A Year to Remember(41)
Ryan arrived at our table ten minutes later, oblivious to my presence. He dressed as a gentleman in a classic black tuxedo.
How ironic.
“I was told one of you lovely ladies has requested a private dance,” he stated in an English accent.
“I did.”
His shoulders stiffened when he recognized my voice coming from behind him. He spun around and I saw the hurt in his eyes. For a moment, I regretted my actions, but when he resumed his role as the English gentleman, I continued with my plan.
Jill and her friends watched our awkward exchange, oblivious to the circumstances unfolding before their eyes.
“Wow, Sara, you must have really enjoyed that first lap dance if you ordered another one for yourself! Go for it!” said Lenore, one of Jill’s friends.
“You’re the only one of us who doesn’t have anyone to answer to. You might as well enjoy yourself while you can!” advised another one of Jill’s friends.
“Sara, is it?” Ryan asked as he took my hand. “Follow me.”
He led to me to a different private room. The moment we were alone, he began to apologize.
“I’m sorry, Sara. I didn’t want to lie to you.”
“Then why did you?”
“I didn’t think you’d go out with me if you knew I was a stripper. It’s only temporary while I try and get another accounting job. You know how bad the economy has been in Detroit. I hoped once I got another job, I’d quit stripping and you’d never need to know.”
“So, you’d continue lying to me,” I argued.
“Yes. No. I don’t know. All I do know is I really like you and I didn’t want to lose you,” he said, tears shining in his eyes.
Part of me wanted to tell him it didn’t matter to me and continue dating him. After all, he obviously really liked me, as evidenced by the tears in his eyes.
The practical part of me knew it would have never worked out between us in the long run, even if he didn’t strip for money. He had no problem with lying to me to protect his secret life, and I would never be able to trust him.
Not to mention we had nothing in common except our inability to keep our hands off of each other. It had been a big boost to my ego to have someone who desired me as much as he did and probably even more now that I knew he was a stripper and could have just about any woman in the club.
Plus, he was really stupid.
“I’m sorry, Ryan. It’s not just that you’re a stripper. It’s that you lied about it. I wish you the best.” I walked out of the private room and back to the table.
“How was it?” asked Jill.
“Worth every penny,” I lied and glanced at Missy, who said, “It’s getting late. I think Sara and I are going to take off.”
We gave the girls our hugs of goodbye and I scanned the room for Ryan. He was giving a table dance, but he caught my eye and gave me a half smile. I did the same.
Missy and I drove back to Detroit, listening to the radio, neither one of us willing to speak.
“At least now that you’re only dating Caleb, you can have sex.”
She didn’t sound very happy about that prospect. I don’t think she wanted me with Caleb, but she’d never say it to my face. Lately, she’s been big on me trying to make my own decisions on men, choosing to stay silent on the matter.
“You’re right. We do have a date tomorrow. We were going to go see a movie, but maybe I can entice him to changing our plans to staying in.” My mind started considering all the possibilities. Now that the decision to date only Caleb had been made for me, a great weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I wanted to concentrate on making the most out of my relationship with Caleb and that including making love.
“Are you sure you really want to sleep with Caleb? You never seemed that into him.”
“That’s true, but you’re the one who suggested sex with him may change my mind,” I reminded her.
“I said that? What the hell was I thinking?”
“Thanks for everything, Missy. If you weren’t there tonight, I would have fallen apart.”
“You know I’m always here for you. No matter what, we’re best friends forever, right?” she said.
“Best friends, forever,” I repeated.
CHAPTER 16
A Year to Remember Blog
Sara Friedman’s journey to find her soul mate
May 20, 2012 People Come and Go So Quickly Here!
I’m tired of the revolving door of men in my life. I meet someone, get to know them, only to have to say goodbye before the waiter even brings the check.
I didn’t anticipate dating would be so exhausting. I spend so much time reading through profiles, asking and answering questions, choosing appropriate wardrobe (thanks, Missy!), and spending more money than I have, all for the purpose of meeting someone I’ll know for approximately thirty minutes. When did dating become a career? While I used to spend my spare time relaxing and reading literature (okay, a romance novel), now I sort through e-mails.