Page 3 of Cause When You Love Someone

“Of course not. Your demeanor is a pleasant surprise.”

“I’m surprised a woman that appears to be so confident is into online dating.”

“I mean, I’m not looking for a traditional union. The only people who seem to respect different relationships are those online.”

“Untraditional?”

A two-note giggle tumbled from her lips as she looked away. I tracked her eyes, but I didn’t notice anyone out of place.

“Yeah,” she said in a drag. “I’m thirty-five, and I’ve been married twice. Marriage, in the traditional sense, isn’t what I’m looking for.”

“You’re talking in circles.”

Presley ejected an open-mouthed huff. “All right. I’m just going to lay it out there. I’m currently in a relationship, and me and my girl are looking for a third.”

My heart sank. “You don’t think you should’ve shared that in your profile?”

“I prefer to connect with a man organically, not with some freak who thinks polygamy translates to threesomes. At this point, I don’t want to waste your time or mine, so I want to be transparent.”

I tossed my napkin on the table, sending Essen a signal to interrupt the date.

“I knew this was some bullshit,” I muttered. “You said you don’t want to waste time, but that’s exactly what you’ve done. I’m not into sharing. I would hurt somebody for touching my woman. You’re out of your damn mind.”

“You’re right about that. You’re wearing a Franco and a Rolex. I lost my mind when I saw you were wearing cheap jewelry and I didn’t walk out the door.” She snickered at her egotistical joke, then dabbed the corners of her lips with her thumb.

“Well, I guess you told me.” I grinned, staring down at the fifty-thousand-dollar watch on my wrist. My piece wasn’t as expensive as I could afford, but it was what I liked.

“I apologize if you feel I’m being vain, but it’s only right I keep it real.”

I side-eyed the weirdo. “Real is a stretch. I looked you up, too. Aside from you buying followers, you’re broke.

You don’t own most of the luxury pieces you post. Don’t get me started on your lack of maturity or class.

I was raised in the projects, and even I know you aren’t supposed to eat with your elbows on the table. ”

“Aww. You really are butt hurt. I’m used to niggas?—”

“And that’s your biggest flaw.”

As I looked for our server, I noticed my best friend’s petite frame weaving through the round tables. I shook my head, hoping it would halt her steps, but she kept coming.

“Ishmael! I’m so glad I found you.” Essen gave Presley a weak smile. “Sorry to interrupt. This is my cousin?—”

“It’s cool, Essen,” I interjected while taking my wallet from the pocket of my slacks. “You don’t have to put on an act. She isn’t worth all that.”

Essen’s quick breathing came to a halt. “Oh. Okay. In that case, let this duck worry about the bill, and let’s go. I’ll go get Durk, and we’ll meet you outside.”

I waited until we entered the night air to explain why I ended the date. Essen looked at me with pity-filled eyes while Durk appeared disappointed.

“Nigga!” he yelled. “I can’t believe you threw in the towel because she wanted to bring you into her lesbian relationship. You’re gay.”

“You’re fucking easy.” I grimaced at the diamond-grilled shit talker. “Think about it. Would you share Clover with another person—man or woman?”

Durk’s face rumpled with rage. “Don’t play with me like that.”

“Exactly. Having an agreement to have fun with your partner is one thing, but bringing another person into the fold permanently is deadly.”

Most men would have hopped on the chance to commit to a relationship where they didn’t need to be the focal, but I required more. Shit like that was the reason I cheated in my last relationship. After the pain I caused, I vowed to walk away before I crossed the line.

“Durk, get off his back.” Essen chimed in. “You should know more than anyone what it’s like to want to find your ol’ lady.”

“Bullshit. I didn’t want to find a damn thing. God brought her to me.” Durk gripped my shoulder. “Pray about it, bro. The big man might mess with you.”

I shrugged off his encouragement. “I’m not pressed about it. This will be my last date for a while. First, the coffee date was a bust, then Essen hooked me up with that crazy lady. Now, this hot coochie broad with her ridiculous proposal. I know when it’s time to bow out.”

Essen pouted while squeezing my cheeks like a granny. “Aww, bestie, don’t give up so easily!”

“I’m not giving up. I’m just giving God the chance to move without trying to rush His steps.”

Durk chuckled as he shuffled his view between Essen and me. “I really thought you two would end up together.”

Essen and I stared at each other before busting out laughing.

“You’re sick,” I commented. “I’ve been telling you for years, you’re delusional. This is my sister. It’s never been like that .”

“Never say never,” Durk proposed. “You remember how I used to have an allergic reaction at the thought of being with one woman forever.”

Essen pursed her lips. “Then you fell in love and showed your ass in church. Don’t forget that part.”

“I didn’t forget! I’m not ashamed. You got to put in work to claim a good woman.”

“You call it putting in work; I say you were acting a fool,” Essen declared.

Durk poked out his chest. “Oh, well. I got my bitch. Maybe four-eyes should try it.”

I hit the reckless one with a heavy-lidded look. “I’m not taking advice from a nigga who ran into a church to confront his sidepiece for speaking to his new piece.”

Essen stopped in her tracks. “Weren’t you with him when he disrupted bible study?”

I grinned, thinking about the trouble I got into with Durk. “He works my nerves, but that’s my brother. Call my presence moral support.”

“Negro, please. You’re his accomplice.”