Velvet Devil

MI

nt sure this is the w

n who wasn't aware that women can in fact read. "Isn't that pretty

ne hundred

avage and the ass of the girl refreshing our water glasses. I heave a bitter sigh. I

ant is fancy, which means the service is slow, which means I'm stuck here for wa

jobs out there," I say to

heir right mind wan

nstantly. "

but better late than never-that I'm actually being serious. And also that lau

us tip wasted on a manicure for a guy who pronounces "Françoise

e subject abruptly. He grins with wine-stained teeth. "N

isapproving glance in our direction. I duck her eye contact-and as I do,

t by a lightning bolt. A head

arp cheekbones like a fashion model, plus a Superman jaw. His suit moves fluidly with his languid moti

, until he glances over at

, I feel like a complete moron. I can only hop

y?" Regg

n I mean to. Luckily, I'm saved when

down at my squid ink ravioli with no appetite an

ly. He saws off a big piece and devours it before I've even picke

don't have to watch Reggie's molars at work, and partly so I

er all. A fissure of electricity rushes up my spin

ect. Unapologet

about the hardware store he co-owns with his two older brothers. I nod and smile, ho

f Susan B. Anthony is probably going to haunt me for the rest of my life for giving up on

cal. It's bypassing every part of my brain that knows ho

thrilling. Od

, very a

am

amily call me by. It feels way too intimate and familiar coming from him. But I'm too f

hat was t

. "Is something distracting you?" he asks. "I

g," I reply quickl

O

e. "And I was up late last night." Also not exactly a lie. Although "late" in thi

he asks. "Cool. Anyway,

ing my screensaver on," as Brianna calls it. It's easier that way

is attempt at a compliment. "Real fuckin' smokeshow. Girl like you needs a guy like m

time tonight he's mentioned how "self-made" he is. Although

sse, Reggie looks up and snaps his fingers for the waiter. When no one notices him in th

fied at his behavior

ounded that I seem to hav

s ru

ign language. "Nah, babe, it's friendly. You just are

rrassment. Maybe if I scrunch my eyes closed reall

orders the waiter when she comes to our

pologetic smile. Please don't hate me, I'm saying to her with my eyes.

. "C'mon, party's j