"Stop. Go back to avoiding me. Leave me alone."
"I never avoided you."
She glared at him and raised an eyebrow high, noting the slow flush that eventually made his cheeks ruddy. They both knew it was a lie. Because she'd avoided him, too. "Then why are we having this conversion?"
"Jack says the guy is half your age."
So that was the issue? Why was it people considered aging men more attractive but aging women were just…something to be put on the shelf? Not only were women not considered as attractive as their male peers but apparently they were also not as intelligent or as prized despite the very same wrinkles and fat and gray hair that made the men "silver foxes." It was the ultimate smack in the face for women who put their lives on hold to support their husbands’ careers. Who put their bodies through horrendous pain in order to carry on the man's name. And what did most of them have to show for it? "Kirk is younger, yes, but Jack is exaggerating."
"I don't like it. And neither does Jack."
"Well, then it's a good thing I don't care." Having had enough of this conversation despite the fact she'd sought him out the second go-round, she turned and pulled Bougie along with her. Two steps later, Bruce caught her arm in a gentle grip.
"What's his motive, Tessie? Huh? Because my gut is telling me he has one."
She hated that his words made her feel like a fool. An old, ugly, foolish fool. "Maybe he simply likes a woman who knows what she wants. Maybe," she continued "he likes someone mature, who doesn't play the idiotic games so many younger women play."
"You know I don't say this to hurt you."
"Are you sure about that? Because men your age date younger women every single day and people don't seem to have a problem with that."
Bruce had the grace to look embarrassed, but she didn't let it soften her expression. She was so tired of being judged. A woman of her age and standing should do this, shouldn’t do that. Why couldn't people mind their own business and live their own lives and forego the gossip and judgment that brought so much pain? "If you'll excuse me, Bougie and I have to get home. Kirk will be there any minute, and after this conversation, I've made a few decisions I can'twaitto discuss with him."
"Like what?" Bruce growled.
She smiled and reached up to pat his lightly stubbled cheek. "Well, if it was any of your business, maybe I'd tell you."