Chapter 10
Ajax
To say that this woman was full of surprises was truly an understatement. But I could also admit I liked it; a lot.
She kept me on my toes, and in that, she hadn’t changed. She did it when we were younger too, but just in a different way.
I drove us to the local spot, glad to take her to something that was different, and probably a lot more low key than she had on any date.
It was an apology, though. A way to get her to understand how sorry I was and how much of a screw up I didn’t mean to be.
She knew that and she still accepted, even if I told her I wanted Goddess today.
Maybe in my own twisted way, I did want to see what the two ladies were like just so I knew that I didn’t have a reason to be upset
“Here we are,” I told her, parking the car and climbing out.
“I still can’t believe I’m at a Farmer’s Market Gala for a date, but I’ll take it.”
I tilted my head slightly at her tone. There was a hitch to her voice that hadn’t been there before. There was also a glint in her eye that wasn’t there when she glanced at me prior to her getting out.
“Well, I figured something different would be fun.”
“I like different,” she said, adjusting her shirt so that it hugged her right but didn’t show anything. “I also enjoy moonlight drinks. Think this shall go that long?”
“You mean like past the time?”
“Yes. Because if that’s the case, I’m telling you now I charge for overtime.”
My mouth dropped a little at that, but I couldn’t help but smile. I had Goddess before me and while she was still my Spy, she was a different woman too. There was a hardness to her now that I hadn’t seen before. She was charming, but not open; maybe more reserved.
“Noted, but we shouldn’t be out here longer than necessary.”
“Good. Do you know what will be there tonight? I like supporting local farmers and artists.”
I tilted my head as we walked down the main pathway by the market stalls, once more getting a very different vibe from this woman.
“What is it, Ajax?” she asked, lightly placing her hand on my arm.
I shook my head, giving her a smile.
“Nothing. Shall we go shopping? See if something catches your eye?”
“I’d love to. Do you know anyone here? I’d be happy to meet them.”
I grabbed her arm before we hit the first stall and pulled her aside, shaking my head once more.
“Okay, I lied. I don’t want Goddess.”
She grinned, making that dimple that I absolutely loved, pop.
“What’s wrong? Isn’t she more up to your speed though? Isn’t she the one you want to introduce to your friends here? To the people you support?”
“No. Not at all.”
She crossed her arms and leaned back against a tree.
“And why not?”
“Because Goddess is a different woman. She’s beautiful, smart, but she’s withheld and that’s not the woman I want on my arm right now. Not when we’re about to meet some people.”
“When I started this gig, I had to find a way to keep my life separate. I couldn’t look too different because that’s what men wanted.
But I had to be sort of different. Goddess is smart, beautiful, great conversationalist, and easy to talk to.
But she’s not giving up personal information and she’s reserved.
You are right. It’s in the little things though. ”
I wrapped my arm around her, smiling.
“Noted. You aren’t the same. I’m sorry. Do you forgive me now?”
“I shouldn’t, but how can I not? Shall we go do what we came here for? Mingle and support?”
I laughed as I took her hand, walking back down the pathway, glancing at the stalls.
“I believe, if you wanted to AJ, you can actually meet my boss, if you will. He tends to support a lot of local stuff he can.”
I looked over an apple stand and bought two caramel apples for each of us, handing her one.
I took a bite, smiling at the gooeyness of it but also enjoying the crisp, sweet taste of the apple.
Stores had nothing on fresh goods straight from the farmers and never would.
And I whole heartly believed in supporting the work of them too.
“Oh, damn, this is amazing,” she said, taking another bite, finally wiping the corner of her mouth.
“Don’t get too full on that,” Locke said, walking up behind her and grinning. “Dinner will be shortly and it’s a wonderful four course meal.”
“Oof,” she said, turning to look at him. “There is nothing wrong with having dessert before dinner,” she teased. “Locke my date and friend, Ajax.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” I told him, holding out my hand.
“Likewise. Was curious about the new face that started requesting Goddess. She’s loved by many,”
“She should be. She’s very classy and unique.”
“She is. Don’t let me spoil your evening. Enjoy dinner,” he said, waving.
I watched the retreating back, not seeing him as some big millionaire, though he was.
“Not what I thought he would be like,” I told her, taking another bite of my apple.
“I hear that a lot. Come on, let’s walk this off a little while we head to dinner. I know there’s an auction and I wanted to see what it was so I could bid. I know all the proceeds go to feeding the youth.”
I trailed after her, my mind blown away by her yet again. She always had a kind soul, and I was happy to see that hadn’t changed. I’m also glad that of all the places I could have brought her, this was the best one. It’s one I was hoping would touch her heart, and it seemed like it did.
Four hours later, stuffed and happy, I drove her back to her place, parking outside. She looked at the door, then looked at me, a smirk on her face.
“Thank you for tonight, AJ. It was a great night.”
“It was. And it was all my pleasure. You really enjoyed yourself tonight and I loved seeing every moment of it.”
“It was the right approach for the apology too. You did well.”
She climbed out of the car and I walked her up, making sure she got in safely.
“I really tried.”
I watched as her key slid into the lock and turned, but she paused and glanced over her shoulder.
“I think you should come in, make sure the house is safe.” Her tone was soft, breathless, and the look she gave me was something I hadn’t seen before.
“Spy,” I started but she shook her head.
“I’m kind of scared right now. Please check?”
That was all I needed to give into the role that she was clearly playing into, because she was not a timid or weak woman.