“Hello.”
“When I didn’t hear from you I thought you were figuring out how to tell me you had plans with…”
“No, the only plans I have are dinner with you. Where do you want to meet?”
“I’ll pick you up around seven?”
“I’ll be ready. Bye.”
“Bye.”
She pressed the button ending the call, wondering what she had just done.
Kyla’s stomach was in knots. She stood in front of her closet wondering what to wear. It had been a while since she’d been out as someone’s girlfriend. She reached for the black Leger, but the teal Gucci dress was screaming to go out. She answered the Gucci screams and slipped it on, along with her favorite gold Saint Laurent Tribute sandals and leopard print shawl. Simple and chic considering she had no idea where she was going.
The neighbor’s little girl liked Winnie and volunteered to puppy sit for the evening. She walked Winnie next door and came back and finished getting dressed. Her nerves were on edge as she paced back and forth. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap stop and repeat. The sound of the five inch stilettos tapping across the walnut floor was missing the accompaniment of Winnie’s little taps and barks.
The phone rang, breaking the rhythm of the taps. She walked over and picked up the phone. “Hello, Jerome.”
“Your date is here.”
“Excuse me?”
Jerome repeated his announcement. “Kyla James, your date is here.”
“I’ll be right down.”
She picked up her bag, turned off the lights, closed the door and took the short ride down to the lobby. She exited the elevator searching for Sean, but there was only Jerome.
“Wow. I assume by the car and driver, someone has a hot date.” Jerome was never short on words.
“Excuse me?”
The feisty doorman pointed to the black sedan and driver parked in front of her building waiting with the door open.
“There must be a mistake.”
“I’m shocked too. You’ve lived here quite a while and it’s about time I saw you go on a date. Now hurry up before he changes his mind.” She started out the door to the car.
“Miss James?” the driver asked.
“Yes.”
“Mr. Prescott has instructed me to drive you to dinner this evening.”
“Thank you.” She smiled and got into the car. The short distance to the restaurant seemed longer with her stomach growing more unstable. Less than ten minutes later, the car pulled up to the curb and stopped. Kyla took a deep breath and looked out the window, searching for Sean, but he wasn’t there. The driver got out and walked around to open the door.
The door opened and a familiar voice greeted her.
“I’ll take it from here Charlie.” She looked up smiling as she extended her hand.
“Hi.” She climbed out of the car and stood on the sidewalk staring at her handsome dinner companion.
“Wow, you look amazing.”
“Thank you.”
“Thanks Charlie. I’ll text you when we’re ready.” Charlie nodded and got back into the car. “Mademoiselle,” Sean took her hand in his and they walked up the steps into the restaurant.