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“Hola,” I answered the phone.
“Hey, it’s me. Still chillin’?”
“Yeah, kinda...vegetating really,” I answered.
“Okay, we can chat later.”
“No rush. We can chat now, I just needed to recharge. You know, introvert thing and all.”
There was a significant pause. “What do you want to talk about?” I said breaking the silence.
“I don’t know, you could answer some of my questions.”
“Oh no, not tonight. Can we just talk without an interrogation session?”
“Why does it have to be interrogating? I’m just trying to get to know you. I feel like I’m sparring with you?”
“Jasmine please, that’s not my intent but I’m not feeling like twenty questions tonight. I like it when we just talk, you know?”
“Okay T, maybe you should just chill then.”
Ugh! “I will, later.”
“Much.”
Damn! That last comment Jasmine uttered was cold. I was bone tired. I had been working like a dog, and attending mind-numbing, beginning-of-the-year, everyone-has-a-bright-idea conferences. I was also trying to work on my next show that was coming together slower than I wanted. And why the rush? She made it seem like I had been intentionally evasive, I hadn’t. Yes, I had been careful about revealing too much information too soon. It wasn’t often that I let anyone I was seeing get too close anymore. Women get information, assumptions are made, and then I had to deal with the fallout and their feelings. But I also knew Jasmine was special. I liked spending time with her, laughing with her, being in her presence. I liked her and she knew that. So, I called her back...
“Hello?” Jasmine answered on the second ring.
“Hey,” I said simply.
“Hey,” Jasmine replied.
“Look, I didn’t mean to upset you. And I don’t want it to be much later, as you proclaimed, before I talk to you again. I’m just tired, physically and mentally. I haven’t had a chance to run lately since the days are getting shorter, so my usual boost of energy isn’t there.”
“Uh huh.”
“Jasmine seriously, don’t dismiss me so quickly. Let me try again? May I come see you?”
“Tonight? Don’t you think it’s getting late?”
“Yes, it’s getting late, but let me just come over to talk face-to-face.”
“Why should I?” Jasmine asked, being difficult.
“Because I want to see you. I wanted to see you when you offered, and I should have been forthright and said that.”
“Why didn’t you say that?”
“I’m not sure. Must we belabor the point right now? Do you want to see me or not?” I pressed.
“Yes,” Jasmine virtually whispered.
“What’s your address?”
“426 Lochlea Road in Mount Washington.”
“Mount Washington? You movin’ on up huh? Quite persnickety,” I joked with her to lighten things up.
“Not really. Come up the Jones Falls, get off at the first Northern Parkway exit, make a left onto Falls Road, make another left on Kelly, and make a right onto Lochlea Road.”
“Okay, that’s 83 to Northern Parkway, left onto Falls Road, left onto Kelly, right onto Lochlea.”
“Yep.”
“I’ll see you within the hour. You still have some chow for me?”
“Maybe,” Jasmine said coyly.
“Don’t play with me woman.” I said jokingly. “Well, I haven’t eaten in a minute so if I can trouble you for some warmed-over vittles, that would be much appreciated.”
“Anything for you. Ummm, I’ll have a plate ready for you.”
I laughed, “I’m going to pretend like I didn’t hear that, for now anyway.” That was amusing—I think I may have gotten through Jasmine’s cool exterior.
I packed a few things in an overnight bag, certainly not to be presumptuous, but one must be prepared right? I threw my toothbrush and a few other essentials in. The drive up 83 was quick; of course it was after rush hour so that helped. Nothing like watching folks fleeing the city on Fridays—or any weekday afternoon for that matter—like they might turn into pumpkins when the streetlights came on.
My goodness, old girl must have done quite well living in the high rent district. Mount Washington was geographically in Baltimore City, but it didn’t look like my part of the city. It was dotted with walking trails, cute little shops, and restaurants. I pulled into the driveway of a beautifully preserved Craftsman house and got out of the car, still surveying my surroundings. It was kind of dark out here. I rang the bell and anxiously waited for Jasmine to come to the door. Coco’s loud, energetic bark only added to my anxiety because she sounded like she was ready to jump me. Jasmine was gorgeous when she opened the door. I mean, she’s usually beautiful, but she was especially radiant tonight or maybe I was just happy to see her, happy that she reconsidered her invitation.