His eyes go side to side as he thinks of a way to convince me to stay. There is no freakin’ way, so I go for the jugular.
”I hate plants, Daryl. I kill them all.”
He gasps in shock. “What? But you said you liked plants!”
”I lied because I thought you were cute. But now that I know you’re weird, I don’t care. I hate plants, and I am not attracted to you. Have a good night.”
I turn on my heels, ready to high step it out of here.
”Can I ask you one thing?”
His voice is timid, and now I feel bad for the harshness in my tone. I look over my shoulder, hoping that he won’t make me regret stopping.
”Everything seemed fine when we met outside and again when we came in. I thought there was a connection between us…”
”Zero connection, Daryl,” I tell him straight and to the point. “I wanted to make an effort, but you completely lost me at bushy shrubs.” I sigh heavily. “I want to go home, take a shower and forget this night ever happened.”
I take exactly five steps forward before guilt gnaws at me, so I turn back around and march to the table.
”Botanical garden, Daryl. Promise me you’ll at least try.”
He bobs his head up and down, eyes wide and almost fearful looking. Yeah, like I’m the lunatic here.
Relieved that I did my duty, I once again turn on my heels, but this time don’t stop until I am out of the restaurant. The cool air makes me feel better in an instant despite all the people bumping into me. Since I’ve lived here all my life, I am used to it, and I can navigate the streets of New York City like a pro.
Checking the time, I realize that I have to walk a little faster if I want to make it to the subway on time. I refuse to stand around underground for another twenty minutes as I wait for the next train.
With hands in my pockets and purse tightly under my arm while also secured to my shoulder, I focus on the clicking of my heels on the cold pavement. I really put a lot of thought into my outfit tonight, wanting to look hot and score a second date with Daryl. Only after he opened his mouth and started talking did I realize that I wasted a good outfit for nothing.
I am so into my own thoughts, I don’t pay attention to where I’m going and bump into someone. They put their hands on my shoulders to stop me from toppling over.
”Hey, watch where you’re going,” I snap at the person despite it being solely my fault.
”Mona?”
A male’s voice reaches my ears just as I yank myself out of his grab. Squinting my eyes, I look up only to come face to face with someone I’d rather avoid.
“Cal.” I wince when I say it. The name tastes bitter in my mouth. This is not because he means anything to me, but he is friends with the one man who managed to destroy me, so I have to hate him by association.
“Itisyou!” He sounds way too excited about it. “How’ve you been?”
Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I give him a tight smile. “Good, thanks. And you?”
I shouldn’t have asked that because I don’t care about anything he might have to say, but now that I did ask, I am committed to making polite small talk.
“I’m doing great!” He grins from ear to ear. “Business is booming at the shop…”
I try to remember what kind of business he runs. It’s a tattoo shop that turned into a chain if I remember correctly.
“Me and Evie are going strong,” he continues. “Her flower shop got a new contract with one of the shops here…”
“That’s nice.” I cut him off because I don’t care about him or his girlfriend.
I pull my coat closer to my body and cross my arms over my chest, ready to walk away before he says anything that I don’t want to hear.
“It was good seeing you, Cal.” I step to the side to walk around him. “Give my regards to Evie.”
“Where are you going?” He gets into my space.
