The creepy guy continues to harass me. If I try to leave the club, he’ll probably follow me out, and I’d be outside alone with him. If I stay here, who knows what he’ll try to pull. The next thing I know, I hear Mr. Washington’s voice.
Waddell: Hey love, you ready to go yet?
It takes me a moment to realize what he’s doing. He’s trying to get this guy from my back.
Prosperity: Yeah, babe. I was just about to come and get you.
Stranger: Oh, snap! I didn’t realize she belonged to you…I’m sorry, dude. No disrespect.
This guy has gone too far.
Prosperity: First of all, I don’t belong to anyone. What the hell do you think this is? And if I catch you harassing anybody else in here, I’m kicking your ass, then calling the cops.
Stranger: Alright, alright – my mistake.
Waddell: You ready to go?
Prosperity: Almost.
I’m not going to let this guy run me off just yet. My night ends when I’m ready for it to end.
I go to the bar and take a seat. After a few moments, Mr. Washington joins me.
Prosperity: Thanks for your help.
Waddell: No problem. I would have walked over sooner, but I didn’t want to overstep.
Considerate and handsome…
Prosperity: *turns to the bartender* A Wrench on ice please, and one for him too.
Waddell: I’m used to being the one buying the drinks.
Prosperity: I got you, as thanks for saving me from that creepy guy.
Waddell: You didn’t need me. You seem perfectly capable of taking that guy out on your own. But, next time – drinks are on me.
Prosperity: Next time? Isn’t that a bit presumptuous?
Waddell: I just meant – if I ever run into you like this again.
Mr. Washington stands up after the bartender gives him his glass.
Waddell: It was good to see you again, Miss Banks.
I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to him yet.
Prosperity: I was just joking, Mr. Washington. You don’t have to leave. Plus, you never answered my question from earlier.
He sits back down and places his drink on the bar.
Waddell: Call me Waddell, and which question is that?
Prosperity: I asked if you were married. You never answered.
Waddell: Oh, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to ignore it. It’s just a painful subject, but no – I’m not married.
Now I’m curious, but I don’t know him well enough to pry. Is there some sordid story there? Whatever the case may be, he’s single. I change the subject.
Prosperity: You don’t have to wait to run into me again. You can take down my cell number.
Waddell: I already have your cell number. I just needed permission to call it.
Something about that statement makes me squirm in my seat a little – in a good way. But, he was my son’s teacher. Of course, he has my cell number…and somewhere in my contacts – I should have his too.
I pull out my phone to check. Sure enough, his number is in there…listed as Kai’s teacher. I really need to change that. Before I can stop myself, I’m typing a short text.
Prosperity’s Text: I’ve had a little crush on you since I met you.
I hit send and regret it immediately. Sending a text like that was something the old Peri would do. I’m a mom now, and I can’t be reckless like that anymore. He picks up on my change of demeanor.
Waddell: *suspicious* What’s going on? Did I miss something?
Prosperity: No, just ignore…
Too late, the text comes through, and he checks his phone right away.
Waddell: Oh, Miss Banks – I’m not sure what to say.
Prosperity: It’s Peri…and please – don’t say anything. I shouldn’t have sent that.
I can’t even blame it on the drink because it’s still sitting untouched in front of me. We sit there awkwardly for a few moments, staring straight ahead. I know why I’m reacting this way. I just made a complete fool of myself. But why is he? Maybe because the text was completely inappropriate. I should never have crossed that line. It’s time for me to go.
I get up to leave, but once again…his voice stops me in my tracks.
Waddell: You’ve been on my mind, too.
Oh really? I’m not sure if I needed to hear that right now. Either way, it throws me off-kilter and has me walking towards the closet rather than out the door. I correct my path and leave as soon as I realize.
It’s after 4 am when I finally arrive home. I’m surprised to see mama still up waiting for me, just like old times.
Prosperity: You didn’t have to wait up, ma. Aren’t you tired?
Alida: I napped. Did you have fun tonight?
I walk over to the couch and sit down.
Prosperity: Maybe
I’m not trying to tease her with my answer. It’s the most honest one I can give right now. I don’t know what tonight was. Fun somehow doesn’t fit.
Prosperity: There are only a few hours left for me to sleep. C’mon, ma…we can share my bed.
I get up and go into my bedroom with mama right behind me. It’s been a long night, and I can only hope that I’ll be rested enough for my 8 am class.
(Generation 2 Chapter Summaries)
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