“And your hair is down.” He reached over and touched it. “It’s so soft and silky.”
“Thanks to Chi,” I joked, and cursed myself inwardly. He probably didn’t even know what Chi was. “I have naturally curly hair, so I use it to calm down the frizz and straighten it.” I explained to him, wanting to kick myself at how boring I was being.
“I see.” He nodded, looking as though he had no clue as to what I was talking about.
“You should see it when it’s curly. It’s crazy.”
“Well I can’t tell.”
“I’m like the frizz monster.” I giggled nervously. Play it cool, Lucky. I took a deep breath and tried again.
“You’re lucky. Your hair is always so straight and silky naturally.” I wanted to slap myself as soon as the words were out of my mouth. “I mean, that’s how it looks now, not in the past. I never noticed in the past.”
“Thanks.” He laughed.
“Do you use any special products?” Stop talking about hair care, Lucky.
“No. I use Head and Shoulders shampoo and conditioner and that’s about it.”
“Aw.” I looked around the room with a red face and waved my hands. “This is a really cool party, huh?”
“It’s okay.” He shrugged. “I didn’t know you knew Mike.”
“Who?”
“Mike Vegara. The guy throwing this party.”
“Oh, I don’t.” I bit my lip. “My friend invited me. Don’t tell anyone, but I wasn’t really invited. I’m not really part of this crowd.”
“What crowd?”
“The rich and famous crowd.” And then I remembered how Zane knew me. “Well, you know that already,” I let out a weak laugh, “I wouldn’t be working at Lou’s if I was rich and made of money.”
“Then I’m glad you’re not rich.” He smiled, a gigantic toothy smile and I couldn’t stop myself from grinning back at him. “Because I feel sorry for anyone who is a part of this crowd.”
“Oh?” I looked at him in surprise.
“It’s a long story.” He sighed. “I don’t want to bore you.”
“I don’t think you have a boring bone in your body.” Why was I so obvious? I wanted to pinch myself.
“There are many girls who would beg to differ with you there.” He laughed.
“So who’s your date tonight?” I questioned looking around.
“No date tonight.” He laughed, and I wiggled my eyebrows in surprised.
“That’s got to be a first.”
“I usually reserve Fridays for my dates.” He stared into my eyes. “I think you’ve met every woman I’ve taken out in the last few months.”
“A different one every week.” I laughed, trying not to let my curiosity get the better of me. I wanted to know why he dated so many different women, but I knew it was none of my business.
“Well, I have to get what I need.” He cleared his throat. “More importantly, don’t ever take Friday nights off. I’m not sure my dates would go as well if you weren’t there.”
“I’m not sure I’m a good luck charm. I never see you with the same girl more than once.” I hoped he would pick up the hint and answer my unasked question.
“What about you? You here with your boyfriend?” His eyes bore into mine intently. Even in the darkness of the room, his eyes sparkled a vivid blue.
“No.” For some reason, I didn’t want to tell him that I didn’t have a boyfriend. I didn’t want him to know that, since he had been frequenting Lou’s, he was all I could think about.
“I’m surprised he let you come out by yourself.” He continued, trying to fish an answer out of me.
“I’m here with friends.” I smiled and looked around nervously.
“So what does he do?” He persisted and I wondered why it was so important for him to know.
“Who?” I frowned, pretending to be confused.
“Your boyfriend.”
“Oh, well, I don’t exactly have one right now.”
“Aw, you’re rocking the single life?” He grinned and moved in closer to me.
“You could say that.” I rolled my eyes.
“You’re a beautiful girl, I’m sure there has to be someone you’re interested in.”
“Not really.” Just you, and you’re a player, so no thanks, I thought to myself.
“This isn’t the sort of party to meet a good guy though.” Zane spoke seriously. “I mean, a lot of the guys here aren’t the sort of guys I would recommend to a girl like you.”
“Well I will try and remember that.” I was unsure if his comment was meant to be helpful or disparaging.
“I’m sure you will meet a Mr. Wonderful soon.” He paused. “I guess that’s what you women want, right? A Mr. Wonderful to sweep you off your feet and promise you a forever?”
“You could say that.” I answered honestly. “Though I’m waiting patiently. I know the right guy is out there somewhere.” I’m hoping he’ll come sooner rather than later, but there was no way I was going to tell him that.
“So, Lucky. What else do you do asides from working at Lou’s.”
“I’m studying history at UM. I know it sounds a bit boring, but I love it.”
“History, huh?” His eyes glowed. “Know anything about the Civil Rights Era?”
“It’s my specialty actually.” I spoke enthusiastically. “I’m actually focusing on that period of time for my thesis.”
“I can tell that you enjoy it.” He smiled gently and reached over and stroked my cheek softly. “There’s something wonderful about a woman who is passionate about something.”
“I’m a ….” My breath caught and my cheek burned under his touch.
“Lucky, there you are.” Leeza ran up to me and squealed. “I was so worried you weren’t going to come.”
“I’m here.” I smiled and did a little twirl. I saw Zane laugh at my little dance and I smiled back at him warmly.
“I want you to meet this guy.” She grabbed my arm enthusiastically.
“I’m actually talking to someone.” I smiled at Zane apologetically, and he grinned back at me.
“Oh?” Leeza turned around and stared at Zane, her blue eyes nearly popping out as she looked him up and down. “Hi, I’m Leeza, Lucky’s best friend. And you are?” She flung her blonde hair over her shoulders, and it took everything I had to smile and not roll my eyes. She was a shameless flirt and she never met a man she didn’t want to make fall under her spell.