I was offended. He was insinuating that I was a sap, a weak man, a wimp. I was still getting over my breakup with Sheila. It hurt because I truly cared. My friends could all get over a failed relationship in the span of an NBA game, but not me. Add to that the fact that Sheila’s departure had taken me by total surprise and it was inevitable for me to harbor ill feelings. Looking at Rayne Waters was helping to soothe the pain.
“Man, ever since Sheila left you ass out with nothing but a mattress set and a toilet brush, you’ve been drowning in your own sorrow.”
“Not hardly.”
“Yes hardly, Yardley. Hey, that shit rhymes.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle as I waited for the walk signal so I could cross the street. It was a beautiful day for October; nippy but comfortable all the same. A dime of a sister pulled up to the light in a red Lexus and winked at me. I didn’t bother to wink back. She was cool, but not my type. Women that were too forward and aggressive turned me off.
“On the real, though, I need your help tonight.”
“With what?” I asked suspiciously.
The light changed, the sister took off in her car, and I crossed the street.
“Mona’s cousin is here from out of town. I need you to double with me.”
“Oh no, Felix! I don’t think so.”
I stopped on the opposite corner and searched my pockets for some change to buy a copy of The Washington Post from a vending machine.
“Come on, man. What do you have to lose? She’s only here for the weekend.”
Maybe getting out wouldn’t hurt matters. I could show up, eat dinner, get my mind off things for a few hours, and then roll out. First, I needed to make sure she didn’t look like Rin Tin Tin. I didn’t consider myself shallow but I wasn’t trying to have to look at Shrek all night either.
“You’ve seen her?” I asked Felix.
“Boy, have I! She’s a hottie and peep this. She’s from Hotlanta. The Dirty South. They don’t call it dirty for nothing. Mona said cuz is a straight-up freak.”
“Felix, you know I’m not into casual sex.”
“Okay, how about casual dinner?” he asked sarcastically. “You into that?”
I sighed at his remark. “What’s her name?”
“Get this.” He chuckled. “Her name is Precious.”
“Is she really fine, man? Don’t lie to me.”
“Yardley, you’re my boy. We go way back. Would I lie to you?”
I reluctantly caved in. “Okay, okay. What time and where, Felix?”
“Eight o’clock. The Capital City Brewing Company.”
I dropped two coins in the machine and retrieved a paper.
“Isn’t that near the Convention Center?”
“Yeah. Right across the street.”
“Cool. I’m going to do this Felix, but…”
“But what?”
“You know but what. Later, man.”
“Peace. See you in a few hours.”