A Taste of Spring
Chapter 14

Spring walked through the exit. She thought about what Raheem said regarding investing in someone, and she thought about her love life, or the lack thereof. Not that she wasn't ready to invest. Spring wanted to invest in the right guy, one who she imagined falling for completely, head over heels. She didn't want to be pressured into a relationship that didn't meet all her needs--mental, emotional, physical, social, and probably a few she didn't even know about. She was tired of being pressured according to what others felt she needed. Hell, her entire life she was basically pressed to do what everyone else thought was best for her; she internally grimaced against the thought of it. The look on her face must have reflected some of her thoughts. "What?" Raheem asked as he stepped in pace with her.

Spring had to shift gears to return her attention to the topic at hand. "How does she feel about your setup?"

"Well, I try to keep it uncomplicated by separating that part of my life from my public life. That's why hiring an escort for events such as weddings was more practical than inviting her. If the lines are blurred, there will be confusion." "Blurred huh?" she said, trying to keep her tone as neutral as possible as they passed through another set of doors that were open to the outside. She wished she could have met Dezmond without all the complications. Raheem motioned for her to sit on the bench just to their right. "You know, I wouldn't mind driving you home but I know I will have to drive a few of my inebriated family members home. I didn't hire you to be my designated codriver." Spring sat first then Raheem rested beside her. It didn't escape her how much of a gentleman Raheem was. "Honestly, it's fine. I wouldn't be able to accept your offer anyway."

Raheem stood as lights from a vehicle illuminated them as it drove around the curved drive. Spring pushed to her feet and moved toward the curb.

"Well, beauty," Raheem said, "I enjoyed our night together. You made me the most envied man here, aside from the groom." He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek then opened the taxi door.

"I enjoyed our night too," Spring said, touching his collar then smoothing her hand over his chest. She smiled then ducked into the cab.

This escort thing isn't too bad, she thought.

A WEEK AFTER

Date Three

Spring glanced at the man across from her, Allen Samuels, then quickly lowered her eyes. The dessert menu she was looking at hadn't changed in the last twelve minutes. But she was so distracted by the way her date stared at her that she couldn't focus. She sighed then looked up at him again. "Are you going to order dessert?" Spring asked.

Allen, a middle-aged blonde-haired man who looked and seemed normal enough within the first ten minutes of meeting him, acted creepy ever since. His blue eyes seemed to replace and follow her no matter where she moved-like the eyes in those odd paintings. "No," he said. His lips spread into a toothy grin. "Like dinner, I plan to watch you."

Spring swallowed. "Alright."

As uncomfortable as she was, she had to ride it out. That's what she told herself as she forced a smile. Spring placed the menu down in an attempt to signal the waitress that she was ready.

"Would you like to talk now?" Spring asked. "While we wait," she added.

"It's not necessary."

"Oh, ok."

Spring was reaching for the menu again, to place a barrier between her and the client when something moved beside her. She gasped, jerking away.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," the waitress said, lightly touching Spring's shoulder.

Spring looked into the woman's eyes, and they widened as they stared at each other, seemingly asking more than what the waitress cared to verbalize. "I'm fine," Spring said, touching her hand.

The waitress nodded. "Good," she said, glancing over at Allen. "Good." She motioned to the menu. "Did you decide?"

"Yes. I'll have the molten fudge brownie cake."

The waitress took the menu Spring handed her and nodded before walking away.

"Good choice," Allen said. "It's gooey."

When Spring looked at him, he was watching her with what looked like a twinkle in his eyes. She raised a brow but kept quiet. According to his request, she was his to view for four hours. He even had a timer counting down.

Though Summer never had the pleasure of meeting Allen, he was reportedly a high paying regular with Shush escort service. If Summer hadn't told Spring that the other escorts reported Allen as harmless, she would have ended the date as soon as he started his peer- fest. But even with his longstanding relationship with Shush, management always hired a driver to wait in the parking lot to drive Allen's escort home when their time was up.

Knowing that bit of extra security did little to ease Spring's nerves. She failed to relax no matter how many times she tried. But, by the look of Allen's steely gaze and the smirk on his face...he didn't mind her being creeped out at all. (Date three...Ewwwww)00000000☐☐☐☐☐☐