What He Won't Do

Chapter 4: The Doorman

I need to get over him. Just because he looks good doesn't mean he's what I need. Eight years we've been doing this—eight years married—and he doesn't care one bit about what I need or how I feel. I was supposed to come first. But it's my fault. I let him run me over. I don't think he ever loved me. He couldn't have, not with the way this is ending now. This terrible feeling it's like I lost him years ago. Now it's time for me to go.

Tomeka had been driving aimlessly all day. No destination, no plans. No friends left, she had given them up when she met Terrence. She lived for him, disappeared into his world, and now she was all alone. Tonight, she decided, was about to be her night.

Pulling into the parking lot of the Palace Mirage, she stepped out, breathing in the warm night air. Inside, the place buzzed with energy; couples laughing, sharing intimate moments. But Tomeka felt none of that. Tonight wasn't about love. Tonight was about reclaiming herself.

"Good afternoon, miss," said a tall man, his voice smooth and serious.

Tomeka blinked, snapping back from her thoughts. "I'm sorry, are you talking to me?" she asked with a small, tired smile.

He nodded. "How are you this evening?"

She shrugged and smiled faintly. "As good as can be."

She let herself be seated and took in the warm, inviting atmosphere. It was the kind of place where she could lose herself for a while.

As she enjoyed her meal, the same man approached her again.

"Are you enjoying your meal, ma'am?" His eyes glowed with something unspoken.

"Yes, it's really lovely," Tomeka replied.

"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked, gesturing to the table across from hers.

"Not at all. Please, have a seat," she said, surprised but not unwilling.

He sat down, and for a moment, he just looked at her. So focused, she didn't immediately notice the uniform, the crisp blazer, the polished shoes. He was the doorman.

She cleared her throat and met his gaze. There was a glare in his eyes she couldn't ignore. Something about him felt... different. What was a man that good-looking doing working here?

"So, how does a beautiful woman like you end up eating alone?" he asked, locking eyes with her.

Tomeka took a slow sip from her glass. "Just felt like getting out. Needed some space."

He nodded knowingly. "I get that."

She signaled the waiter for the check, ready to leave. But before she could reach for her purse, the doorman called over the waiter.

"This one's on the house," he said with a charming smile, signing the bill.

The waiter nodded respectfully. "Yes, sir. Mr. Johnson."

Tomeka looked at him, surprised. "You'd do that for me? We don't even know each other."

He shrugged, still smiling. "Yes, beautiful. I take pride in treating my women right."

She frowned. "Women?"

He reached for her arm, but she pulled away quickly. "Sorry, I'm not the sharing type."

"No, no. You have the wrong idea," he said, trying to catch her gaze.

But she was already heading toward the restroom, needing space.

Outside, Tomeka called for her car only to find it parked far away from the valet spots in the owner's parking spot. The ticket attendant smiled. "The owner told us to park it there."

She didn't complain.

When she got to the car, a note fluttered on the window.

Enjoyed our conversation. Would love to see you again.

Your friend, The Doorman.

She stared at the note, confused.

Why would he leave this on my car? She wondered.
He's got women, I know he does. I don't have time for him. I have a husband at home, and I don't want to be around him. Why would I want to be around anyone else?

Tomeka drove to a quiet hotel instead of home. The thought of facing Terrence again made her stomach twist. She was done. Nothing could change that this time. Maybe this was it. Maybe it was time to file the papers.

She hated that it came to this, but Terrence gave up their marriage a long time ago. Cheating openly, not even bothering to hide it.

Tonight, Tomeka would start living for herself.