“So he did you right?” Jacob asks Kat, who smiles and nods. “Good. Because if he doesn’t, give me a call. I’ll show him a few moves that I haven’t taught him yet. I wouldn’t worry though, D’s a good man.”
I watch as Jacob and Kat get to know each other, and I’m glad to see that they get along well. They’re total and complete opposites, the towering physical gladiator who makes his millions by terrorizing quarterbacks while she makes apps for smartphones and tablets, but it seems to be working. He’s gregarious and rarely stops talking, asking questions and giving her quieter approach a direction to keep the conversation rolling.
“So you listen to Derrick’s show?” Kat asks in surprise. “Just didn’t think that’d happen. You’re sort of . . ..”
“Big?” Jacob asks ironically, making Kat laugh. “Yeah well, if anything, that helps guys like me. I ain’t ashamed to admit it, I’ve used a few tips D’s said to help things along. Haven’t found the right girl yet, but that’s okay. I gotta say though,” he says as he stares Derrick down. “You’ve never called me up after a breakup to see if I was doing okay?” He fakes a sniffle, tracing a dry fingertip down his cheek like it’s a tear before grinning madly.
I see Kat blush, and I know just what she’s thinking about. “You’re a big boy. I figure you know to pick up the phone if that’s what you need. No offense.”
“None taken,” Jacob says. Kat gets up, and he rises like a gentleman. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” Kat giggles, charmed. “Just two cups of coffee and then OJ . . . ladies’ room is calling. Excuse me a moment.”
Kat walks away, and Jacob turns back to me. “Seems like a good girl. She gets the stamp of approval.”
I laugh. “Didn’t know I needed one, but thanks. Why’s that?”
“Just seems like the girl for you, that’s all. Listen D, I’ve known you for almost a decade now. Everyone has a type that’s meant for them. Me . . . I need some kick ass chick who’s going to take no prisoners and probably butt heads with me right up until the point we’re tearing each other’s clothes off. You though, you’re the kind that needs someone that you just gel with. And while you two aren’t peas and carrots, you gel.”
“Peas and carrots?” I ask, smirking. “Let me guess, Forrest Gump on the last cross country flight?”
“Besides,” Jacob continues, not getting thrown off at all, “you like her too. I can see it in your eyes and not just that cut over your eyebrow. She’s doing something to you man. And in my opinion, it’s a good something.”
“Yeah well, I gotta take my time. The asshole ex we told you about isn’t the only guy who’s treated her like shit in the past. So I plan to just treat her right, go slow, and treat her with the respect that I don’t think any other man has ever given her and we’ll see what happens.”
Jacob nods sagely. “Well said, brother. Might not be a complex game plan, but it’s a solid one. Hey, I can get you another ticket for the game if you want to bring her with your dad.”
“Fuck yeah!” I reply, grinning. “You’re the best, man.”
“I can get you one of the cheerleader outfits for her too . . . if the Love Whisperer is into that.”
I close my eyes, imagining Kat in a cheerleader outfit, not a bad idea, but maybe later. “Probably not a safe idea for now. But thanks for the offer.”
Chapter 16
Kat
I feel giggly and light as I wrap up my coding for the evening, knowing that I’m rocking this new app and am right on target for my deadline. I kick back in my cubicle, pulling out my phone. “I can miss Derrick’s show for one night,” I say to myself. “Besides, I can get the real deal any time I want now. So . . ..”
I hit speed dial, glad that I have most of the office to myself.
After just two rings, the call’s picked up. “Hey babe, how’s life in the silicon world?”
I smile, sounds like Elise is doing better. “Not bad, how’s life in the dirt sheets?”
“Same as always, dirty and I can only tell half of it,” Elise says. “Gimme some good news, I can use some after the shit I listened to today.”
“Well . . .” I say, drawing it out, “you won’t believe what happened last night.”
I tell Elise about my night out that turned into a night of passion with Derrick, leaving out my nude ‘swallow’ pic, glossing over most of my day and really starting the story after Derrick picked me up and we went to the bar.
“That local place we’ve been to?” Elise asks. “Fancy.”