Match Made

Let's Party

Coming out of my head, we entered the hotel. Once we get to our rooms we meet in the lobby to go grab lunch. Holding the door for me I say, "Thank you. Still a gentleman."

Smirking, Aden replies, "Always. I'll let you choose the restaurant as well."

"When in Maryland, crab cakes are a must."

"Is that so?"

"Absolutely. There's a restaurant my daughter found. Everything there is scrumptious, especially their crab cakes. Shall we go?"

"Wherever you choose is fine by me."

Through my app, I ordered a ride. Then say, "They'll be here in three minutes."

Momentarily, he's deep in thought. Smiling, he replies, "Cool. Well, lunch is on me, no exceptions."

"Of course. Would you allow it any other way?"

Unbeknownst to us, the restaurant was in walking distance. We're now seated when he chuckles and I ask, "What's so funny?"

"I see you still love seafood."

Grinning I answer, "Yeah, I guess so, but I enjoy a steak too. It's a little late in life to start craving red meat, so I do control myself."

"You talk as if we're ancient. Steak was my favorite then and still is now, and I feel no guilt," Aden shrugged.

"You're right. Now I sound like those miserable people at my last job. Lord knows how grateful I am to be free from that place. Everyone 40 and over spoke as if we were one foot out of the grave. I hated it."

"Glad you're free. Me and ...I've never said I'm old. We're too young for that," Aden smiles.

The server brings our drinks and I smile back. Once he leaves Aden lifts his glass for a toast. Tapping my wine glass to his drink glass, gazing into my eyes he says, "While we're young."

Cheesing I repeat, "While we're young," then sip.

Hard swallowing, I sigh, "Well we know what it is that I do. What's your career?"

"I'm a promoter."

"Elaborate."

"Parties, events,"

Now motioning towards me he continues, "Authors. ...If you need something promoted, I'm your guy. That's why I'm here. The Baltimore Ravens had a private but prominent event, and I was over it."

"My daughter and her husband are huge Raven fans. My son-in-law claims this was the best job opportunity, but I know being in Maryland with the Ravens made this position much more appealing to him."

"Too bad I didn't know this ahead of time, I would've invited them. Maybe next time." He winks.

Learning he's a promoter takes me back to our first Summer together. Aden had a business plan. He wanted to throw parties. Not basement or backyard parties either. His older brother just above him, was named Samuel. He was only a few years out of high school himself, but he drove a Mercedes Benz and owned a strip mall.

It's my birthday weekend and a brand new steakhouse had just opened. Aden borrowed his brother's car and wore a black suit, so I wore a black dress to match him and the car. By this time my mom thinks he's just wonderful. She actually has us pose by the car before we leave and snaps a photo.

Reminiscing it's comical now but being there we thought everyone else was idiots. We had to look like little kids to them, valeting a brand-new Mercedes and then eating at a five-star restaurant. 

 I remember the salad was a thick head of lettuce sliced with vinegar and oil drizzled across it. Face twisted Aden says, "That looks terrible. Do you like it?"

With a yucky face, I answer, "No! And it's not even lettuce it's cabbage."

Immediately he starts calling for the server. Lowering her eyes with her nose in the air, she asks, "Yes?"

Aden demands, "She doesn't like that so take it off the bill."

"It's inclusive with her meal."

"What?" Aden scoffs.

Eyes raised she simply answers, "No problem." then takes my salad.

We weren't being too picky; the restaurant did have horrible food. Aden calls our server again asking for the bill. He pays and we leave two barely eaten meals on the table. Afterward, we stopped for sliders and ate at a park. Shoes off we sit on the car's hood gazing at the stars when he says, "Let's get rich."

Nodding I agree. We finish our food and then go home.

Finally, Aden's business plan is in motion. He and Dallas purchase matching jackets and come up with a business name. I don't wear a jacket but I'm very much a part of the team. Right before school starts, they rent a popular club downtown and throw their first party and it's a total success. Initially, other guys were teasing because he and Dallas were dressed alike, but after the success of their opening night, everyone wanted Aden and Dallas' matching jackets. Aden was already popular, now he was a senior and a successful party promoter. Although I was always with him, I was starting to feel alone.

It was Homecoming Weekend. Aden and Dallas were excited to go, but I wasn't. Something wasn't quite right with Aden. After homecoming, it was our first senior outing. It was at the apple orchard, but first, we stopped for pizza. Aden always makes sure I'm taken care of, so he got us a booth. He orders our food then Sonya comes over saying, "Aden, we need you outside!"

Aden tells me, "I'll be back."

I nodded and then sat alone in my corner because Dallas was already out there. Suddenly I heard a scream. I look out the picture window and it's Aden, Dallas, and a few other males playing touch football with Sonya and every pretty girl in our senior class. Aden returns and I'm in my feelings, so I shut down. He's talking but I merely respond by nodding or giving one-word answers. Annoyed he says nothing and keeps playing and flirting until we get into the car to drive to the apple orchard. Now in the car, he asks, "What's wrong Kelly?"

Unable to remove my frown I shake my head. Huffing he says, "If you were going to be antisocial you should've stayed home."

Looking out the passenger window to conceal my teary eyes I say, "I'm fine Aden."

Once we're at the orchard Aden is no longer catering to me. We get on a hayride and he's not even sitting next to me. Though I'm hurting inside I'd never let these envious girls see me break. I'm sure to laugh and smile at every photo. By the time we're headed home, I'm so devastated by Aden's disregard for my feelings that I turn fake with him. We kiss in the car but before he exits with me, I stop him saying, "I'm fine. It's late, don't miss your curfew."

Neither he nor Dallas were expecting my calm demeanor. I entered the house as if I had a blast. Without bathing, I undress, crawl into bed then cry myself to sleep.