Page 35 of Kyle

Once she completes her list, she sits back, sips her drink, and asks when I’ll be able to get started. The server returns with our meals, and I have a lovely steak in front of me. So, now I’m contemplating dumping it on her and walking out.

“Would you like some more wine, sir?” the server asks.

“Definitely. Leave the bottle.” I’ll need enough to float a boat in order to get through this evening.

I struggle through the meal as she snaps photos of her plate and of herself moaning around each bite.

The food is fantastic, and I’m sitting at a table with a beautiful woman. From the outside, I suppose I must look like the luckiest man in the room.

And all I can think about is how much fun this would be if Sutton was here instead.

Finally, it comes time to pay the bill, I go to leave the tip, and Zora swipes it off the table in front of the server.

“People who serve aren't supposed to be tipped,” she says with an elitist attitude that makes me cringe.

I take the money from her, hand it to the server, and stalk out of the restaurant without a goodbye, not even caring if she follows. Once outside, I get in my truck to leave.

Zora marches up to the window and taps on it. I power it down.

“Are we going to see each other again?”

“It amazes me you have the audacity to ask me that.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Nope.” I back out, leaving her with her mouth open.

As I drive home, I text Sutton.

ME: YOU WERE RIGHT.

SUTTON: ABOUT THE DATE? OH, NO.

ME: IT WAS A TRIP ON THE CRAZY TRAIN.

SUTTON: WHAT HAPPENED?

ME: SHE HAD A LIST FOR ME. THINGS SHE WANTED ME TO DO.

SUTTON: LIKE WHAT?

ME: GO TO CHURCH WITH HER, MEET HER FAMILY, LET HER DRESS ME FROM NOW ON. OH, AND GET THIS. SELL MY FOOD TRUCK BECAUSE THEY’RE—AND I QUOTE—“TACKY”.

SUTTON: I TAKE IT YOU’RE NOT SEEING HER AGAIN.

ME: NOT A CHANCE

SUTTON: I SHOULDN’T ADMIT IT, BUT I’M GLAD.

I stare at her last text for a long time. I want to reply. I want to tell her how I wished it was her sitting across from me, but I don’t feel safe putting it in writing where my brother might see.

ME: I’VE GOT THINGS TO DO WITH THE CLUB TOMORROW. I WON’T BE ABLE TO OPEN FOR BUSINESS

I wait for her reply, but it takes her a minute.

SUTTON: RAFE SAID THE SAME THING. SAID HE’LL BE OUT OF TOWN FOR MOST OF THE DAY.

I wonder if my brother has told her anything about where we’re going or what we’re doing. She never says more, and I don’t reply. I drag a hand down my face, wishing I could call her, and we could talk. I even consider it for a moment, but instead, I drive home.

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