“Then what’s the problem?” she said, squeezing my hand. “I think you’re just looking for reasons to be anxious. Or maybe you just want to get in trouble again.”
I released her hand and returned to my coffee. “You really think it’s okay?”
“Xavier, you’re a grown man, and you’ve more than proven yourself responsible and capable. I understand that people treat you like a kid sometimes still, but that doesn’t mean you have to treat yourself the same way. Take charge of your life and give yourself what you want. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, Georgia,” I said. “It helps to have role models like you.”
“Speaking of,” she said, “I think I might take charge of my own life in a big way next month.”
“Your news!” I replied, stabbing some more French toast with my fork. “What is it?”
“You remember that old bar I always hit up with my softball league?”
“Sure,” I said. “It’s the oldest lesbian bar in the city, right?”
“Right, or at least it has been. The owner is selling the building.”
I frowned. “That’s a shame. I only went there that one time with you, but I remember loving it. There was such a warm, neighborhood vibe.”
“I agree. That’s why I’m thinking of buying it.”
I paused with the mug of coffee halfway to my lips. “You’re going to buy the bar?” Behind us, Bea Arthur pounced between the bushes, then perked her head to the side.
“Like I keep saying, Georgia’s Sports Supply is doing so well, I have the resources. And honestly, it doesn’t take the time to run the place that it used to.” She shrugged, a sassy grin turning up the corner of her mouth. “Sounds kind of fun, too.”
I laughed to myself, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Bea jumping in the air after a butterfly. “I can’t even imagine the dramas you’re going to get into with all of your girlfriends there,” I teased.
She chuckled. “I know, I know. It’s a pretty expected move from me. But I would hate for the oldest lesbian bar in the city to shut down.”
“Look at that,” I said. “It looks like we both might get exactly what we want.”
Georgia raised her mug in the air. “Cheers to that.”
And as Bea leapt at her butterfly, I raised my own mug in the air, happy to agree.
* * *
Dominick came to pick me up himself that evening, instead of sending a car. I thought about inviting him in and showing him around the place a little bit, but I didn’t want us to be late for any reservations he had made.
I gave myself one last glance in the mirror before I hurried outside once I saw the sleek black car pull up. I’d given myself a facial the night before and followed my extra-moisturizing regime all week, and my skin looked like it was glowing. My hair was tousled just the way I liked it, and I’d even picked out a new shirt for the occasion, a gorgeous long-sleeve button up with a bold pattern of yellows and greens, almost like flowers.
I looked good, but I wasn’t satisfied until I gave my butt a quick glance, giggling as I shook it back and forth.
Here goes nothing…
Dominick was getting out of the car as I ran out, and when I approached, he pulled me into a quick, gentle kiss. “Evening,” I said, struck all over again by how handsome he was. He wore a simple gray suit that was somehow casual enough that I didn’t feel intimidated. The jacket was open, and his top button was casually undone. He held the door open for me, and I scooted into the back of the car.
“So where did you pick for dinner?” I asked
Dominick nodded to the driver once we were buckled up, and we took off, accelerating quicker than I expected. I startled, then laughed to myself.
“I usually bike or take the bus,” I explained.
Dominick chuckled. “Sorry about that. It’s my fault. I’m always acting like I’m in such a big hurry.” He set his eyes on me, like he was taking me in all over again. The mountains stretched behind him, and the sun was lowering to the trees. “I thought Italian?”
It felt so good to be beside him. I felt like I was alive, just like the city was alive around me. And when he smiled at me, my confidence soared.
He likes me.
