“I don’t think that’s wise.”
“You don’t think what’s wise?”
“For us to never see each other again.”
“How come?”
“I really want to ask you out, but…”
“But?”
“But, I’ve been through so much pain and anguish lately over women that I’m a bit apprehensive.”
She removed the top from her hot chocolate and blew the surface lightly. I imagined those same lips blowing into my ear.
“And I could say the same about men putting me through drama,” she retorted.
“I don’t know. It’s risky. We’ve barely met. I don’t really know anything about you, other than you’re fine. You could be a psychopath or something.”
“So could you.”
“Plus, I’m not used to picking people up like this. Do you do this often?”
“Hardly ever.”
“I tell you what, here’s my card. I’m writing my home number and cell phone number on the back. My pager number is on the front. Why don’t you give me a call sometime?”
She stared at my business card like I’d written a novella. Four phone numbers was a bit much. I hoped I wasn’t coming off as desperate.
“I’m very bad at calling,” Rayne said, sliding the card back across the table to me. “If you really want to see me again, you’d better make plans right now.”
I couldn’t believe she gave my card back. “Is that so?”
“Yes, I’m an extremely busy independent African-American woman and my social calendar tends to stay full.”
“In that case, how’s tomorrow night?”
“Hmm, let me think. I do have plans tomorrow night. Sorry.”
“Just my luck.”
“I’m supposed to be going to the Playground Arena for their monthly adults’ night out.”
“Adults’ night out?”
“Yes, you know how a lot of places have kids’ night out?”
“So their parents can get a break?”
“Yes, and the kids can feel like they’re grown by hanging out late.”
“Intriguing.”
“Well, the Playground Arena has an adults’ night out once a month where adults can act like children.”
That seemed like an interesting concept to me. I’d never ventured off into something like that. Besides, if Rayne was going to be there, that’s where I needed to be. If she was going to a floral show, I would’ve wanted to go.
“Are you going with someone, Rayne?”