When you asked Trinity St. James what she wanted to be growing up she'd always reply: a doctor. Anyone could see it. She loved helping others even when she couldn't help herself. As a third year medical student things are getting increasingly diffic...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Caleb!" I groaned.
"I'm just saying Trinity. This boy sounds sketchy. Who tries to spit game in a hospital? He doesn't even know why you were there. And I know you might not like what I'm saying or want to hear it, but I know you're going to do whatever you want to do regardless so..." He trailed off.
For once I was going to be a normal twenty seven year old. My biggest worry for tonight would be what I would be wearing and if I would be so far removed from the dating game that I'd embarrass myself, but leave it to Caleb to dampen my mood with his words. So what if Jamal had tried to talk to me at the hospital? What if we were one in the same seeking comfort in others? For all I knew he could've been 'grieving' too at Methodist.
Hearing my iPhone beep I removed it from my ear to see a message from Jamal.
From: Jamal
Can't wait to see you tonight.
A smile took over my face and I was right back to my eager self. Bringing my phone back to my ear I spoke up.
"Caleb, I'll call you later. I need to finish getting ready."
Saying our goodbyes we hung up and I shot a text back to Jamal letting him know I was just as excited as he was before placing my phone on the charger. I had let him sweat a bit, but I ended up texting him the day after our run in when I had some downtime. We'd been texting back and forth since then and he seemed like a pretty cool dude. Hopefully we'd enjoyed the night together.
I headed over to my closet in search of something to wear tonight. Since it was August it was relatively warm outside which gave me options. Jamal had suggested going to a lounge and though a lot of people would consider that a weird first date, I didn't. I was a little too old to be hitting the club and I didn't think it'd give us much time to talk and get to know one another. Lounges tended to have a grown and sexy atmosphere where we could be a little more personal with one another. Besides Jamal was also three years younger than me so it wasn't exactly strange that he'd want to do such an activity. His age wasn't a deal breaker by any means, but I did have my reservations. I was hoping he'd be able to prove me wrong tonight.
Clothes were strewn all across my room, but I had finally come across the perfect outfit for tonight. A H&M romper that did a great job of showcasing the body that I was surprised I still had considering I didn't get to work out as much as I wanted. Grabbing my Melody Ehsani choker I placed it on my neck along with a few bracelets on each of my wrist. Looking through my shoe collection my eyes instantly lit up at the sight of my Charles David shoes. Placing them on my height grew from 5'6 to 5'10. Applying my makeup I kept it rather simple giving myself a more natural beat and made my lips stand out with my Ruby Woo red lipstick. My straightened tresses were pulled back into a sleek low bun. Satisfied with my overall appearance I took a few selfies before I left the house to head to my destination.
Arriving at Moonarch Rooftop Lounge I checked my text messages to see if there was any indication of Jamal's arrival. None, but he did give me directions to let the bouncer know I was with him and that we'd reserve a table. My eyebrows shot up. I had taken the liberty of looking into the place once he had given me the necessary information and I knew for a fact bottle and table service wasn't cheap. What was he doing at the age of 24 that he could afford this? Hell, I was currently unemployed since school and working didn't exactly work for me. My entire undergrad career I'd managed to work and save and so far that money helped me stay afloat along with the extras I took out in student loans. I only had one more year until I started my residency and started bringing in a fraction of the money I'd see as an actual surgeon. Oh how I couldn't wait.
Bypassing the line, I approached the bouncer who eyed me like I was a piece of meat. His gaze made me a little uncomfortable, but I didn't falter. Instead I informed him of my situation and after presenting my ID, I was allowed entry. Chatter filled the establishment as people talked amongst each other and drank. Immediately making my way to the bar I looked over a drink menu and decided on one of their specialty cocktail; a Painkiller. Starting up a tab I went outside and the the view of the Empire State building instantly caught my eye. I took a seat directly across from it and made myself comfortable.
To: Jamal
I'm outside. Let me know when you arrive.
Pressing send I took note of the time. I was a little early so he would get a pass. Taking a sip of my drink and a sigh of bliss left my lips.
Time quickly passed by and there was still no sign of Jamal. As I finished off my drink, I grew frustrated noting it was about twenty minute past our agreed meeting time. I could feel the scowl on my face.
'This is what you get for fucking with a youngin.' I thought as I checked my phone.
No text or anything. For the love of God I hoped he wasn't being stupid and standing me up. He'd be in for a very rude awakening if that was the case. The place was too crowded to place a phone call to him so I shot off another text. Debating if I wanted another drink I got ready to head back to the bar but someone sitting down across from me stopped me in my tracks. My eyes roamed over his figure and though he looked good in his plaid shirt my eyebrows shot up in confusion at the fact he'd made himself so comfortable without even asking if the seat was available.
"That seats taken."
It was as if my words had fell on deaf ears and he didn't even budge as he continued to stare at me.
'Fucking creep.'
Getting up I got ready to high tail it out of there and give Jamal the worse verbal lashing he'd ever received.
"Sit down Trinity."
I froze looking over at this stranger wondering how did he know my name. Was he some lame party promoter that Jamal had placed the reservation with? 'That must be it.' I reasoned. That had to be it because that was the only thing that made sense.
"How do you know my name?"
"The name's Owen Harris."
Ask me if I gave a fuck as if his statement answered my question.
"Listen here, I'm not in the mood for anyone antics right now. I asked a question and I demand an answer. How do you know my name?" I asked repeating my request a little slower.
A chuckle left his lips and it caused my scowl to deepen.
"Jamal did a good job."
"Excuse you?"
The lack of answers and all these questions had my head reeling. I could feel myself growing angrier by the second. It was clear I was being played with and I didn't like it one bit.
"You know what." I mumbled as I got up and began to head out.
"5k for your company?" I stopped in my tracks turning around to look at him.
"Excuse you?"
"5k for your company. Stick around and get to know ya boy."
A scoff left my lips. "You're creepy as fuck and contrary to what you may think I'm not for sale."
A chuckle left his lips as he ran a hand over his face.
"Babygirl everyone has a price. You know where to find me when you're ready to accept my offer."
I hightailed it out of there and as I made my way back to the subway I couldn't help but hear Caleb's voice mocking me telling me 'I told you so.'
