I N S T I N C T I V E

(Six.)

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Two Months Later

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"So, how is your morning going?" Dwight asked, sitting beside Ramona on the train. "Fine. I have to work with the interior design team today to create a solid decoration plan since I am almost done with the sketches." Said Ramona. "And yourself?" She asked. "I have a meeting with renters who want to rent out a Chicago studio and turn it into a dance studio. Then, after that I have to oversee a few property inspections. I'm planning to buy and flip an abandoned shopping center on the South side." He said. Ramona shook her head.

"I advise you to be careful in that area. The people are ruthless there, it's so dangerous." Ramona said, crossing her arms. Dwight smiled softly. "Thank you for being concerned about me. I'll make sure I'm careful." He said. She nodded. "What about you?" He asked. "I'm having dinner with my friends after I leave my company. The ones I see every month or so..." Ramona said. Dwight chuckled, but little did he know that in some cases it was true. "I see. Me and my brother along with a few friends are going to a night club downtown today. It'll be the first time I go out in awhile." He said.

"You're going to a nightclub? I didn't think you'd enjoy that..." Ramona said. "Yes, I know it's a bit surprising. I didn't think I'd really like it either, but it's better when there's a theme." He said. Ramona nodded. "So, what's the theme?" She asked. "Uh..." He trailed off, looking at her for only a second before looking away. "It's uh...black..." He said. Ramona furrowed her eyebrows for a second. Dwight suddenly stood up. "I'm going to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back." He said. "Okay..." She said, and he seemed to walk off quickly.

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After hours

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"So...how have things been going with Dwight- I mean, the project?" Said Brittany, and Gwen nudged her playfully.

The women were at Ramonas home this time, sitting in her living room eating a meal made by her. Ramona was dressed more relaxed this time, wearing a matching pajama set that was a dark green tank top and pants.

"The project is going fine. I'm almost done with the drafts, now." Said Ramona. "Okay, I'm bored of talking about work, let's talk about the hunk of handsome you're working with." Said Gwen, and Ramona groaned. "So, has anything happened?" Asked Brittany. "No, nothing has happened." Said Ramona.

"But he checks all of your boxes, Ramona. Why aren't you with him tonight, anyway? Aren't you two always hanging out?" Asked Gwen. "Well, we told me that tonight he was going to a nightclub with his brother." Said Ramona, taking a bite of the food. "To a nightclub with his gay brother?" Asked Brittany, her eyes widened. "Oh my god, don't. I don't even know for sure if he's gay." Said Ramona. "Girl, I don't know. You said his brother was queer and tonight he's going to a nightclub with him. And you said that time you two were at the restaurant you overheard him making an appointment for himself at the nail salon? Girl...this is sounding a little suspicious..." Said Gwen.

Ramona rolled her eyes, standing up to get herself more wine. "You two are so annoying." She said, standing at the counter facing away from from them. "You think he gets acrylics too?" Gwen asked Brittany. Ramona narrowed her eyes, starting to feel frustrated with their remarks towards him. She didn't usually care so much about what someone said about a man. But in this case, he was nothing but nice to her. He didn't deserve any slander and she wished that they spent time with him and had the same experience as she did.

"Girl, he probably does. So he can show it off at the nightclub..." Teased Brittany. Ramona suddenly hit her hand on the counter. "Will you two shut the hell up?" She snapped, making her friends change their facial expressions to confused. "Damn, Ramona. Relax. Why are you getting so defensive? I was sure you said you didn't like him like that." Said Gwen.

Ramona turned around, sighing. "I've been working with and spending time with him for almost three months now. He's the first man I've actually gotten along with and hasn't felt any disrespect, misogyny, ego-tripping, or fragile masculinity from. I could care less if he goes to the nail salon or has a close relationship with his brother who just so happens to be queer. He respects me. And he's a gentleman. So kindly don't talk about him." Ramona said.

Her friends exchanged looks. "You're right. Sorry, Ramona. We didn't mean it that way. We didn't think you felt so close to him that you would actually defend him..." Said Gwen. "Ramona, honestly. Are you sure you don't like him? From what you're saying, he checks all of your boxes and you feel defensive towards him. You don't want to give it a try?" Asked Brittany.

"Mixing business with pleasure never ends well. Yes, we went out a few times, on dates even, and didn't talk about work. I go to his house to work on the project plans and he's made a meal for the both of us a few times. He makes me laugh, and he doesn't argue with me. He's so compliant and doesn't complain about me teaching him something or correcting him. But, a relationship isn't the best thing for me right now. I know that I put my work before everything else and my life is already busy enough as it is. Risking heartbreak would just be a distraction." She said, walking back towards the table.

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To Be Continued

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This was a shorter chapter than the others, mainly because I practically split it into two. But anyway, here are the questions:

Do you think that Dwight is Gay or queer?

Why was Dwight acting so awkward when talking about the nightclub he was going to?

Why do you think that Ramona got so defensive over him? Is she starting to like him?

How are you feeling about the book so far? What do you think will happen next?

Until next time!