Page 16 of Sly Like a Fox
“That’s ridiculous.I’ve known him for a week.”
“Time isn’t the issue.”She chews thoughtfully while studying my face.“You’re falling for him, and it scares you because you can’t control it.”
Her observation is uncomfortably right.Control has been my survival mechanism for years.I choose my targets with precision, maintain emotional distance, and always have an exit strategy.With Fenton, all my careful plans seem to be dissolving into something messier and more complicated.“What if I’m reading this all wrong?”I voice the fear that’s been keeping me awake at night.“What if he’s just being polite while deciding whether I’m worth the effort?”
“Has he given you any reason to think that?”
“No, but...”I struggle to find words for the nagging worry that’s been growing stronger each day.“He’s still very composed.Sometimes, I catch glimpses of something deeper, but then it’s gone before I can figure out what I’m seeing.”
She takes another bite of her croissant.“Maybe he’s just as nervous as you are.Some people take longer to open up.”
“Or maybe he’s hiding something big.”
She pauses with a piece of pastry halfway to her mouth.“What kind of something?”
“I don’t know.That’s what makes it frustrating.”I pour more sugar into my coffee, grateful for the slight buzz that’s making this conversation easier.“My fox instincts are telling me there’s more to Fenton Nielsen than technology consulting and expensive taste in restaurants, but I can’t figure out what.”
“Could be anything.Embarrassing hobbies, weird family, or bad credit.”Chloe shrugs.“Not everything mysterious is sinister.”
She’s probably right, but the feeling persists.Something about him doesn’t quite add up, and my inability to identify it makes me anxious.I think about the way he sometimes pauses before answering questions, as if he’s choosing his words more thoughtfully than the situation requires.
I set down my coffee mug harder than I intended.“You know what’s really bothering me?I’m not sure I want to know what he’s hiding.For the first time in my adult life, I’m enjoying a relationship without trying to figure out how to exploit it.”
Chloe reaches across the table and squeezes my hand.“That’s called healthy emotional attachment.Most people consider it a good thing.”
“Most people don’t depend on reading situations accurately for survival.”
“Maybe it’s time to stop surviving and start living.”
The comment stays with me after she leaves to return to work.Stop surviving and start living.Easy advice from someone who’s never had to choose between rent and groceries, but it highlights something I’ve been avoiding.My entire adult life has been focused on securing the next meal, the next month’s rent, or the next level of safety.I’ve never allowed myself to think beyond immediate needs.
What would it look like to want something more than financial security?To build a relationship based on a true link rather than advantage?The thought both terrifies and excites me.
I walk home after finishing my coffee and pastry.Inside my apartment, I try to think rationally about the situation.I’m no closer to figuring out what I’m doing when my phone rings, and Fenton’s name appears on the screen.For a moment, I consider letting it go to voicemail until I have an idea of how to proceed, but the desire to see him wins.“Hello?”
“Jenna?It’s Fenton.”His voice is warm.“I know this is short notice, but would you like to have dinner tonight?I can’t stop thinking about last night, and I’d love to see you again.”
The directness in his voice makes my chest constrict.There are no games or pretense.He’s just showing honest interest that makes my pulse accelerate.“I’d love that.”
“Good.”I can hear the happiness in his voice.“Are you free around seven thirty?”
I don’t hesitate.“Absolutely.Where did you have in mind?”
“There’s a wine bar downtown called Vintner’s that I’ve been wanting to try.The reviews say it has small plates, a wide selection of wines, and a good atmosphere for conversation.Does that work for you?”
I’ve never heard of it, but I’m not going to admit my knowledge of upscale establishments comes mostly from our dates together.“That sounds wonderful.”
“Perfect.I can pick you up if you’d like, or we can meet there.”
The offer is tempting, but accepting would mean giving him my address and letting him see exactly how far apart our financial situations are.Not tonight.“I’ll meet you there.Text me the address?”
“Of course.I’ll see you at seven thirty.”
After hanging up, I spend the afternoon in a state of nervous excitement that feels completely foreign.Usually, my predate preparation involves strategizing conversation topics designed to extract information about net worth and lifestyle.Tonight, I choose my outfit based on what makes me feel confident rather than what might appeal to a wealthy mark.
I settle on a chocolate brown pantsuit Chloe convinced me to buy during a rare moment of financial optimism.It’s not designer, but the color complements my hair, and the cut flatters my figure without being obvious about it.As I apply makeup, I catch myself humming, which is disturbing evidence of how much this man has affected my usual emotional detachment.I wear the white stilettos Mrs.Davidson tried to brain me with.Was it really just over a week ago that everything happened?Has he been in my life for such a short time only?It feels like forever and like we’ve just met, all at once.
Vintner’s occupies a converted brownstone in the arts district with exposed brick walls and flickering candles that create an intimate atmosphere.The space feels sophisticated but unpretentious and is exactly the kind of place someone with refined taste but no need to prove it would choose.Fenton is already waiting when I arrive, leaning against the bar in dark jeans and a charcoal sweater that emphasizes his lean build.
