Chapter 2
The watch on Fantasy’s arm displayed 10:47 P.M. It was an early evening, considering that it was a Saturday night. Those with the true intent of having a good time were in AJ’s situated to enjoy the jazz music and exchange dialogue with the flow of people coming in and out. Nick took a sip of his Coke on ice and looked at her as she glanced around pensively. Dee had slipped away to the restroom, leaving the two at the table alone. “Don’t tell me you’re ready to go home.” As much as it seemed that they and Dee had fallen into an easy exchange, and each appeared to be having a good time, he knew that Fantasy was working extra hard at it just for his benefit.
“I was thinking of calling it an evening.” She showed him her impression of a sad face, knowing that he would be a little disappointed. She was totally disengaged from the club buzz around her; it didn’t matter that several had asked her to dance, or that she’d had more than a few offers of drinks. A few overzealous men, who thought they were the epitome of God’s gift to women, had dropped their business cards in front of her. “I don’t want to rain on your parade, and please don’t even think about leaving here with me.” Fantasy felt out of place, like she was on the outside looking in. As much as the ambiance should have given her a happy feeling, there was emptiness. She hadn’t told Nick because she knew he would have opened the friendship umbrella and they would have both been out together.
Nick stared at his friend for a moment before speaking. “Well, I take your early exit to mean that I picked well and maybe Dee has potential.” He articulated each syllable of his last word for emphasis and laughed.
Fantasy laughed along with him. “You are so crazy.” She beamed at her best friend’s humor, yet she knew he wanted to know her exact thoughts concerning Dee. “You did pretty well.” Fantasy wanted to be direct with Nick, but all of what she wanted and needed to share with him would take longer than the few minutes that it would take Dee to return to the table.
“Pretty well?” His right eyebrow rose slightly. “I searched every avenue, boulevard, road, and lane in Charlotte, not to mention the surrounding areas, and you give me ‘pretty well.’” Of course, he hadn’t been searching; his meeting Dee was something that had just happened.
Fantasy wasn’t rating Dee as a ten. She rarely gave a ten-star rating to Nick’s lady friends. Nevertheless, she wasn’t exactly sure if Dee was more of an eight or if the high end of a seven was more fitting. “Nick, she seems really nice and she’s a beautiful girl.” She wanted to stop right there.
“And?” Nick needed a little more.
“Come on, Nick. I’ll share the rest tomorrow, I promise.” She paused for a second knowing she’d have to add something, anything to get him to give her a look of semi-satisfaction. “Okay, the fact that she can put two words together that actually go together is a plus. A few of your lady friends were challenged by the English language and the proper use of it.”
Nick rubbed his goatee as if trying to recall. “Yeah, I do remember a few were a little challenged in that area.”
Fantasy giggled. “I’m sure you do remember. But Dee’s a far cry from any of them. She’s a Sunday School teacher, sings in the choir, and helps feed the homeless once a week at her church’s soup kitchen. And, as if that’s not impressive enough, she’s a guidance counselor at one of the magnet schools, owns a townhouse with no roommates—male or female—and there was not even a mention of a pet that would require attention. All of that definitely earns a check plus.”
Just as Nick was about to push a little further, Dee returned to the table and slid in beside him. With an innocent smile she leaned against his shoulder, and looked at him with a stare of admiration.
Fantasy didn’t miss the look, and she smiled at the two of them smiling at each other. She cleared her throat and reached inside her purse for her keys. “Dee, it was wonderful meeting you.”
Dee pulled her eyes away from Nick. “Oh, you’re not leaving, are you?” There was an unmistakable hint of sincerity in her voice that both friends noticed right away.
“I’m afraid that I’m a little out of practice with hanging out this late unless it’s related to work.” She looked at the couple and smiled.
“You need to work on that then.” Dee leaned forward toward Fantasy. “I admire your drive, but from what Nick has shared and from what I sense, you need to relax more.”
Fantasy was not offended at all by Dee’s words. Honestly, she spoke the truth, and if someone she had just met could peep her hold card, she was truly wearing her life on her sleeve. “Dee, you are absolutely right. But, for tonight, I’m calling it.”
Nick stood just as his friend removed herself from her seat. “I’ll walk you out.” He turned to Dee. “I’ll be right back.”
When they had walked a short distance from the table, Fantasy turned to Nick. “So you are walking out with me.” She chuckled. “Why?”
“To say good night. Dag. Do I have to have any other reason than to make sure that my best friend gets to her car safe and sound?”
“You don’t.” She slowed down slightly and looked up at him. “But I’ll save you. I like her. And because I know you so well, tomorrow when you call me bright and early, I’ll share the rest. Deal?”
They were standing outside the entrance as a light drizzle began to drop from the sky. It made the forecast of rain apparent. “Deal.” Instead of sealing their deal with a shake, he hugged Fantasy tight. “Love you and be careful. Text the minute you get home.”
“I will, and I love you too, Nick.” She moved away from his embrace, which was as familiar and comforting as an inhaled breath. As she turned to walk across the street, she turned once more and smiled at Nick. She could tell that, with Dee, something he hadn’t expected was already happening. Along with the good things she planned to share, she’d tell him all about the look in his eyes.