“Yeah? And what do you know about me?”
His eyes narrow. “You’re losing interest.”
Fuck.Not this shit again.
I tilt my head, innocently. “That’s not true, babe.”
“It isn’t?” He pushes. “I’m not stupid, Frankie. A young, attractive woman like you doesn’t sleep with divorced single dads like me without some alternative motive. So when you find someone else to give you what you want, it becomes obvious you’ve checked out.”
I look at him in confusion. “You have kids?”
His fingers tap the table impatiently. “Two boys, you’ve met them before.”
Fuck me.
“Exactly!” I play it off. “Why would I meet your kids if I’m losing interest?”
He isn’t buying it. “Are you sleeping with someone else?”
No, I’m seeing five other people actually.
“Worry about yourself, babe.”
“Answer my question, Francine.”
“Benny,” I drag. “Don’t be like this. It’s not helping anyone, is it? Let’s just move on, okay? What do you want me to say to make it better?”
He examines me. “Say you’ll come over tonight.”
Christ.
“Nah.” I shake my head, picking up my pint and sipping. “I got church in the morning. Can’t.”
“Then after,” he presses, leaning forward and coaxing.
I hum, thinking about it.
Tomorrow, Hakeem is taking me to the cinema. Or do I have drinks with Conley?
“Hm. I don’t know if I can.”
“Please.”
Damn it.
I don’t wanna burn any bridges with Benny just yet. I’ve known him too long, and as much as I pretend otherwise, he’s my favorite currently.
I click my tongue, shake my head. “Fine.”
His grin spreads, slow and satisfied. “Good. And save me a dance tonight.”
I smirk over the rim of my glass. “I’ll think about it.”
The beer goes down smooth, cool against my throat as I finish it off. Then I set it aside, digging in my bag just to make a show of it only to be greeted by Fenty lip gloss, receipts, nothing useful.
“How much do I owe you?”
Benny barks out a laugh, waving me off. “Girl, get your fine arse out of my office. Tell Zaza I said good night.”
