“What do you mean? That sounds like a situation.”
“I think he was grabbing the rest of his things when he knew I wouldn’t be home, but he left me a letter.”
“He’s such a creeper.”
“With a banquet hall brochure inside.”
“Okay, now that’s actually really creepy.”
“I’m going to get the locks changed. That’ll solve all of that.”
I just have to remember to call the landlord when he’ll actually be available to pick up the phone. He never listens to voice messages.
“Good idea. So when’s the next date with hot bar guy? Where are ya’ll going? It’s ladies’ choice this time isn’t it?”
“That’s confidential information.”
“Ooh, you’re such a little bitch!” she laughs hysterically.
“Sorry, not sorry. Bye, Dena.”
* * *
Mexican restaurants are typically casual, so tonight I’m dressed in a pair of jeans with a purple fitted v-neck t-shirt, a swipe of violet shadow on my eyelids and a pair of white chucks. I throw on my Gucci crossbody bag to elevate the look and a short black puffer jacket. The jeans are tighter than I remember, probably because I’ve been eating everything under the sun since the break-up, so to eliminate any panty lines I decide to wear my jeans sans underwear.
Jason has picked yet another out-of-the-way restaurant with impeccable service and delicious authentic food. A small Mariachi band plays once I enter inside and they follow behind us as we sit at our table in a private section of the restaurant. Jason loves the music and waves his hand to the melody as each member plays their trumpet, guitar and violin.
It’s clear that his surgery was successful, and he’s in less pain than he was before. He looks lighter both on his feet and in spirit. That makes my heart happy, but only because I’m a doctor, of course. Not for any other reason.
“Hey, beautiful,” he says as he leans in to give me a one-armed hug.
Jason towers over me by well over a foot, so when he pulls me in for an embrace, my face meets him mid-chest. It’s a great place for my face to be. He smells like a heady mixture of soap, leather and cinnamon. I reluctantly pull from the embrace first. If I hadn’t, I would have settled into his chest like Mittens when she wants to snuggle with me. That’s how broad and luscious his chest feels. Like a high-end hotel bed.
“Did you like your grand entrance?”
“It was something all right.”
“They’re going to come back and play for us once our food comes to the table.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, that’s part of the ambiance here.”
“I wonder where the other patrons are?”
“I heard this place is way busier on the weekend.”
“Sure, that makes sense. I can tell that your shoulder is better.”
“I can’t put any weight on it and have limited range of motion, but the swelling has gone down significantly since the procedure.”
“I’m glad.”
He stares at me with a goofy grin on his face. “I am too.”
“So, does this place have black bean tacos?” I ask, joking around.
“Hell no, and if that’s what you want to order, this date is already over.”
