Rule #1: Don't fall in love

Part 3

Tamika feels as if her eyes are going to fall out of her head, he's my blind date she all but screams in her head. Just as she begins to eye the exit Xavier approaches her "Are you stalking me Mika?". A sudden rage boils inside of her, who does he think he is if anything he's the one stalking me. "Listen here you big bag of dicks, I didn't follow you and despite what Cynthia thinks we are not going to be a good match". Xavier chuckles loudly "I don't know who Cynthia is but I think she's onto something". Tamika blushes a shade of red she didn't think her caramel skin could ever turn, so he's not here for their date, then why is he her and who is her actual date. "Ne..ne..nevermind, wrong person, sorry about calling you a bag of dicks I gotta go. I'm waiting for someone". Xavier salutes he as she walks over to the hostess and informs her of her reservation under Cynthia. As the hostess is ushering her to her seat Tamika takes a look back at Xavier who flashes his dazzling smile and winks. I take that back he's the biggest bag of dicks I've ever met.

As Tamika begins looking at the menu she feels a set of eyes bearing into her, she looks up and is startled by the man that she's never seen before. This must be him she says to herself, tall enough, black hair that's slicked to the side in a hard part, black dress shirt and pants. Not exactly what I would go for but I promised Cynthia that I would try. "Hi I'm Jack, are you Tamika?" "Yup that me, nice to meet you" she half smiles at him. "Great! Cynthias told me a lot about you, I'm glad you agreed to this from what she's told me you usually aren't about the whole dating thing". Great a rambler she inwardly cringes while keeping the best fake smile she can muster. "I'm glad to hear that, please take a seat". She knows that he can tell that wasn't the most sincere thing to come out of her mouth. "How about we order some drinks to ease this tension" "I don't drink but please feel free, I'll get a lemonade". Jack waives over the waiter and Tamika can tell that he's even more nervous than he was a few seconds ago, whoops guess he should have done his homework better. "Two lemonades please, we need a bit more time with the menus. Thanks" The waiter nods and goes to place the drink order. Tamika glances around the restaurant, Xavier catches her eye, he's looking at her and smirking over his glass which she is assuming is filled with whiskey. He's sitting next to some blonde bombshell that has legs for days, she looks like she has enough silicone in her body to make a whole fleet of dolls but a smoke show none the less. There's two other men and another woman at the table but they all have their backs to her.

Jack clears his throat "so what are you thinking of getting? don't tell me you're one of those salad girls" Tamika almost spits out her first sip of lemonade that the waiter placed in front of her moments ago. "No no no, I'm far from one of those girls" "Great I hear they make the best chicken alfredo in the country" "Well I guess we'll have to test that for ourselves, bring on the carbs good sir". Maybe this won't be so bad after all. The conversation becomes a lot less tense as they wait for their food. Jack tells her about how boring his job as an accountant is and that he's slightly jealous that she went into marketing as that was always his passion but his father always said it wasn't something he could make a career of. "Well if you ever change your mind about marketing put my number in your phone and I can give you a few pointers" Tamika rarely gives her number out but Jack is intriguing and even though she doubts their romantic chemistry she thinks they can become friends. "Thanks Tamika, I really appreciate it" just then their food arrives and they continue conversation and laughing between forkfuls of the best chicken alfredo in the country.

Tamika takes another scan around the restaurant as she sips the last of her lemonade and realizes there's beginning to be a line forming of obviously hungry potential patrons. Jack notices where her gaze has fallen "I guess we should get the check huh?" "I suppose so, looks like a lot of people are waiting and not enough people are leaving. Listen I've had a really good time tonight but.." "but you don't ever see yourself being with me, I get the same vibe. Don't get me wrong you're beautiful and funny but honestly not the kind of girl I see myself with". "Ouch, so this is what this feels like" she laughs. "Tell you what, you have my number now, let's meet up for a coffee sometime this week and yes as friends". "Sounds good, Cynthia is going to be pissed. Since you're her best friend I think it's only fair you tell her, I have to work with her after this and she'll kill me for not swooning you" they both bust out laughing because they both know it's true. Jack walks her to her car and they both say their goodbyes. "Catch ya on the flip side Jack" Jack begins laughing "What are you 9? See ya later Tamika and it was great meeting you". Tamika gets into her car and finally breathes a sigh of relief, that went well and I didn't have to crush anyone. As Tamikas car roars to life she sends a quick text to Cynthia.

Tamika: Hey girl, nice guy just a bit too nice

Cynthia: AGAIN?!?!?!

Tamika begins her short journey home singing along to her post date playlist. As she's pulling into her apartments parking she remembers what a fools she made of herself in front Xavier. As she's getting out of her car she quickly scans the carpark and doesn't see Xavier's sleek black dodge charger hellcat and books it to the elevator. Safe at last, safe at last.