A Paradox

Chapter 4

January 16 - Saturday

"And she had the nerve to walk in with such a short dress on," complains Erica. She was speaking of the tasteless new woman her boss, Shawn Hung, was now a 'item' with. " I swear Mr. Hung needs to stop messing with those fluzzies. They want nothing more then his money."

Frederick took a bite of his bread. " The man likes what he likes - I like what I like," said Frederick in a flirtious manner. They were having dinner at Basco's ; a local Italian restaurant. It was nothing too fancy but it did require you to dress decently. Frederick worn a light blue collar dress with rolled up selves and black slacks and black shoes. Erica had her brown curls up in a neat bun and a yellow sundress on with silver med heels.

Erica blushes and smiles. " Mmm do you now? And what do you like?"

" Beautiful, independent black woman," Frederick laughs.

Erica smirks and shakes her head. " You're a fool."

Erica's phone vibrates the table. She looks at the caller ID; its Mr. Hung. "I have to take this."

Frederick nods his head in agreement and takes a bite of his salad.
Erica gets up, "I'll be right back."
She walks to the bathroom and disappears inside.

Frederick looks around at the other couples that dined here. His eyes stopped on a boy with black dreadlocks pulled back wearing a white dress shirt and black slacks; the waiter uniform. Joshua?

Joshua was taking the order of some elder couple. He must've said something funny because the couple laughed. He then went over to the back kitchen that was near the restrooms.

Frederick thoughtlessly follow him but stop at the back kitchen door. He leans against the wall and waits. It wasn't too long until Joshua emerges with drinks on a black tray. Frederick taps his shoulder and Joshua faces him.

"What do you need sir?" Joshua asks with a smile; not recognizing Frederick.

" Why is Juli prosituting?" Frederick asks him.

Joshua's smile fades, "What are you talking about?"

"Your girlfriend is selling herself for money," Frederick rearranges his words, " You do know, don't you?"

Joshua crooks his head and looks at Frederick with disgust. "Yea, I know - what's it to you? What are you? a
A buyer of her?"

"No but I'm her English teacher."

Joshua looks at Frederick hard. "Oh yea, I didn't recognize you without your glasses. What are you here for? To harass me about Juli?"

"No, I was just dining with my wife."

" Well, enjoy your meal," Joshua turns away from Frederick.

Frederick grabs his arm. "I just want to know why Juli selling herself so cheaply she's a -"

Frederick was cut short by a black tray hitting in the face. Frederick falls back but catches himself before he hits the ground.

Everyone averted their eyes toward them. Joshua was going in for another hit but a buff waiter grabs him and holds him back.

"Aye man lemme go!" Joshua shouts. He struggles with the buff man but he wasnt letting go.

Erica comes our the restroom and looks at Frederick to Joshua. "What happen?"

Frederick rubs the side of his face where he was hit. "Nothing."