Free Ex-Terminator Life After Marriage by Suzetta Perkins Page B

how to run men out—of town.”
    “That’s where you’re wrong. I did everything I could to keep my man happy and at home, but he wanted to fly. There was nothing left to do but let him go.”
    “I’m really sorry to hear that, Sylvia. He doesn’t realize the treasure he left behind…just like I did so many years ago.”
    “Let’s not go there,” she snapped.
    “Look, since we are both by ourselves, why don’t we do dinner?” Kenny suggested.
    “I don’t know. I don’t think it would be a good idea.”
    “Aw, come on. What harm could come of two old friends sharing a meal? You and I were good once.”
    “No, we weren’t, Kenny. You know we weren’t good for each other.”
    “I do know that this is another place in time. A beautiful woman is standing in front of me—a woman I’ve adored and would like to get the opportunity to know again. I would love to take you for a nice seafood meal at Pappadeaux. If I remember correctly, you enjoy Cajun seafood,” he said in a wheedling tone.
    “Your memory serves you correctly.”
    “It’s settled then. There’s no need for you to spend money on a meal that you would have been eating alone.”
    “I don’t know.”
    “What’s to know? I’m single; you’re single; we’re both hungry. That equates to two people having a good meal at a nice restaurant.”
    Sylvia hesitated, then sifted through the items in her basket. She lifted her head and her eyes met Kenny’s head-on. Not that the offer of dinner wasn’t tempting or those sumptuous eyes uninviting, but visions of the old Kenny loomed before her—the one who had broken her heart into a dozen pieces.
    As if he knew what she was thinking, Kenny moved closer and lifted her chin with his hand. “I’m not the same person from twenty years ago. I’ve matured and learned how to treat a lady.”
    Sylvia smiled, still not wanting to let down her guard. She put the cheesecake back into the bin and turned to Kenny.
    “I’ll meet you at Pappadeaux in twenty-five minutes.”
    “Great, I can’t wait. And Sylvia? You look good, girl.”
    Sylvia stared into Kenny’s eyes. Her head was telling her that she should get her groceries and go home, but against her better judgment, her heart said Kenny was a better alternative to being by herself today.
    “I just want you to know, Kenneth, that having dinner with you is just that—two old friends sharing a meal,” she said firmly.
    “That’s fine with me, but it’s my treat.”
    Releasing a small amount of air from her lips, Sylvia turned on her heels and headed out the store, but not before turning around to see her old lover admiring the view. Kenny was going to be the death of her yet—even after twenty years. She smiled and walked out of the store.

Glitches in the Road
    T he drive to Pappadeaux was full of anxiety. Sylvia didn’t know what to make of seeing Kenny after all these years. He looked amazing, like hot fudge dripping over a large scoop of chocolate ice cream. Of course, he had aged, but so had she. Although he was covered in fine linen, Kenny still possessed a muscular body. The thought made Sylvia shiver.
    Interstate 85 ran through the heart of Atlanta. Sylvia was smiling as she drove along, waving to folks she didn’t know as they drove past, admiring the Atlanta skyline that made the Peach State the most talked-about place to live. She realized that her speedometer was on 80 and immediately reduced her speed to 65. Was this a sign? Was she moving too fast with Kenny? She was only going out to dinner with an old friend. She needed to get a grip. The man only asked her to dinner; he never uttered a word about sleeping together .
    S-c-r-e-e-c-h! Sylvia hit the brakes to avoid hitting the car in front of her. Daydreaming about Kenny was going to get her killed. A sudden chill came over her as she moved toward the right lane as she passed the mile marker for Jimmy Carter Boulevard.
    The night Kenny walked out on her played out in her mind.