“Wow. You look different in jeans.” His face studied her figure as she approached shyly.
“Different in a good way, or…”
“Definitely.”
“So, this steakhouse is a little, um.” The outside of the building boasted sun-bleached bricks and haggard benches.
“It’s rough on the eyes but great on the palate.”
“And on the digestive tract?” Alex continued to scan the brick building as concern mounted. Evening settling, she understood she’d dine practically anywhere as long as she was in his company.
“I haven’t had any complications to date. It’s just really good food.”
“Okay. Let’s eat steak.”
“Let’s.”
The orange shag carpet appeared to be original and in poor condition. The booths were older and worn and the staff were comfortably aged as well. As soon as the elderly waitress saw Bishop she smiled and rushed to him, hobbling as if her hip were bothering her. She embraced him briefly, touching his face as they pulled apart.
“You okay, young man?”
“Never better, Harriot.”
“And who is this beauty you’ve got with you?”
Stepping closer, Alex presented her hand to shake. “I’m Alex.”
“What a looker, Bishop. I’m gonna set you two in the back corner.”
Shuffled to a shabby corner booth, semi-secluded with soft lighting, Alex sat across from Bishop. She couldn’t pry her eyes off of his face, yet it seemed he was suffering the same inconvenience.
“So, Alex, I’m honestly surprised you’re single. There has to be a catch. I’m missing something here.”
“Oh definitely. I’m clearly disturbed.”
“Clearly.”
“I…swerve to hit puppies, and push bikers down…and…”
“I knew it. But seriously.”
“Nah. I told you. I’ve been so wrapped up with family stuff and school. I just haven’t had time.”
“So, would you have time now?” The question was coupled with a curious smile as Bishop flagged Harriot to the table.
“It depends. It’d have to be the right guy.”
“Oh.”
“What about you, Bishop? You’re ridiculously good-looking, charming, where’s your trophy girl?”
“Ha! I’m actually a crazy magnet. Hey, Harriot, how long have you known me?”
The woman scanned the both Alex and Bishop before touching her chin and looking toward the dingy ceiling tiles. “Well, you all started coming in here when you was just, damn boy. You was just a little shit.”
“You think I’m a good guy?” Bishop sat back in the booth, looking up to Harriot with a wide grin.
“Honey child, I’d be doing this girl a disservice if I let her leave here thinking you was just a good guy. One of the sweetest boys I know and smart as hell too. You’re one of the good ones, Bishop.”
“Why thank you, Harriot.”
“You kids eatin’ steak tonight? I know you are, Bishop.”
“Yeah. We’ll order in a second.” As Harriot walked away, Bishop smiled once more at Alex.
“She’s sweet, Bishop.”
“And honest.”
“I’m sure she is. I like you. We’ll just have to see where it goes, Bishop.”
“To the park?”
“Huh?” She didn’t have to pretend, she had no clue what he was talking about.
“Can we go to the park after this? Just walk around.”
“Um…sure.”
Meals consumed and small talk had, Alex and Bishop left the steakhouse for the park. Walking casually toward a bench, Alex took note of how quiet and desolate the area appeared. There were no joggers or dog-walkers.
“Truth or dare?” Bishop took her hand as he asked.
The word, truth, had her scrambling to say dare faster than she could analyze the potential consequences of her actions. “D…dare.”
“Really? I don’t see you as entirely reserved, but definitely one to self-preserve.”
“Huh? What the hell are you going to dare me to do?” She squeezed his hand as they continued walking.
“I dare you to promise me something.”
The odd request had Alex writhing inside, unsure as to what this sacred promise might be. “Okay. What?”
“Give me a legitimate chance.”
“Huh?” She pulled back on his hand as she stopped.
“I’ve got a lot going on right now. But I think you’d like me if you gave me a chance.”
His genuine tone and concerning glance couldn’t quell the confusion coursing in Alex. “I’m…I don’t understand. I am giving you a chance. That’s what this is, isn’t it?”
The air was thick and heavy with random scents—roses, cedar, grass and the approaching rains all hung in the atmosphere.
“I just…I like you, Alex. I like being around you. I’m just working through some shit right now.”
Almost instantly Alex found herself moving to him. “We all are, Bishop. We’re all part of this crazy thing called life. And that shit’s only perfect on Instagram and Facebook. We’ve all got shit we’re working through.”
He said nothing, only looked to her.
“I promise, Bishop.”
His hands rested on either side of her waist as he pulled her into him, trying to kiss her.
“Hold up, sir. Truth or dare?” Her soft words graced the side of his cheek as her lips inched their way to his.
“Truth.”
Truth…trust…nothing can be accomplished without it. “Nope, dare. Is your mom home?” Her breath became his as their mouths met.
The air around them ignited each nerve traveling down her spine, erecting each hair on either arm as they kissed slowly. There was no rigidity to their embrace. It was a comfortable collision of euphoria.
“Nah…she’s…she’s out with a friend.” His words escaped between their lips as she finally pulled away slightly.
“I need a swimming lesson.”
“Really?” His face displayed an obvious look of bewilderment. “I thought you’d be opposed to—”
“So you’re backing out of a dare? Okay, Mr. Holloway. I see how it is—”
“No ma’am. Bishop Holloway never backs down. Let’s go. You’ll be Chad le Clos in no time under my tutelage.”
“Who?”
“Chad…South African swimmer…Olympic Gold Medalist.”
“Oh. Well you’ve got your work cut out for you. Let’s go.”