Tainted (Oh Captain, My Captain 7)

I go out the fire escape to avoid everyone out front. The whole block seems to be out right now, and I’m not dealing with any of that shit tonight. I run in my heels to the next bus stop and make it in time.

Valo threw a fit because he wanted to pick me up, but I wasn’t going to let him. He doesn’t need to know where I live and all that shit. In addition, I’m sure he drives a Porsche or something crazy like that. Rick and his crew would strip it in a minute for parts and leave nothing but the frame.

I watch as the streetlights pass by like camera flashes and downtown Liberty begins to appear. It looks like a shining, thriving metropolis. If only that were true for the whole town.

The bus drops me off about two blocks from the restaurant and I walk the rest of the way. I see Valo is standing outside waiting for me. He’s in a dark gray suit. His white dress shirt practically glows in the night. His purple tie is almost lost in the glow. Valo’s blond hair is in a messy, bed-head style. On anyone else, I would think it’s an old guy trying to be young, but he has such a baby face, it works for him.

Valo turns and he catches my eye. I walk up closer to him and his grin deepens. Wow, he’s really sexy. He could almost be a model. Then again, I’ve seen him in a few ads for the clothing line LSMP, which features all the major hockey stars.

Valo doesn’t say anything to me; he merely holds out his elbow. I roll my eyes, but slip my arm through his. He guides us up the red-carpeted stairs and a man holds the door open for us. We walk into the bright restaurant. Large lights that look like white globes hang above each table. The pristine tablecloths are thicker than my blankets. The woman doesn’t even ask his name because everyone in Liberty knows Valo Manner.

We follow her to one of the tables near the back. Valo pulls the chair out for me. Wow, don’t think that’s ever been done before. Then again, can fucking some guy in the back seat of a car really be considered a date?

The chick who seats us hands us each a menu and walks away.

“Um, Valo, there are no prices on here. Did you know that?”

“Yes, I did. I’ve been here before, though not on a date.”

I look up and down each column. I’ve never been the best at reading, but I try to figure out the words. “Have you ever dated? Or do you just pick up strippers in your offseason?”

I need to buy me some time to figure out what I’m going to order. Plus, I’m curious what Valo’s love life is like. I don’t see him dating many strippers.

“I’ve dated, but haven’t had a girlfriend in a while.”

“Aw, did the love of your life dump you?” I pout my lips in a joking manner.

“Something like that.” He looks back at his menu and there’s a hint of sadness in his voice.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I know that look. I hit a nerve. “I was being a bitch; I didn’t know.”

“Don’t worry about it. So, what are you thinking of ordering?”

“Um, well…” I know he’s changing the subject. I continue to stare at the list of food. “I told you Burger King would have been fi

ne, but um…I guess I’ll do this chicken thing here.” I know the word chicken but I’m not even going to attempt to say the word behind it.

“Mmm. That looks good. If it sucks, I’ll take you by a Burger King later,” he winks at me.

“Since I can’t even pronounce the rest of this shit, I’ll stick with chicken.” There’s no reason to hide the fact that I’m not as cultured as he is.

He chuckles, but I know that he isn’t making fun of me. “Some of it does look really difficult.” He pauses and places the menu on the table.

A small dark-haired waiter comes over to our table. Valo orders our dinner and a bottle of wine.

“You’re from here, right?” he asks me once the waiter leaves. “Did you go to the university? Or are you going?”

“I was born and raised here.” My tone tells him that I couldn’t care less about Liberty. “But I don’t need a college degree for my job. It doesn’t call for much reading. What about you?”

“No, I’ve always played hockey. You’ve always wanted to have your current job? You don’t want to go to college?”

“Are you asking me if it was my dream to be a stripper?” I shake my head. “It’s what I know. The place where I come from, that’s what you become. That or a hooker, but I’m staying off that road.”

The waiter returns with the wine. He pours a sip in a wine glass. Valo swirls it and takes a tiny sip. He nods at the waiter who then fills our glasses.

Valo is staring at me when the waiter leaves again. “Well, what do you like to do aside from getting your nails done?”

I look down at my hands. I love my nails. It’s my vice, but I love it. As for anything else, I don’t know.