Knoxwasthe kind of man any woman could easily fall in love with. He was tall, handsome, witty, had his own money, and came from a solid family. For months, he’d been badgering me for a date, and I finally gave in, so I’d have to be extra careful tonight.
I knew I’d have a good time, but I couldn’t allow myself to have too much of a good time, because falling for him wasn’t an option. I preferred having multiple men on my roster, keeping them in rotation. I called them entanglements, and right now, I didn’t need another one.
I took one last look in the mirror to ensure the wide-leg jeans, modest Kelly green heels, and matching sleeveless bodysuit werestill what I wanted to wear. I grabbed my cropped black blazer as I left my bedroom and headed for the door.
“Where are you going?” my son Stokely asked.
He’d be starting his third year of college in the fall and was home visiting for a few weeks.
“On a date with Knox.”
“You finally gave in, huh?”
“He wore me down, but he only gets one. I’m not interested in anything beyond this date.”
“Dang, Ma. You’re cold. I could do without hearing all the flirtatious stuff he says to you, but I low-key think he likes you for real.”
I’d met Knox a few months ago at a singles mixer. We spent the night talking, and I could admit, he had piqued my interest. Although I was attracted to him, I decided it would be best not to exchange numbers, telling him I’d consider it if the universe brought us back together.
Well, my best friend, Nyomi, was not only in a relationship with his older brother but had recently found out she was carrying his child. The universe had brought us together a few times, and I was a woman of my word. When we were in the same space, he flirted, and sometimes the things he said made me blush, so I finally agreed to go out with him.
“You’re a young man, Son, so when I say this, you’ll understand. Knox will say all the right things to get me to have sex with him, and if he gets what he wants, he’ll move on to the next. I’m not falling for it.”
Stokely nodded.
“In many cases, you’re probably right, but I’ve peeped the way he looks at you.”
“How is that?”
“Like he likes you for real, but since your mind is made up about him, I guess that means I won’t be awakened tonight by y’all doing the nasty.”
“Boy, bye.”
I kissed his cheek and left. Since I didn’t want Knox to know where I lived, I decided to drive myself. He was offended, but that wasn’t my problem. I didn’t think I’d be in any danger if he knew where I lived, but I also didn’t want him popping up at my house uninvited.
TheBlack Elm Art Institutewas hosting an event called BEA After Dark, and he’d gotten us tickets. It was an adults-only event, and the first time they’d hosted an event of this kind.
This was something I would’ve normally attended with Nyomi, but she was in love and all about spending time with her man, which I absolutely loved for her. She must have sensed me thinking about her because her name flashed across my display.
“What’s up, sis?” I answered.
“You didn’t back out on him, did you?”
I smacked my lips and rolled my eyes.
“No, I didn’t back out. I’m on my way to the museum now.”
“You drove? Why didn’t you have him pick you up?”
“Because there is no reason for Knox St. Patrick to know where I live.”
“Skye, he’s not a stalker.”
“I didn’t say he was, but that doesn’t mean he should have my address.”
This time, I heard her lips smack on the other end of the phone.
“You’re ridiculous, but whatever. I hope you can find parking.”