Before heading out for the night, Yolanda called my office phone.
"Hey Yolanda, I'm just about to leave."
"Don't leave just yet, there is a client here for you the boss wants you to meet, shall I send him down?"
Why the hell can't I be informed prior to these meetings?
"Sure thing." I replied.
I had at least 45 seconds to ensure all of my things were ready to go underneath my desk. I applied one coat of lip gloss and combed my hair with my fingers. I heard the shoes hit the marble floor outside my office and alas a gentle knock. I slipped on my heels and walked over to the door. As I opened the door, I'm positive my jaw opened as well.
"Eva, it's nice to meet you, I'm Terrance from Bradley construction, how are you?"
I'm pretty sure he said it was nice to meet me, but what he doesn't know is...
"The pleasure is all mine."
This man was fine. Top of the line. He stood at least 6'4" thick with smooth skin. His eyes were a rich hazelnut that smiled when he smiled. He was...
"I'm sorry to catch you so late in the day, but my last meeting ran over. I hope I wasn't stopping you from any plans?" He had a sincere level of concern on his face. Who is this nigga?
"Not exactly, I was just going to grab food and go home. Nothing that can't wait! Please come in and have a seat."
"Grab food? No dinner plans, it's Friday night!" He continued.
"Yes grab food to cook, I cook on Friday nights and watch a movie. So how can I help you today?" I had to change the subject and quick because I was two seconds away from inviting this man to dinner and dessert AND coffee.
As he sat down, I heard another set of footsteps, no knock, the door just opened. I knew it was Jamal.
"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt. Yolanda told me you had someone from Bradley."
I tried to hide my eye roll but I'm certain I messed that up.
"Yes, this is..."
"Terrance, Terrance Norwood. It's nice to meet you, I assume you are Jamal Collins?"
Jamal felt intimidated once Terrance stood up to greet him, his shoulders stiffened.
"Yes I am. I wanted to meet with you so that Eva can go on home, she has been here since 6:30 this morning. If that's alright with you."
What? Jamal being considerate? What the hell is going on?
"Yes that will be fine, but before I leave...Eva if I'm not being too forward can I take you to dinner tonight?"
My heart stopped, Jamal's eyes cut towards me and I looked back to Terrance.
"As much as I would love to stay home and cook, that sounds much better. Here is my card with my cell on it, call me when you're done." I smiled and handed him my card ensuring to let my fingers graze his hand.
Jamal cleared his throat. I grabbed my bag from underneath my desk.
"Eva, I need to review your sheet before you go. Mr. Norwood, can I have a few moments? I will meet you in the lobby in just a few moments." Jamal suggested.
Terrance smiled at me and proceeded out the door.
Jamal gently pressed the door closed.
"Have you lost your damn mind, Eva? Do you know I could fire your ass right now?"
"Fire me for what? Taking a dinner date?"
"You know damn well you mine and you out here trying to be a hoe. You're not going to dinner with him."
"Oh, is the engaged man jealous of the single man?" I joked.
"Eva, don't test me."
"Good night, Mr. Collins"
