busy for the upkeep.” She shrugged. “They’d all be belly up within days. I definitely don’t want that on my conscience.” He walked over to his stereo and changed the song: ‘Water’ by Kojey Radical.
“They are on auto-feed.” He pointed to a small contraption attached to the tank. “I have someone come in every two weeks and clean it. Have a seat. I’ll be back with a glass of wine for you. La Follette Sangiacamo Chardonnay, fine?”
“I’ve never had it before. In fact, I’m not good with that sort of thing.” She shrugged. “I like what I like but I’m not a wine aficionado or anything like that.”
“Well, tonight is your lucky night. I’ll teach you about wine eventually, too.” He went to grab the bottle from the stainless steel refrigerator in the kitchen. Selecting two glasses he’d picked up on his trip to Venice the previous year, he poured the beverages and brought them to the living room. Yasmine was sitting on his large L-shaped white couch, her long legs crossed and looking rather stiff and restless. “Here you go.” He handed her a glass and sat across from her on a round white loveseat.
“Thank you. I, uh, wasn’t sure if I was going to come tonight.” She tucked one leg beneath herself and seemed to drift off into a daydream.
Stretching his arm along the back of the chair, he burst with lust, threatening to spill over the rim of his desires at the mere sight of her, much like the glasses full of wine.
“I know.”
“I am still conflicted about this.”
“I know.”
“I decided to come because I’m nosey.” She smiled ever so slightly. “I want to see what you’re going to do, what you have in store for me.”
“For us, Yasmine… what I have in store for us.” He took a sip then nodded. “Try it.”
She did.
“Mmm, this is good. I like it.” He opened a cubby in his clear coffee table that sat between them, mouthing the lyrics of the song as he rummaged through the contents.
“…Something in the water…” He sang. “…Oh my God… I think there’s something in the water…” Ahhh, there it is.
He pointed a remote control towards the wall and a fire ignited in the built-in fireplace that was really quite well hidden.
“Oh, wow,” she said, clearly impressed. “That’s nice. Yeah, I like that…” Her voice trailed as she tapped the wine glass, looking a tad awkward. There was an innocence about this woman that he so loved. Despite her being who she was, there was still a part of her she protected, one that seemed to know no evil.
“So.” He crossed his feet. “Let’s get into a bit of Q and A. Simple stuff.” He waved his hand then set his glass down.
“Okay. Do you want to go first?”
“Of course I do.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “What’s your favorite color?”
“Hmm, well, I have two colors I love, but I think green is my favorite color. Jade, to be exact. You?”
“This isn’t about me. I am providing a service while also trying to get to know you.”
She took another sip of her wine and regarded him with a puzzled expression.
“I want to know. You did say we are dating, despite the situation. Correct?” He took another leisurely sip of his wine.
“Red.” She nodded. “Who is someone people say you look like?”
“It changes from time to time. People say I look like… well, I’ve gotten Janelle Monae a few times. Do you know who she is?”
“Of course I do. A singer who’s also done some acting. I believe she is a songwriter, too. Quite talented, actually.” He cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. “Yeah… I can see that. There’s a resemblance.”
“Who do people tell you that you look like?” she tossed back.
“I’m never really told I resemble anyone in particular. Okay, last question. Where—”
“Nope. Not so fast.” She waved her finger. “I’ll tell you who you resemble. I thought of it as soon as I saw you at The Cage.”
“Who?”
“Matthew Del Negro.” He chuckled at that. “A ha! People have told you that you look like him.”
“Yeah, a couple people have, but I don’t see it…”
“You do, trust me. The only difference is your complexion is a bit darker than his and you have blue eyes. Okay, what’s the next question?”
“If you could travel to any country in the world tomorrow, where would it be?” He knew she’d not necessarily pick up right away his reasoning for