Roxanne: I’m leaving.
She tapped her phone, shoved it in her pocketbook and slipped off the stool. “Jase, how much do I owe you?”
She already had her wallet out and was sifting through her cash.
“Your friend with the tats is picking up the bill.”
Oh no, he’s not!She shook her head but didn’t look up. There was no way she would allow Jonah to pay for her drinks. Especially when he was out with another woman. “I’m paying, so how much?”
“Uh …” he stalled, tallying up her bill. “Twenty-eight.”
She tossed two twenties down and shoved her wallet in her purse. “Keep the change.”
“Not gonna finish your drink?”
“Nope.” She hiked her pocketbook strap over her shoulder and turned toward the exit.
“Hey, wait. Can I get your number?”
Roxanne didn’t bother to stop or turn around. She waved her hand and headed for the door. “Have a good night.”
She walked outside and started down the sidewalk. She shivered and quickly buttoned her light jacket. It wasn’t cold, but for some reason a chill ran down her spine as if an arctic blast had hit her. Making her way toward the curb, she leaned against the streetlamp and pulled out her phone. Not only had she paid for her own drinks, but now she’d be adding another expense of a car service.Emory owes me.
She ordered a car and her shoulders sagged when she saw the wait time. Ten minutes. On any other night, it would’ve been more than reasonable. But right now, all she wanted to do was go home to her apartment, crawl in bed and forget the night ever happened.
A message flashed on her screen, but Roxanne ignored it. She’d deal with Emory tomorrow. She tucked her phone into her bag and scanned the road. The street was busy for a Thursday night. She paced around the small sidewalk hoping the car would arrive sooner than expected.
I really need this night to end.
****
What are the fucking odds?Thousands of restaurants in the Houston area and she shows up at the same one. Jonah had only himself to blame. When he’d arrived with Rachel, she’d excused herself to use the bathroom, and he headed to the bar. The minute he saw Roxanne, he should’ve turned around and waited in the lobby. But he didn’t. Instead, he walked right up and sat next to her.While I’m on a date with another woman.He clenched his jaw and silently scoffed. Date was a bit of a stretch. In the simplest terms, it was dinner and a fuck.
Jonah had been upfront with Rachel, as with all the women he’d been with, from the very beginning. He wasn’t emotionally available to any woman. Too much baggage and responsibility. Casual was the only way he’d have an intimate relationship. It seemed like a perfect match with the woman sitting next to him. Rachel was more than happy to go out every few months, have a few laughs, eat some dinner and go back to her place and fuck. She wasn’t invested in him either. It was more of an arrangement than anything else.
Still, he should’ve resisted approaching Roxanne. It sure would’ve avoided the extremely awkward introduction between Roxanne and his date. Rachel was oblivious, but he caught Roxanne’s uncomfortable vibe. If he had to guess, she’d assumed he was alone at the bar. Of course she’d think that. What kind of man who's out with a woman approaches another when his date is using the bathroom?
Ah, fuck, that’s probably one of Cord’s signature moves. It was official.I’m an asshole.
The waitress placed the check on the table and began clearing the plates. He swiped it before Rachel had an opportunity. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d tried to pay. Though he’d never let her.
“One of these days, you’re going to let me pick up the tab.” Rachel stood. “I’m going to hit the ladies’ room before we go.”
Jonah nodded and reached for his wallet, scanning the receipt. He cocked a brow and lifted it closer to read. It was a lot less than it should’ve been.
“You left off the drinks from the bar,” he said, gaining the waitress’s attention.
“Oh yeah, she paid her own. Jase said she insisted.” She smiled as she stacked the plates on her forearm. “I would’ve let you pay for mine. And I would’ve been very grateful too.” She winked and turned away from the table.
He glanced over to the bar, expecting to see Roxanne. He’d felt her staring a few times and confirmed it when he looked over. This time, however, her seat was occupied by someone else. He scanned the bar and then quickly perused the dining room. No sign of her or Emory.
He grasped the arms of his chair and rose, making his way to an empty section of the bar. The bartender was clearing glasses from three stools down and looked up. “Hey man, another beer?”
“No. The woman who was sitting at the bar earlier? She left?”
The corner of his mouth curled. “Yeah, about five minutes ago. Her friend never showed. She got tired of waiting, I guess. I told her you were paying for her drinks, but I don’t think she liked that. Insisted on paying her own bill.”
Fuck!She was probably insulted and Jonah couldn’t blame her. He meant it as a kind gesture, but that obviously backfired.This is why I’m fucking single.
