“By the way, stop calling me sweetie. I don’t know you like that.” She tapped her name and number onto the screen before sliding it across the table to Kolby.
“You got it, Savvy. I promise to not call you sweetie again.” He recounted the bills at a slower pace. His eyebrows furrowed together. He twisted his lips to the side and released an exasperated breath. “Damn. I’m short on cash. I thought I had enough to cover both of us.”
Savvy raised her forehead in surprise. “Did you bring a credit card?”
“Sweetheart, I don’t deal with credit cards. I pay for everything with cash. I don’t trust something that tracks me where I use it. You know what I’m sayin’?” Kolby reached into his other pockets to find more money.
“You know what, I’ll handle the bill. It’s no problem. Thank you for even offering to cover my food.” Savvy pulled a wallet from her purse. She laid a credit card with the bill and raised her hand in the air to signal the waiter.
Kolby’s face dropped in disappointment. “I know what you’re thinkin’. Believe me. I thought I had enough. I’m not the kind of guy who skips out on a bill to have a woman pay. Let me at least cover the tip.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m good. You may need the cash on your way to Dallas.” Savvy plastered on a fake smile and signed the receipt once the waiter returned. She placed the credit card in her wallet.
“I bet you aren’t interested in talking to me now. I know it doesn’t look too good for me. I can’t blame you if you think I’m shady. I don’t roll like that.” Kolby scratched his head and cleared his throat. “Do you mind if I still call you later?”
Kolby stood and held Savvy’s hand to help her stand. His expectant gaze warmed her body. She contemplated his question. “I guess calling me on Friday is okay. I have a lot of work to do this week and I won’t have much time to talk.”
“Bet. I’ll be leaving from Louisiana that day. I’ll call you while I’m driving.” A smile spread across Kolby’s face with restored energy. “May I escort you to your car?”
“I guess so. I knew you would follow me anyway.” Savvy laughed as they left from inside of the restaurant. The cold air prompted her to move with speed to her car.
Kolby stayed in stride with her. “You made my day. I promise you; I’ll pay you back.”
“It’s not a big deal. I’m glad you enjoyed your breakfast.
Have a safe drive and stay alert. Bye, Kolby.” Savvy stuck her leg into the car.
Before she could get in, Kolby leaned forward to embrace her. The smell of New Orleans spices mingled with leather and cologne lingered in her nostrils.
“I’m sorry if I shouldn’t have hugged you. I couldn’t resist. Bye, Savvy.” Kolby released her and shifted from one foot to the other. His dimpled smile resembled one of a teenager on a first date.
Savvy needed a moment to collect herself. She responded once she fastened her seatbelt. “Um. No problem. Thank you. Bye.”
Kolby closed the car door. He stood in place as she backed out and turned onto the street.
Savvy reflected on how she enjoyed the unexpected break in her day. Finding someone to date in San Antonio had been difficult. The intriguing conversation with Kolby, along with his smile, charm, and good looks gave her hope. Despite him not having money for the meal he offered to treat, he was refreshing like a tall, cool drink of water.
FIVE
Olivia
Olivia sped south on Highway 281 until she reached the exit to her neighborhood. Fortunately for her, police weren’t in sight to stop her as she bypassed every suggestion for speed limits.
The conversation with Malcolm replayed until her brain grew weary. Seeing Mariah catapulted her to a whole different level of anger, which no amount of affirmations could fix today.
Olivia gripped the steering wheel and turned onto the street leading to her house. She couldn’t wait to climb into bed and nurse an oncoming migraine.
“Aaahh.” Her foot slammed onto the brake to come to a rapid stop as she rounded a curve. The seatbelt locked into place and dug into her shoulder.
A royal blue sports car blocked the narrow road.
“Really?” She couldn’t get around on either side to pass due to other vehicles parked on the street.
Olivia tapped the horn three times. She could see the upper body of a man sitting in the driver’s seat. He turned and glared at her and didn’t move his car.
“What the…?” She lowered the window and stuck her hand out to wave in hopes of getting his attention. This time, the man didn’t react in acknowledgment.
Olivia leaned into the horn to blast her impatience. The house she lived in was located a few blocks away. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with this obstacle. This time, the man stared into the rearview mirror and stuck not one, but two of his middle fingers in the air. He shook them with emphasis to make sure she received a full view of them.
Warmth on Olivia’s neck spread across her cheeks and into her scalp. She blinked her eyes and cocked her neck.
The fury of the day bubbled up inside. She shaded her eyes by lowering the brim of the cap on her head. In a rhythm matching each measured breath, her fingertips smoothed the hair on her nape. Without reservation, she hopped out of the car and marched to the man’s vehicle.
Heavy metal music blasted from the speakers. Her five-ten frame towered above the hood. She leaned at the waist and pounded the side of her fist on the glass.
“Hey. Roll down your window. I know you hear me. Why did you give me the finger? You’re blocking the road and I need to get by.”
A young man sat in the driver’s seat who appeared to be in his twenties, based on the speckling
