Jane ignored Benny’s calls as she made her way through Good Times Eatery. She got herself a favorite spot and settled in. She needed to think, clear her head and have fun at the same time.
She was scheduled for a meeting with Sandra’s mother later in the day. Sandra had agreed to return home only if Jane spoke with her parents.
Jane also has a lot going on in her personal life. She ignored Benny’s calls to remain unbiased. She needed to make straight decisions.
Her last date with Jeff made it clear that her gut feelings about him were right. Jeff had approached her intentionally and must have ulterior motives.
She eased herself into the comfort of one of the seats and made her orders.
******
Benny walked out of the executive block and made his way into the parking lot. He settled in his car and brought up his phone. He dialed Jane’s number repeatedly but she did not pick up.
He decided to send a text to her. “Hello Jane, I just wanted you to cheer me up. I am really down. No strings attached, you should just come cheer a friend. I will be at Good Times but if you can’t make it, never mind.”
Benny forwarded the call and put on his seat belt. He stared into the front mirror and was shocked to the bones. Julie was seated right behind him.
“You were so engrossed with your phone, you did not notice when I got in. Luckily for me, the door wasn’t locked,” Julie said and reclined comfortably into the seat.
“Gosh! You scared the life out of me. Why are you here? I am heading out.” Benny said. “Of course I know you’re heading out.. I am going out with you,” Julie retorted.
Benny chuckled. “Do you know how that sounds?”
“Whatever…” Julie smiled.
“You can’t be with me. It’s not closing hours yet,” Benny insisted.
“Common Ben, I just wanted to cheer you up, you look like you just drank a bucket of paint!” Julie yelled.
“What?! Bucket of paint?!” Benny questioned and checked his face in the mirror.
Julie laughed out loud while he was at it. “You’re having fun, right? Anyways, you should go back, you can’t leave your desk empty.”
“The company is not in full operation yet. Moreover, who will complain when l am out with the acting CEO,” Julie said and rolled her eyes.
“You sure have your ways with words. Come over here then,” Benny invited her to the front seat and he zoomed off.
He pulled over at the parking lot and held the door for Julie. She walked out gingerly and they made their way in.
“Wow! It’s my first time at Good Times, I am really going to spoil myself with luxury today.” “Do not worry it’s on me,” Benny responded as the waitress brought the menus.
Julie wasn’t talkative but she lost her cool around Benny. She chatted loudly even with her mouthfuls. Benny barely noticed her clumsiness, he enjoyed the fun and responded likewise. He needed a strong force to put out the depression closing in on his inside.
The duo made a spectacle as their chattiness and noise attracted almost everyone present.
“It’s time to leave,” Jane told herself in her corner. She stood up and felt refreshed and reinvigorated to face the ordeal before her. Just as she stepped past the chatty couple, she heard her name.
“Jane?!” Benny called, he thought she had come looking for him.
Jane turned around and her eyes fell on Julie. “Oh! Benny, you almost broke my phone with your calls today,” Jane complained.
“Why did you not pick up? Are you still angry with me?” Benny asked and rose to his feet.
“I don’t know you are this uncultured, your ramblings with your girl friend filled the air,” Jane retorted.
“Oh, she isn’t my girlfriend… She is a colleague and our ramblings? I never realized we were too loud… You should join the table,” Benny said invitingly.
“Hey! Spare me! ls the chasing and the wooing over? I thought you claimed to always get whatever you wanted,” Jane fired and walked away.
Benny followed after her without a second thought. “Jane! Listen, it’s not what you think, she is just a friend. I…. l am sorry.”
“Go enjoy your date!” Jane blasted and slipped into her car.
“Jane! Wait! Wait!” Benny continued to shout and run after her car.
“What the heck?!” Julie exclaimed as she watched the scene unfold. “Who was that woman?” She asked herself and picked up her purse angrily, she walked out of the eatery.
Benny returned and met an empty table. Julie was gone.
“What the fuck!” He yelled and rushed out. He scanned the premises but she was nowhere to be found.
He pulled his car out of the parking lot and drove off. “She could not have gone far.” He told himself and searched endlessly all the way.
His effort was futile as he did not see Julie until he drove back to the company.
He walked back into his office and met a sullen Julie at her desk.
“I am sorry Julie. It’s complicated… She is my … girlfriend,” he stuttered
” No! Girlfriend-to-be!” Julie responded flatly.
Benny raised his brows and Julie stood up slowly, “yes, I know as much. I am not deaf. I heard her talking about your promise to continue to chase and to woo her. It means she isn’t yours yet,” Julie said softly.
“Yeah! That’s….” Benny began but Julie did the unexpected. She closed the distance between them and planted a full and passionate kiss on his lips.
Benny resisted at first but her lips tasted succulent and sweet. Propelled by the need to relieve the day’s stress, he held onto the nape of her neck softly and kissed her back with pent passion.
******
“What have I done! What was I expecting? Jane, you turned him down!”Jane exclaimed and slammed the break.
The drivers behind her shouted and cursed at her as they pulled out from behind her.
“Why is this so complicated?” She asked herself and drove her car towards the bay.
She picked her phone and noticed she had a text message. It was from Benny. She read the content and realization dawned on her.
“What the fuck! I blew things up!” She beat up herself and dialed Benny’s number.
Benny’s phone rang in his pocket while he was busy ravaging Julie’s lips. “l am sorry.. I have to… pick…” Benny tried to struggle free but Julie covered his mouth with hers again.
He finally pushed back and held her on the shoulders. “I think we should stop, this is unacceptable, we are in the office,” He said.
Julie sat back all professional at her desk. She smiled subtly as she touched her plumped lips.
Benny retrieved his phone from his pocket as he walked into his office. He returned Jane’s call Immediately.
“I am sorry Benny. I just saw your text. I am so sorry for the interruption. Hope I did not cause too much damage? I mean… Your girl,” Jane said as she picked up the call.
“Like you care… Do have a wonderful day,” Benny responded and hung up.
Jane pulled out from the bay and hit the road. She felt disappointed and embarrassed. Benny had hung up on her.
“What were you expecting? That he cooed over you when you rejected him and ruined his day?” She asked herself. She ruminated on the whole occurrence as she made her way down to her parents’.