“What’s your name?” she asks, not giving up.
“Why do you want to know?” I set the phone down and turn back to her.
“I’m obviously really bad at this, but I think you’re handsome, and I thought I’d make conversation. That’s all.” She lifts a shoulder and tucks her hair behind her ear, obviously flirting with me.
“Do you live here?” I ask her.
“No.” She shakes her head and smiles again. “I’m visiting from back East. I came to see an old college roommate, but she’s busy.”
“Do I know the roommate?”
She tips her head to the side. “Probably not. I don’t know, actually. Margie Smith?”
I don’t know her.
Shaking my head, I take a sip of the cola that was just set in front of me. “Never heard of her.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“For the purposes of this conversation?” I tilt my head back and forth. “It’s probably good.”
“Would you still be talking to me if I told you I lived here?”
“No, ma’am. It’s nothing personal.”
That makes her laugh, and it’s the kind of laugh that grates on my nerves.
“At least you’re honest. I’m staying?—”
“No.” I shake my head, and her face loses the smile. “I’m sure you’re nice and probably a great fuck. But I’m not interested.”
“Gay?”
I snort, and Shirley sets my basket of food in front of me, then gives me a wink.
“Not that it matters, but no.”
“Married? I don’t see a ring.”
“Sometimes the answer’s just no, Layla.”
“Huh.” Her shoulders slump. “I’m not used to that.”
I’m sure you’re not, sweetheart.
I have to respect her for not changing seats. She also doesn’t try to drag me into any other conversations, and we eat side by side in a comfortable silence. She gets up to leave, but pauses.
“Do you want my number, just in case you change your mind?”
Jesus.
“I won’t change my mind. Safe travels, Layla.”
She nods and then walks away. Shirley crosses over to hand me my bill.
“You’re just breaking hearts all over town, Brooks.”
“I didn’t break her heart. That’s not what she was interested in.”
