“He didn’t even kiss you?” Orlando

“He didn’t even kiss you?” Orlando said when we had lunch.
“Nope,” I said in annoyance.
“Okay, he has to be gay.”
“You think everyone is gay.”
“And I’m always right.”
“I know he isn’t gay,” I said. “But I don’t know why he didn’t do anything.”
“Did you make it clear you wanted to be kissed?”
“Very clear,” I said. “I’m so annoyed.”
“Did he at least hug you?”
“Nope.”
“Is he Mormon?”
I laughed. “I don’t think so.”
“Why didn’t you just kiss him?”
“I wasn’t sure if he wanted me to,” I said. “I mean, if I was making it clear I wanted to be kissed, why didn’t he take the shot? He obviously didn’t want to.”
“I’m sure there’s a reason.” Orlando sprinkled the sugar into his coffee then sipped it.
“Maybe he isn’t attracted to me.”
“Shut up!” Orlando rolled his eyes. “I may be gay but I can guarantee that isn’t why.”
“Then what?”
“Maybe he’s old-fashioned.”
“He doesn’t seem like it. And I think he’s rich or famous.”
“Why?”
“People were treating him like he was VIP at the game. And they were talking about betting dimes or something.”
“Dimes?” Orland asked.
I took a bite of my sandwich then wiped my mouth with a napkin. “He said he bet fifty dimes. Like fifty cents?”
Orlando’s eyed widened. “In betting, a dime is a grand.”
I dropped my sandwich. “So he meant fifty grand?”
Orlando nodded. “You got yourself a sugar daddy.”
My mind was racing. “So he is rich?”
“He must be. That’s the only explanation.”
“I guess that makes sense. If he is rich, he’s very humble about it.”
“This guy sounds like a catch,” Orlando said. “Are you sure he isn’t gay?”
I glared at him. “What about Stewart?”
He rolled his eyes. “He’d understand. He would leave me for Anderson Cooper any day.”
“But that guy is old,” I said.
“He doesn’t care. Cooper is on his list.”
I laughed. “You guys are funny.”
“We have an odd relationship.”
I finished my sandwich while I thought about Tony. I still couldn’t figure out why he was so distant with me. I guess I could just ask him next time I see him. And I wondered why Janet had never introduced me to him. He and I hit it off immediately. Tony was sweet, successful, funny, and gorgeous. Why would she hide him? Then it hit me.
“Janet didn’t tell me about him because of his money,” I said.
“What?”
“My best friend kept her brother a secret because she probably assumed I’d only date him for his cash.”
Orlando shook his head. “That doesn’t sound like something you’d do.”
“I know it isn’t.” I sighed sadly. “I’m hurt she would ever think that.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Orlando said. “You have no idea. Maybe it’s the other way around. Maybe she didn’t think Tony was good enough or you.”
“I highly doubt that,” I said. “He’s the perfect guy. I haven’t had a date go that well in my entire life. Orlando, he’s so sexy. You have no idea.”
“I wish I had an idea.”
I laughed. “I’ll try to snap a picture.”
“If you guys get serious, we should double date.”
“That’s an idea,” I said. “But I don’t want you and Stewart fighting over him.”
Orlando rolled his eyes. “He’s straight. We get it. Don’t get all jealous on me.”
I smiled. “Sorry.”
We left the café and went back to work. When we walked into the office, Charli, the receptionist approached me. She was carrying a large vase with dark red roses. It was huge, almost too heavy for her to carry.
“These are for you,” she said.
I took them from her, almost dropping them on the floor. “Are you sure?”
“It says Cassie on the card.”
“Thank you.”
Orlando smiled at me. “Let’s go in your office.”
We went into the studio and I put them on the table. Orlando clapped his hands while he watched me open the card.
“What does it say?” he said excitedly.
I read it aloud.
Cassie,
I had a wonderful time with you the other night. I’ve never met such a cool chick that loves sports, beer, and food as much as I do. You’re my dream girl. And I’m sorry I didn’t kiss you. I won’t make the same mistake on Thursday.
 
P. S. I hope this will hold you over.
 
A chocolate kiss was sitting inside.
Orlando practically screamed. “That is so cute!”
I stared at the letter again, my heart racing. “The flowers are beautiful.”
“I told you he wanted to kiss you.”
“I guess you were right.”
Orland hopped on his toes. “He sounds so dreamy.”
“He is pretty amazing.”
“I’m so jealous,” he said. “Stewart and I used to be that way. Now we fart and burb in front of each other.”
I laughed. “That’s pretty romantic.”
He sighed. “I know.”
“But I’m jealous of you.”
“How do you mean?”
“You’re with someone that still loves to be around you all the time. Even if that heat isn’t as strong, that love is even stronger.”
He smiled. “You do have a point.”
I smelled a rose and sighed. Now I couldn’t wait until Thursday.