There you go, girl. I encouraged.One more.
As if she could hear me, she inhaled slowly and then exhaled even slower. Amanda then put the water on the tray beside her.
“Maybe it was your beauty,” she stated.
“Excuse me?” I asked, unsure of what she was pairing it with.
“Maybe it was your beauty that took me by storm,” she snickered, “Had me forgetting my lines and things. I feel awful for walking away without leaving you with my name.”
“I could say the same about you,” I explained, “I was telling my date that you’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you.”
She pulled out her notepad and pen. She pulled in another breath and then exhaled.
“Now, do we know what we’re having, or do we need more time?”
“She’s been studying the menu since we got here, so I’ll keep her ideal entree in my head. Save it for next time. Maybe she has something she’s decided on.”
I shook my head, staring at Brandon.
“I don’t. Please– do the honors.”
I watched quietly as he took the lead, placing an order for us both. The remainder of our time at dinner was more of the same. I sat back and allowed Brandon to manage the conversation as well as everything else around us. I was interested in his leadership skills as I was with any other man I sat across the table from.
I was born into a family full of women. We had two Kings. Both demonstrated how a leader operated, thought, handled partnerships, analyzed situations, and made connections.
When my glass was running low, Brandon made sure another drink was on the way. When my water was low, he made sure Amanda refilled it. And, when I’d eaten enough, he made sure my plate was taken away.
Attentive.
It was one of the most attractive traits in a man. Brandon had it. And, it earned him a few points in my notepad.
By the end of dinner, my lips were attempting to touch my ears. I admired my ability to compartmentalize my feelings and emotions. It was a lesson Chemistry and Richie taught us as children. Some of us at least. Rome and Roaman were not his subjects.
They understood very early that they’d both display their feelings proudly. It was in their wiring, and there was nothing anyone could do to change that. Honestly, I don’t thinkChemistry or Richie wanted to. Rome gave Chemistry reason to believe his heart worked.
Roaman gave Richie reason to believe there was more good in life. Our mother, Rhea, was his first encounter with it. He needed more confirmation it was real, and Roaman was just that.
“I’m not so sure I’m ready for the night to end,” Brandon revealed as he leaned down into the car I had just lowered my body into.
“You should get inside,” I responded with a smile.
“Ahh,” he sighed, “The rejection is already settling in.”
Playfully, he held a hand to his heart and shook his head.
“Elizabeth, I’m coming to join you, honey,” he joked.
Chuckling, I tilted my head toward the passenger seat, urging him to get in. Noisily, he rounded the car and took his place next to me, hand still on his heart.
“Brandon, please.”
“Kimberly, please,” he countered, lowering his hand onto the steering wheel as he sped through the parking lot.
“A bar?”
“A rooftop?”
