Jae. I have not heard from him since he hung up on me, and I am not about to be the one to reach out first. Because I know the words that would come tumbling out of my mouth would be ones I would be sure to regret before I finished the mural. The fact he said he didn’t want me to go out with Rishi made me even angrier and made me want to go out with Rishi out of spite.
I glance at the lilies on my countertop. They stare back at me, their beauty unflinching. I decide to text Rishi.
Want to go to the Farmers’ Market this morning?
I’ll meet you outside your building in 20.
In my mind, I feel lascivious, almost pornographic, but the outfit I select comes off as horny preteen in the mall. I opt for a delicate one shoulder top and classic denim jeans. It definitely gives a: “holding a bouquet of flowers at the farmers market” type of vibe, and not, “I want to kiss my neighbor who I’m angry with.”I dab blush on my cheeks and mascara on my lashes.
Lily looks up at me with her big bug-eyed face.
Mind if I bring my dog?
Fine by me.
I suit up Lily in her harness and tie a floral bandana around her neck, and with a kiss on the top of her head, we are out the door.
Jae is in the lobby this time.
I try to walk past him without him noticing, but Lily gives me away. She’s excited to see him.
“Where are you two going?” he asks, thumbing through the mail, clearly eyeing up my outfit.
“Just for a walk.” I’m trying to avoid this conversation; doesn’t he get that?
“Dressed like that?” He asks, pointing to my bare shoulder. Scandalous.
He does get it.
Rishi appears in the building doorway, waving like a flag on a dock, but thankfully waits outside and doesn’t come in. Goddamnit. He catches Jae’s attention.
“I suppose he’s not here to see me.” Jae grimaces, the displeasure drips off his voice like honey on a hot spoon.
“We’re going to the farmers’ market.”
“Good luck with that,” Jae says plainly, as if I’d said, “I’m going to jury duty!”His eyes are daggers, but mine are assault rifles.
I pick up Lily and stomp out the door. Two can play at this bullshit game.
Rishi and I walk the market awkwardly, like two teenagers who know their parents are watching. We make awkward conversation with awkward gestures, and I know it’s because my heart is back in the apartment building, arguing with Jae in the lobby.
I’m half-considering purchasing a bouquet of dried lavender when Rishi offers to buy it for me, and without thinking, I decline faster than he asked. I explain that Jae bought me flowers last night.
“Jae bought you flowers last night?” he asks, presumptuous.
This date isn’t going to end in a fairytale kiss.
“Riley,” Rishi starts, his hands folded in front of him like he’s giving a presentation. “I’m having a great time with you. But Jae is coming between us more than I’d like.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“Why did Jae buy you flowers?” He asks me.
“To make up for ruining our date,” I explain.
“So, why won’t you letmebuy you flowers?”
“Because—”
