Friday.
At8p, exactly.
At 9p, my color-treated threads would be in the dryer.
By 10p, they’d be hung back in their rightful places in my closet.
I pulled the caramel cropped top over my head. The matching pants were resistant, but eventually rested against my legs, waist, and part of my stomach. My reflection was rewarding. The pride was evident in my eyes. In my posture. In my chest. Cleaning calmed parts of me that nothing and no one could touch. It balanced me. I was looking forward to the next mess.
Good work, kid. Good work.
Click.
Clack.
Our feet collided with the floor. Each step was in sync. The back of my hand was pressed against Kason’s mouth.
Muah.
Muah.
Slowly, carefully, he kissed my skin. Fine bumps rose as a result. The cozy nook of the chophouse was where we ended our strides.
“How is this?” The hostess asked.
“Perfect,” Kason confirmed.
“Great, enjoy your night. Your server, Asia, will be here soon.”
“Thank you.”
Kason’s words sent her on her way.
“You first, my love.”
He released my hand and ushered me into the booth. Though there were two chairs in front of us, neither of us was interested in taking them. Comfort and closeness were the objectives tonight. And, every other night I happened to spend with Kason.
Our time was limited, but it was never wasted. Life was stretching us in different directions most days. Yet, his presence was undeniable when in the same room.
“Comfortable?” He asked, unbuttoning his suit jacket.
I nodded with a sigh. “Yes.”
My eyes wandered around the dimly lit restaurant. Corner seating was my preference. With my back against the wall, I could focus on what was in front of me instead of looking over my shoulder so often.
One.
Two.
Three.
And, the kitchen.
One scan and I’d located the exits near and far, from the one we’d entered and the one that wasn’t visible to the public but accessible by management and the kitchen staff.
The ambiance was infectious. Warmth trailed my skin, leading the path Kason’s fingertips were on. I pulled the skin of my bottom lip between my teeth and peered at the handsome fella to the right of me.
“Hi.”
