Savvy planted a hand on her hip and glared at him. “Rude isn’t even half of the problem.”
The man didn’t stop laughing. “I’m sorry. For real, tho’. Please forgive me for disrespecting you.”
Savvy contemplated the sincerity in his apology. “Okay. I’ll forgive you. You were about to get told off.”
“I know you ain’t playin’. I had to come up with something to get your guard down. You were looking serious when I first said ‘hello’.” He extended his hand after wiping it on his shorts. “I’m Kolby Alfredson. With a K. What’s your name?”
Savvy hesitated before shaking his hand. “Hi, Kolby with a K. I’m Savvy Menefee. Short for Savannah.”
A horn blared behind his car. He yelled at the driver, “Hey man. I’m helping this lady out.” He shook his head and returned his gaze to Savvy. “Do you mind parking on the side? I’d like to holla at you for a minute. I’m new around here, and I have questions about a few places.”
Savvy huffed with impatience before glancing at her smartwatch. She wasn’t interested in talking to him and was anxious to get to the office.
Recently promoted, her new position as a Global Marketing Manager for a biotechnology company lingered on her mind. Driven by success, the next goal she had was to become the Marketing Director. Based on her performance since day one, the Vice President mentioned they had big plans for her career.
Seeing Kolby’s dimpled smile helped her decide to assist him. “I don’t have much time. I’ll go into the parking lot area to the left for a moment.”
“Bet. Thanks, sweetie. I’ll meet you after I finish.” He hoisted his shorts again and placed the nozzle back in the gas pump before starting the car.
Savvy got into her vehicle and drove to a parking space. Feeling self-conscious, she put her nose against her underarm and took a quick sniff to make sure her deodorant still worked. Aside from questioning her common sense about staying, she contemplated leaving to get a much-needed shower.
Before she could decide to leave, Kolby parked next to her and got out. He had enough sense to put on a black leather jacket, left wide open. Savvy couldn’t help herself, staring at his physique, accentuated by the coat. She lowered the car window when he sauntered toward her. A gust of chilly air whipped inside. She cranked the heat higher to stay warm as he talked.
“You waited for me.” A lottery winner smile spread from one ear to the other.
“I stayed to answer your questions. The clock is ticking. I need to go. What do you want information about?” Savvy grew impatient and rubbed her arms. She didn’t want the morning wasted.
“My bad. I should’ve known you have a busy schedule. Where’s a good place to get shrimp and grits for breakfast?”
“Shrimp and grits? The best place is Swampyfood Café,” Savvy suggested without missing a beat. “No question, they have the best in town.”
“Alright. Is it close by?” Kolby asked.
“It’s a few blocks away.” Savvy pointed toward the restaurant.
“Perfect. I prefer staying close to Interstate 35. It’ll be easy to jump back on to drive to Dallas.”
“What’s going on in Dallas?” Savvy asked with a hint of curiosity. She wanted to kick herself for showing any interest in carrying on a conversation.
“I drive for a living. I’ll drop off this car in Dallas and bring back another one for a customer. I get to travel throughout Texas and Louisiana. It’s good work.” He beamed with pride about his job.
“It’s great you get to travel to a lot of places.” Savvy glanced at the clock in the car before turning back to him. “Did you have any other questions before I go?”
Kolby bit his bottom lip with his top teeth in a seductive way. He stood back with his feet together and legs bowed out. He used his hands to talk. “Would a pretty woman like you mind eating with a guy like me?”
Kolby’s question caught Savvy by surprise. “What?”
He approached her car. “Excuse me if what I’m about to say sounds corny. You seem like a sophisticated kind of lady and I’m enamored by your smile.” He paused and licked his thick lips. “I hate eating by myself everywhere I go. If you would bless me with your presence at Swampyfood Café, it would help make my four-hour ride to Dallas much more enjoyable.”
Savvy couldn’t think of a word to say. She didn’t like the way he dressed. As a tradeoff, he had handsome facial features and was charming.
“Since I planned to grab a bite to eat after my workout, I guess I’ll join you since you paid me such a nice compliment,”
Savvy agreed.
Kolby’s face beamed with joy as if he were a child opening gifts on Christmas morning. “For real? Did you say ‘yes’?” He danced around in the parking lot and held his pants up with one hand.
His excitement about her accepting a meal with him surprised Savvy. She had to admit, he was intriguing. “Yes, I’ll go.”
“You got it. I’ll jump in my car and follow you.”
“Okay. I’ll see you there.”
Savvy drove onto the street toward Swampyfood Café. She called her best friend, Olivia, and left a voicemail message.
“Girl. I met this guy named Kolby Alfredson at the gas station on 410 and I-35. He looks like a thug version of Idris Elba. He asked me to join him for breakfast at Swampyfood Café. He’s driving a silver Mercury Sable, which is a car he picked up for his job. You aren’t going to believe this. His pants are sagging, showing his plaid-covered behind. You know he must be cute for me to hang with him. I wanted you to be aware in case anything happens to me. I’ll fill you in later. Bye.”
THREE
Olivia
The website, Large Luscious Latina Ladies Love Black Men, raced through Olivia’s mind. She lost the ability to speak
