Page 5 of Omega Artist
“Well,” she starts, gulping her tea and mustering the courage to tell me what’s on her mind. “I’m starting my own wedding planning company. Adios,Dear Ida.”
I spring up and hug her across the table. “Next time, I’ll bring the champagne, but won’t touch a drop of it. I’ll behave. I promise.” She mouths a thank you and adds, “The coach helped to make this happen by successfully setting my mind on my goal. Graham, as well, obviously. You should definitely give Brandon a call… and maybe try to get back on the dating scene. Test the waters, you know... By the way, you owe me 320 dollars for the boots.”
Fuck!
* * *
Test the waters,Soraya had said. Give her coach a call, Soraya had said. Buy her a new pair of boots, Soraya had said.
Test the waters, my ass.
At first, I waded knee-deep, and before long, I was floating in an ocean of lust. Like a sex-crazed bachelor. Like it had always been in my nature. Like the multiple variations of sex were new to me. Not that my married sex life was boring, far from it actually. I was fairly inexperienced when Delia and I decided to be exclusive, at fourteen and sixteen. We waited about two years before having intercourse because I wanted her to be ready. Over time, we were adventurous and learned what turned the other on.
While I lost myself partying, my appetite for sex disappeared. I’d convinced myself that I’d be betraying Delia. In turn, I’d almost forgotten how much I enjoyed the act.
Experiencing sex with various partners has taken some getting used to, but some of their suggestions have really broadened my horizons.
I was practically a virgin as far as dating goes—calling thisdatingis far-fetched, though. It would be more accurate to say that I’m getting reacquainted with sex between consenting adults. Hookups. One-night stands. Anonymous fucks. Whatever you want to call them. But even then, I don’t chase two women at once. But even then, I don’t lie about my intentions. But even then, I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not. We have to be on the same page. Otherwise, the deal is off. No round two. No foreseeable commitment. No personal questions. I don’t do relationships, and there can’t be any misunderstanding.
I’m not a married man seeking an affair. Honesty is key. So, before downloading the app, I stopped wearing my wedding band, which was excruciating. Anyway, for the last few months, I’ve been making up for lost time, sticking my dick into the comforting warmth of any inviting pussy that’ll have me.
I want sex that I so badly missed, but I’m not a pig. I don’t forget that aside from their handle, these women are people first, even if I’m not necessarily interested in knowing their names. I don’t number women when referring to them like I’ve heard some men do at the gym that I recently joined. I don’t spill the gory details to anyone—even Marco, who always sounds annoyingly eager—although their kinks sometimes baffle me.
“Have we met before? You look somewhat familiar… or rather sound familiar.” She has a hint of an accent; it’s charming. While we’re waiting for our entrees, she’s sipping on red wine, surprised that I’ll only be drinking sparkling water. Her eyes widen, and by her reaction, I realize that she must have heard this plenty of times, so I apologize. “I’m not trying to use a cheap pickup line here. I really mean it.”
Her cheeks flush, which contrasts with her pale skin and enhances her blue eyes.
Damn, why can’t I place her?
The preppy dark-haired girl who goes by the appropriate handle ofPrincessChanelhasn’t told me her real name yet. Not that I actually need it, but the feeling ofdéjà vuintrigues me. And she does have a Chanel purse, unless it’s a knock-off.
Squirming in her seat, she wets her lower lip with the tip of her tongue, all the while checking me out for the umpteenth time. It’s very odd to be put under a microscope, whether because the woman doesn’t appreciate what she’s looking at or because she’s excited about what’s coming after dinner. I’m pretty confident she falls into the latter category, and that’s fine by me. It’s the deal after all.
I chose the Heights Cafe for my non-date on purpose; I need Delia to be on board with my activities. The first time that I met someone else, the guilt overwhelmed me before dinner was served. I left some cash on the table and ran for my life when she went to the bathroom. I thought that I was cheating on my wife… until I remembered that I no longer had one.
It took some getting used to, but here I am, six months after Soraya issued an ultimatum. Nah, strike that, here isInkAddict. The reason for my handle is pretty obvious: I can’t completely hide my ever-expanding ink. My long-sleeved shirt can’t cover all of it, andPrincessChanelclearly enjoys the view.
Wait until you see me naked. There’s so much more to admire…
“Actually, we’ve met before.”
“I knew it!” I exclaim in victory, attracting the other patrons’ attention. Feigning indifference, I enjoy my food and gesture for her to fill me in.
“Well, you took my virginity a few years ago.” Then she resumes eating her appetizing salad, leaving me choking on my linguine.
“Wha—” I manage to say after chewing. “As much as I would have been honored to do so, that’s impossible.” It takes me a few seconds to carry on, unsure of what to reveal. “I was otherwise attached at the time, so…”
“And yet, you did. I would show you, but it wouldn’t be appropriate in public. So, I guess it’ll have to wait until later.”
“Show me what?”
She winks playfully. “My ink. The one thatyouput on my inner thigh a couple of years ago. A cage. A bird. An escape.”
I don’t remember a thing, but I nod, relieved by her admission. “My pleasure. Are you happy with it?”
“Absolutely, Tig.” Fuck, she even remembers my real name… well, nickname really. I worry the corner of my lip while her penetrating blue eyes undress me. “You don’t have a clue about me, do you?” I shake my head, ready to apologize and explain that I meet a lot of people through my job. She has no idea what I’ve endured since the last time we crossed paths; how could she? “I was shocked when I came across your profile picture. You’ve changed a bit, cut your hair… maybe lost some weight?”
“Yup, I’m working on getting back in shape.”
