We entered part of Prospect Park. It was a massive area. With the hustle and bustle of city life, green space symbolized a treasure to all. This was Brooklyn’s Central Park. Usually, bikers, joggers, and other dog walkers crowded the place. Today, only a few people scattered throughout the area. Everyone kept a good distance between each other.
How long are we going to live like this? Can New Yorkers even deal with staying inside for too long?
Jade pulled me out of my thoughts. “How big is this park? I tried going to the end. After a good hour, I gave up and headed back with Ganesha.”
“We’re around Prospect Park West. It’s over 500 acres for sure. It’s shaped like a hexagon.”
“I had no idea it was that huge.”
“Yeah. There’s all types of entrances.”
Three people waited by a huge tree and waved in our direction. Each held onto a dog.
Ganesha increased his speed, yanking Jade forward and barking.
I kept his pace. “This is his crew?”
“It is, and as you can see your furry nephew takes this moment in the day very serious.”
Jade introduced me to all of the dog owners.
An older red-headed woman was named Brenda. She held tight to the Bichon Frise called Madonna. She was a retired nurse but was considering going back to her hospital if the pandemic became worse. Jade volunteered to take Madonna on walks if she needed.
Patrick was a short man that had brought a labradoodle named Spencer. He owned three bars throughout Brooklyn. He spent most of the hour freaking out about the economy which caused Brenda to argue with him. She didn’t care about the state of the market. She worried about the strain on the health care system.
And then there was Oliver who owned a big fitness center and spa near Zora’s apartment. He had a Spaniel named Elizabeth. Apparently, he worked out a lot and had no problem showing his body off. His arms bulged in the tightest shirt that I’d ever beheld in my life.
Does he not know his size?
Not as tall as me, I towered over him and enjoyed that fact.
Still, he flashed Jade smiles the whole time and constantly whipped his long sandy blonde hair around as if one flip would make her panties wet. He had a spaniel named Elisabeth—who Ganesha was totally captivated with. This meant that Oliver remained close to Jade the whole hour.
I bet he doesn’t even like spaniels. That dog is a total chick magnet.
When Jade and I had first walked up to them, Oliver was the only one who frowned at me. Then, Jade introduced me as Zora’s brother and a smile appeared on his face.
“I’m telling you.” Patrick pulled out a bag and picked up the poop that Spencer had dropped on the grass. “This virus will not only disrupt our lives, but it’s going to be trouble for all small business owners.”
“A smart business owner maintains a good savings account for emergencies.” Oliver winked at Jade. “That’s what I did. I have around a year’s of savings worth for disasters like this.”
“Good for you.” Jade nodded.
Brenda waved everyone away. “This may not be a big deal. If everyone stays home, less will get infected. Then we can flatten the curve.”
Oliver nudged Jade’s arm. “On any given Friday night, I’ve been known to flatten a few curves.”
Jade gave him a weak smile.
Did he have to touch her? Has he heard of personal space?
Being guided by their dogs, Brenda and Patrick headed several feet away, deep in their heated debate.
Oliver looked my way and noticed me watching them. “What do you think, Kamal?”
You need a bigger shirt.
I grinned at the thought. “Think about what?”
“What do you do? Are you affected by this situation?”
“I’m in tech security. Most of my employees can do their jobs from home.”
“Your employees?” Oliver chuckled. “We’ve got a Mr. Big Shot over here.”
Jade shook her head and walked Ganesha over to the other side of the tree. There, my furry nephew did his business. Jade took a bag out and cleaned it up.
Oliver watched her walk off, definitely gaping at her behind. It was hard not to in those jeans. Still, I didn’t appreciate him ogling her.
Oliver turned back to me. “It was nice for you to come out here. Will you be coming out here more often with Jade?”
“Yes.” I put my hands in my pockets. “Every day.”
“So, you’re moving to the area or something?”
“Or something.”
“Jade is a nice woman.” Smiling, he continued to watch her. “Very shy, but—”
“Shy?”
“She won’t let me take her out.”
I glared. “It’s a pandemic.”
“We can keep our distance.”
“She’s taken.”
He frowned. “She is?”
I nodded. “Trust me. You don’t want to deal with her man.”
“Oh. I had no idea.”
I shrugged. “It probably never came up.”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Oh well. There’s no ring on her finger. He’s probably a sucker. She’s still free in my book.”