CHAPTER TEN
D own the block from Plants, Pottery I felt some of the edge taken off.
The place is pretty full, but I see a spot at the counter facing the sidewalk outside. I’m squeezing through the small spaces when I hear something.
“Sup, Sofia.”
I turn to find where the voice came from, but I don’t see anyone matching the picture of Tarak. A young teenager is seated really low in his chair, looking at me, grinning. I must be hearing things. I keep walking and set my things down on the counter as I prop myself onto the tall stool. My coat takes up the empty one beside me. I spin around slowly, eyeing the room again to make sure I didn’t miss him, when I see the same teenager approaching me. I notice his jeans are slung low on his hips, giving off skater-boy vibe.
I turn to face the window.
The teenager leans his elbow onto the counter beside me, closer than I’d like him to be. “Wassup, Sof.”
I sit up a bit straighter, adding a few more inches between us. “I’m sorry, but do I know you?
“It’s me, Tarak,” he says nonchalantly.
“Tarak?”
“Yeah, babe, it’s me,” he says casually.
I am so confused right now. I frown. What is happening? “Whoa, Tarak, your profile looks nothing like you. What are you, fifteen?” I’m rubbing at my temples, trying to understand this.
“Sixteen, actually. And aren’t these just numbers?” He slides a little closer to me. I can smell garlic radiating from his breath.
I lean further back, trying to keep my distance, when I feel my stool teetering.
I manage to slide off the stool and grab my coat.
“You created a fake profile?” I say unblinkingly. “That was you I was talking to?” I am trying to wrap my head around this as the room starts to spin a little.
“Babe, I don’t see the big deal. You’re hot, I’m hot, let’s make magic happen.”
“I can’t believe this,” I say. I’m making my way to the entrance when I hear him come after me.
“Babe, come on.” His arms are raised, and he’s shaking his head at me as if my reaction is uncalled for.
I’m on the street now, standing in front of the pizza place. I can feel the anxiety forming, and my head starts to feel cloudy.
“Don’t!” I turn to say to him. “I can’t believe you did that. Do. Not. Follow me,” I say, astonished at what just happened. I turn on my heels towards the parking lot.
“Age is just a number!” I can hear him yell from behind me.
I lock the doors as soon as I get in my car. I don’t understand. I pull out my aromatherapy roll-on from the glove box and spread it thickly on my wrists, sniffing the essential oils to help calm my racing mind.
I pull out my phone.
I text Lucy: I’m on my way