Page 25 of Champagne Kisses
Oh, right. I never gave Denise the full details from the car ride. After how it ended, I figured I’d spare myself the embarrassment. I spend the next fifteen minutes filling her in and when I’m done, she's borderline hyperventilating.
“Damn, girl! I’m so proud of you.”
“Proud? For what?”
“Adam asked you out and, rather than think of a million excuses, you actually said 'yes'!” This is the problem with best friends. They know you too well…and call you on your bullshit.
“Harsh, but fair. He IS super hot, though. Way hotter than even Michael.” Michael was an adjunct professor at CUNY with a slight snaggletooth. He dressed like my uncle, but damn was he a god with his tongue. Denise just sucks her teeth.
“Fuck Michael. He was a two pump chumpandhe cheated on you.”
Well, damn. Her voice softens a bit. She must realize she struck a nerve.
“I’m sorry, Maya. All I’m saying is that he wasn’t good enough for you. You are awesome. You are funny. You are hot. And you deserve someone who’s all in for you.”
“Thanks, D.” I’ve finally stopped pacing. Denise is right. Why am I overthinking this? It’s just a date. It’s not like it’s the rest of my life. I should just focus on having fun and forget about anything else.
With D and Tiff here to help me with what to wear for my date, my apartment looks even messier than normal. Tiffany, my resident stylist, sits in the living room, using the hallway as amakeshift catwalk to judge outfits. Denise is judging too, but she's mostly here for the wine and petit fours I made for the occasion.
In the four days since Adam asked me out, he's been radio silent except to confirm our date yesterday afternoon. I used that time to stress bake macarons, chocolate eclairs, Baumkuchen, and the snack cakes we're eating tonight. If I hadn't been swamped with orders, I definitely would have gone insane.
"C'mon, Maya!" Tiffany calls from the living room. "I know you're going to look fierce in that so just come out so we can do your makeup."
I smooth my hands down my dress and take a calming breath. I do my best Tyra Banks impression when I walk down the hall and Tiffany breaks into applause.
"I knew it. Whew. Adam's not going to know what hit him!"
Denise snaps in appreciation as she brings her wine glass to sit next to Tiff.
"Damn, Tiffany! I'm going to have to use you for my dates too." Tiffany smiles at the compliment and raises her glass.
"Here's to sexy outfits and even sexier men!" We all cheers our glasses and laugh before Tiffany's face turns serious.
"So why are you so nervous about this date? Is he not that interested?"
Denise cuts in before Ican answer.
"Adam issuperinterested. Maya's just got a bad case of imposter syndrome." I hand Tiffany the makeup bag while she and Denise share a look.
”Still, Maya? I would’ve thought you’d gotten over that.” Tiffany turns to talk to Denise like I’m not in the room. I knew it was a mistake to introduce them.
“Ever since junior high, this beautiful woman has been letting assholes decide how she should feel about herself.”
“Hey! I may have some baggage in that area, but I don’t let them decide.”
“Oh yeah?” I don’t like the challenge I hear in Denise’s voice. “Then prove it. Tonight, don’t be ‘unsure Maya’. Be ‘Head Bitch In Charge Maya’.”
Tiffany cheers her on as she does my mascara.
“Damn right! Let this Adam guy know he would beluckyto spend a night with you.” My cheeks go beet red.
“Tiffany! It’s our first real date. I doubt it will end in the bedroom.”
Tiffany and Denise both look me up and down.
“It will if this dress has anything to do with it!”
Denise high fives Tiffany. What am I getting myself into?
