Chapter 7

The day had come. It was time to see what Jefferson was all about. I wasn’t in the mood to be around a lot of people. So, I suggested that we meet where we first met, the Riverwalk. There were plenty of restaurants in the area where we could stop if we wanted.

I wore a fitted jean embroidered dress and some gladiator sandals because I knew we’d be walking or standing. “So, what do you do?” I asked.

“I’m a finance manager at a dealership,” he responded.

“And you work with my brother as an auditor. He tells me you’re like the go-to person.”

I smiled, “He’s too kind.”

“Modesty looks great on you.”

I blushed. I stopped and looked into his eyes, “Tell me, what exactly are you expecting out of this.”

He shrugged, “I mean ... the same thing most nice guys expect.”

I nodded, “Sex or an actual relationship?”

He laughed, “I want a relationship. And you know sex when it comes to that.”

I sighed, “I don’t know. I just feel like, you haven’t thought about this all the way through.”

“About what, being with a beautiful woman, that’s smart and successful.”

“Look at me.”

“Okay.”

I shook my head, “Why do you think I asked to go someplace where there weren’t many people?”

“Your vitiligo doesn’t change how I feel.”

“You say that now. I just don’t want you to feel awkward when people look at me, like stare or make off comments, it can be a lot. Like, you’re such a nice guy—”

“Then let me prove myself to you. I like you, Elise.”

I sighed, “Can we just be friends for a few months, hang out, see how it goes, if you still think you want this, then I’ll let down my guard ... a little,” I smiled.

“I can do that and I’m pretty sure nothing will change between now and then, but okay.”

“Can we get dessert?” I asked nicely.

“Oh, now you want desert,” he joked, “Come on, where you want to go?”

Honestly, I had a great time with Jefferson. I was finally at home ready to unwind when Onyx’s line rang. It was Ashton. I smiled, “Hola, how’s Puerto Rico?” I asked.

The last time we were together, supposedly, he was going to Puerto Rico to get married. So, I was surprised to hear from him so soon.

“Ay mami, I’m here and I want to see you.”

“Did you get married?”

He laughed. That poor girl. He had been stringing her along for almost a year, changing the date. “Let me guess, the date changed.”

“It wasn’t me this time, I swear.”

I laughed. It didn’t matter. I was in the mood. “I can be there in an hour.”

“I’ll be waiting.”