, the Head of HR and also a director for State Foods Jamaica Foundation. We were discussing upcoming charitable initiatives, and she shared that you personally fund the entire feeding programme at the shelter… and that the foundation is looking to partner with you in this regard and to expand the programme,” Lisa chimes in.
“Yea, I met with the foundation last month… can’t wait for them to get involved,” I tell her.
“Wow, that’s so nice,” Emily says.
And Lisa agrees, “Yes, it’s really good of you.”
Uninterested in the discussion, Alex switches the conversation. “Good stuff man. Tell me something… What’s the real estate market like in Jamaica? I’m always looking for opportunities.”
After dessert, Emily officially ends our dinner. “Well this was fun, but we need to go now to get ready.”
“Absolutely. Dinner was great. Thanks for having me over. I’ll meet you at the apartment, Emily,” I respond.
“Sweet, see you later.”
I get up and shake Alex’s hand, “Nice to meet you.”
“You want to check out the squash court before you run?” he asks, sounding like a brat. What the fuck is wrong with this guy?
“You can show him next time,” Emily says, coming to my rescue. Though, I wonder what she means by “next time”.
“Sounds good. Nice to meet you as well... all the best in your future endeavours at State Foods and otherwise.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“I’ll walk Nick out,” Lisa interrupts, while I request an Uber.
As we walk through the living room and out of sight, she whispers, “Do you like Emily?”
“No. What? Why do you ask?” It is the truth. The real question though is — Would I fuck her? I didn’t know the answer to that. “Where is this coming from?” I ask, pretending to be clueless.
“She’s really into you — she rarely wears makeup or listens so attentively to any of my guests.” She sighs. “And she wore that dress just for you.”
Lowering her voice, “Am I still seeing you tomorrow night? I told Alex I’m playing Kalooki with friends.” She sounds doubtful. Even insecure.
