“Sebastian. How may I help you this fine afternoon?” I tried keeping the derision out of my voice. I just wanted to get this brief conversation over with.
“I’m cashing in a favor.” His tone was condescending.
“Oh?” No…God, no! I cried deep inside.
“Yes. An associate of mine is hosting an album release party on Sunday at a lounge he runs. He’s invited me to come and check it out a few times but I’ve declined until now.” My heart dropped. I knew where the conversation was going at his first sentence. What got me was the way he tried to word it as though he was in high demand by this associate when in reality Sebastian was too corny to be begged to show to any social event. I checked back in to hear the last of his torment. “I’m sure you can make yourself available on Sunday evening to join me.”
There was silence on the phone. I hated being coerced into going places with Sebastian and he knew it. I think he sometimes sat and thought of ways to harass me knowing that my obligation to him would force me to relent to his torture. At least a half a dozen of excuses came to mind but there was no reliable one that Sebastian would buy. After expelling a lungful exhale I answered, “I’ll move a few things around. Text me the time and address and I’ll meet you there.”
“Oh, no. I’ll pick you up at nine. Be on time, sugar.” I shivered at his term of endearment that wasn’t meant to endear at all. I had nothing but disdain in my heart for Sebastian and the worst part of it all was that he knew it and didn’t care.
I quickly ended my conversation with Sebastian after arranging for him to pick me up at Michelle’s. My mood went from tense to somber in the matter of a phone call. Not long after that conversation Sharon called me on the office line asking if I wanted to order out Japanese, to which I agreed seeing that I would have a working lunch. I got off with her after giving my order and called to inform Michelle of my cancellation of Erin’s recital. With her being a colleague, she totally understood the restraints I was under and offered to break the news gently to Erin. My heart tore at that prospect but I accepted the fate of my evening and dug straight into work.
About two hours later, I received a text from Azmir. A cool rush ascended from my feet to the top of my spine at the alert from my phone. What a nice break from a stressful day.
Ms. Brimm, thanks for checking in with me. My flight was long but we landed without turbulence or delay. Your perspective of my gratitude is duly noted. It is never my intention to degrade you or make you feel less than the intelligent, especial, and the sexy woman you are. No problem on the breakfast. Your heeding goes both ways: a man can get used to getting fed too…especially when the dish being served is as delicious as you. Thanks again for adding excitement to my otherwise mundane business travel. It was fun. I hope to hear from you sooner rather than later. PS - I like your smiley faces…
Sooner rather than later? What did that mean?
That means he wants you to call him—like pick up the phone and say hello.
I fought with my common sense. I didn’t want Azmir to get bored with me so quickly and put an end to the pure exhilaration that I’ve been experiencing since seeing him. My introspection was halted when Sharon paged me to inform me that my last patient of the day had been escorted to the exam room. I dropped my phone back into my purse in the desk draw. I decided to give a well thought out reply after I was done with the patient.