“Hmmph, you better than me, girl. ’Cause if I were you, I’d be picking up the phone right now to invite Mr. Wonderful over for dinner. And the main course would be me.”
“Please, girl, I ain’t no better,” I admitted. “I picked up the phone five times to do the same thing when I was at work, but I kept thinking about Derrick and hanging up. I never been so damn confused in my entire life. Do you know that last night, after he did his magic on me, I actually cursed his ass out?”
“You what? Why?”
“’Cause I couldn’t curse myself out for being so damn weak. And because he made me feel so damn good. Too good.”
Sabrina laughed at me. “You cussed him out because he made you feel good? I know he musta went off on you.”
“Yeah, we had some words,” I explained. “But he sent the roses to apologize.” Sabrina’s expression made it clear she didn’t think I was for real, so I handed her the card from the flowers delivery. “Here. Read the card.”
“Shit,” Sabrina was shaking her head. “A black man who’s cute, romantic, owns his own business, and admits he’s wrong even when he’s not? Where do I sign up? If you don’t want him, I’ll take him.” The thing about Sabrina was, I know she was more than half serious. She’d do anything to find a replacement for Richie. I rolled my eyes at her.
The phone rang, and I realized just how long I had been sitting there with Sabrina. I was supposed to be at Big Momma’s already.
“Shit” I stood up. “Can you get that? If it’s Big Momma, tell her I’m in the shower.”
“Hello?” Sabrina waited as the caller spoke. “No, this isn’t her. Can I ask who’s calling?” A smile came across her face. “Okay, hold on a second.”
Her grin remained as she placed her hand over the receiver.
“Do you wanna speak to a Dylan Taylor?”
My heart was in my mouth, but that didn’t stop me from snatching the phone from her with a mile-wide grin on my face. I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. I didn’t want him or Sabrina to know just how excited I was.
“Hello?”
“”What’s up, Jazz?” His voice sent a shiver through me.
“Hey, Dylan.” I tried to stay cool. “Thanks for the roses. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know. But I wanted to.”
“How’d you get my number? Becky give it to you?”
“Nah. Actually, in the world of unlisted numbers, yours is listed.”
“You know, you’re right I completely forgot that,” I laughed, feeling like a schoolgirl with a crush. It had been a long time since anyone had made me feel that way.
“Hey, what’re you doing tonight?” he asked.
“I gotta take my grandmother to see my sister’s new baby.” That was already something I didn’t want to do, even more now since it sounded like Dylan had other plans in mind. Then I realized I better check myself. I was letting my little romantic fantasy get out of hand.
“Too bad you’ve got plans,” Dylan sighed. “I was hoping you’d come to Captain George’s with me for dinner.”
“Dinner at Captain George’s, huh?” I repeated for the benefit of Sabrina, who was hanging on my every word, jealousy written all over her face.
“Yeah, and then maybe a movie. But if you’re busy…”
“Well, I do like seafood.” Immediately, I was plotting the quickest way to get out of the maternity ward with Big Momma so I could go out with Dylan later. Of course, I knew this was just what I had promised myself last night I wouldn’t do. I was supposed to be staying away from this man and his temptation. While I was busy wrestling with my conscience, the call waiting beeped on my phone, buying me a little time.
“Hold on a second, Dylan. I got another call.”
I clicked over.
“Hello?”
“This is an AT &T operator with a collect call from Derrich Will you accept?”
“Oh, shit.” I threw my hand over the receiver and gave Sabrina a look of terror.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” she asked.
“It’s Derrick. He’s on the other line,” I whispered.
“You better get yourself together and talk to him,” she told me without a hint of sympathy. Guess her jealousy had gotten the best of her, ’cause she sure wasn’t handing out any supportive advice right now. She folded her arms and waited to witness how I got out of this one.
“Yes, operator. I’ll accept.” I tried not to sound too disappointed.
“Jazz?”
“Hey, baby,” I replied nervously.
“What’s the matter?” Guess I didn’t disguise my mood so well. All I could do was try harder.
“Nothin’. Why would you think something was the matter?”
“Don’t play dumb, Jasmine. I heard you say ‘Oh, shit’ and it took you long enough to accept the call.”
“Oh… I dropped my cigarette on the sofa. That’s all.”
“Where were you last night? I called like five times.”
“I was at the hospital. Stephanie had her baby.” At least that lie came quickly. But I wasn’t prepared for the next question.
“What about this morning? I called you at six o’clock.”
“We were at the hospital all night. She didn’t have the baby till this morning.” I closed my eyes and prayed he’d believe me. A call-waiting beep reminded me I’d left Dylan on the other line. “Oh, Dylan. Hold on a minute.”
“Dylanl Who the fuck is Dylan?”
I shot a look at Sabrina, who had her head in her hands, laughing up a storm. Shit, with friends like her, who needs enemies?
“Did I say Dylan? I’m sorry, boo.” The lies were getting easier, coming faster. “I was just talking to Sabrina about her new man. His name is Dylan. I just got a little confused.”
“What the hell is going on, Jasmine?” His sixth sense was kicking into high gear, and I knew it was only a matter of time before he went off on me. The phone beeped again and I took advantage of the escape.
“Nothin’, Derrick. Hold on a second.” I clicked over. “Hello?”
“I guess you forgot about me.” Dylan’s voice didn’t make me tingle this time. It gave me a headache.
“No, I didn’t forget you. I’m just on an important call.”
“Okay, well, I’ll let you go then.” Damn, he was still being the gentleman. If he were an asshole, I wouldn’t be in this shit right now. “So what’s up with dinner?” he asked.
“I don’t think that’s a very good idea. Not after last night.” I did another 180-degree turn with my attitude. Just a minute ago I would have agreed to go anywhere with him. Now I just wanted him off the phone. And yet, once again, he dealt with my changing personality and persisted.
“Jasmine, we can go just as friends. I swear, no funny business.”
“I appreciate the offer, Dylan.” More than you know. “But maybe some other time, okay?”
“Hey, we’re still gonna be friends, aren’t we?”
“Yeah, I’d love to be your friend. Look, I gotta go. Thanks again for the flowers.” I clicked over before he could try to change my mind.
“Derrick?”
“Who is Dylan?” He was still on that. Shit.
“I told you. He’s Sabrina new boyfriend.” I took on some serious attitude. Maybe I could distract him from the issue if I got him mad about my bitch factor.
“Stop lying to me, Jasmine.” Damn. He still wouldn’t give up. It was time to turn up the volume.
“Fuck you, Derrick!”
“What’d you say?” I could hear the shock in his voice.
“I said fuck you!” Sabrina was still nearby, giving me mock applause for my performance. I’m sure this shit was better than Ricki Lake as far as she was concerned. “I’m not a liar, Derrick, and I don’t appreciate you calling me one. Now, I’m tired from being up all night. I had a hard day at work, and I still gotta take Big Momma to the hospital to see Stephanie’s baby. So if you wanna call me a liar, I’ma hang up the fucking phone, ’cause I don’t need this shit!” There was silence on the line for a second as I waited to see if my performance had done its job.