Reading Online Novel

Dinner, Sex and a Movie(5)





Jake:

On whats?



Emma:

But I also don’t normally agree to meet strangers who randomly call me. I had to make sure I wasn’t going to get killed.



Jake:

You’re forgiven.



Emma:

Not so fast. That’s why I did it. But not why I brought it. Now that I’ve read it, I intend to use it as a weapon to eviscerate you with over a few drinks.



Jill:

Can I watch? I’ve never seen him put in his place properly. Oh, damn –



Jill notices a customer and leaves to tend to her tables.



Jake:

We should get a table.



Emma:

No need, I prefer the bar. Besides, whatever our little meeting here is, it isn’t going to take long.



Bill arrives carrying a plate of miscellaneous deep-fried appetizers.



Bill:

Your appetizers, m’lord.



Jake (to Emma):



I took the liberty while I was waiting.



Bill:

Can I get you menus?



Jake:

Yes.



Emma:

No thanks, Bill. I’m not staying. Although Jake here seems to be struggling with the concept.



Jake:



I thought we were having dinner together.



Emma:

Oh, you can eat. So long as you don’t answer my questions with your mouth full. (Looking at the appetizers) The wings do look good. But I’m afraid they won’t go well with my Armani.



Jake:

Take a chance. And stay and relax. There’s no need for you to go, especially since our fates are already intertwined.



Emma:

I was wondering how somebody who looks as good as you do was single. Now that I hear your bad one-liners it all becomes clear.



Jake (with an evil smile):

At least you don’t think it’s because I’m a womanizer who picks girls up and ditches them in the same night.



Emma:

That’s the more likely explanation, actually.



Jake:

That’s not me.



Emma:

Liar.



Jake:

That’s just a by-product of my situation.



Emma:

Your situation?



Jake:

I’m lost.



Emma (rolling her eyes):

Which is why you are drifting from city to city. Spare me.



Jake:

I’m looking for something.



Emma:

Bullshit. You are trying to come off as interesting. And failing, I might add.



Jake:

Am I?



Emma:

“Hi, I’m broken, can you fix me?” isn’t a turn on.



Jake:

Yes it is. Women love projects.



Emma:

Only when they come wrapped in six feet of muscle.



Jake (smiling devilishly):

You don’t say?



Emma:

So your job ended and that’s why you didn’t renew your lease.



Jake:

I’ve got another week to re-up. The realtor’s office is only a few stops down on the train. I just need a reason to go visit them.



Emma:

Do you want to stay?



Jake:

I don’t know. I suspect Fate will intervene. I’ll make the only choice I can.



Emma:

I’m starting to think you believe your own drivel.



Jake:

Of course I do.



Emma:

And if you don’t find anything here?



Jake:

It’s 30th Street station for me. I’m outbound.



Emma:

To where?



Jake shrugs, unconcerned.



Emma:

I can see it. You’ll arrive with no money, no place to go, and yet you’ll always have a warm bed and car rides donated by the endless string of women you pick up.



Jake:

Like I said, I’m lost.



Emma:

I wonder – will you target her in the station, and let that determine what train you get on? Or will you pick a train and target her onboard?



Jake:

I don’t target anybody. I’m not a predator.



Emma:

Just a manipulating opportunist. That is so not a turn on. Why not get a job and a career and be a man? You were smart enough to get into Cornell. Once upon a time you could have made something of yourself.



Jake:

I have a job. I write songs.



Emma:

You do have three albums to your name.



Jake:

You’re good.



Emma:

Not really. It’s right there on the Bryn Mawr Academy website. You should hire them as your publicist. They almost make it sound like you are accomplished.



Jake:

You have to admit my credentials are sexy.



Emma:

Based on your sales rank, I’m guessing you make about 1,000 dollars a month between all three albums.



Jake:

Europe loves me.



Emma:

Not enough, apparently. But it is sexier than I like to admit. And you probably look good carrying a guitar.



Jake:

Not just any guitar –



Emma:

A Rory Gallagher Fender Stratocaster.



Jake:

BMA website?



Emma:

Our phone call, remember?



Jake:

Of course. It’s my pride and joy.



Emma:

It’s the only thing you own worth more than a few hundred bucks.



Jake (matter-of-factly):

It’s all I need.