Page 2 of Just Keep Driving

“So, what do you bring to the table?”

I think I blacked out.

He’s snapping in my face. The people at the table next to us gawk.

This is definitely going on someone’s social media account.

He snaps again.

I wish I was a biter because I would bite the tip of his thumb off. I do my best impersonation of LeBron and grab my purse, look in any direction but his, and head towards the door. I didn't even get to take a sip of my water.

Damn.

“Lydia, where you going?” He yells out.

I almost stop in my tracks to correct him on how to say my name. I know I’ve told him how to in quite a few of our messages. This man couldn’t be paid to pay attention though. Why the hell did I stay in there as long as I did?

The fresh air hits me when I step outside. It’s brisk. The jolt energizes me. I had the rideshare app open, but I can walk for a little bit. I move slowly, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the plaza.

There needs to be a club for shitty first dates. Love feels more and more hopeless, and Frank and his jagged-edged hairline has me feeling even lower. I’ve been on too many first days and exactly zero second dates because the dating pool isn’t full of piss. It’s full of shit. Just sewage floating around.

I’m this close to adopting several cats and falling in love with book baes instead of trying with real men. True love is a far-off fantasy.

In front of Cafe Le Fleur, a couple sits with their heads together as they read from the same menu. The man twirls one of the woman’s curls around his finger.

Gag.

It’s official. I’m a love hater. Frank was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I have everything I ever wanted: a nice house, a job I love, good friends, my family. But I don’t have love.

I guess you really can’t have it all. And I’m just going to have to be all right with that.

I’m ready to go home. I didn’t wear my run-out-on-your-date shoes. I tap on my phone to get a ride back home. According to the app, Champ is three minutes from me. I pull in a deep breath, and tell myself to release this. I just need to let it go and go home to sleep it off.

A black car pulls up right in front of me. I check the rideshare app and the man in the car matches the driver in the app. He steps out of the car. I take a step back.

What’s this man doing?

“Hey, Lydea? I’m Champ. Let me help you into the car.” He offers his hand, and I hold back a laugh. I was going to tip him anyway. All of this isn’t necessary.

I take his hand anyway. It’s soft and warm.

He opens the door for me and closes it after I’m seated.

He looks at me through the rear view mirror once he's inside. There’s something soft in his gaze. He doesn’t say a word, only clicks my address in his phone, and puts the car in drive.

Chapter 2 I Know That Look

Champ

I know that look. This lady’s been through hell. She’s too pretty to deal with anything but the best a man can give her.

She stares out the window, and her profile is perfection. I’ve never seen a woman so gorgeous. Or so sad.

I let the silence stretch for a few miles, stealing glances at her more than I should.

“How bad was the date?” I ask.

She slow blinks. “Huh?”