A Heart Not Easily Broken Read online

  ***

  The Santa Monica Pier was the perfect location for a first date. Couples strolled along, holding hands or cuddled up on benches facing the ocean. Several of my past dates were here. But this wasn’t a date.

  A business transaction. A dare in answer to his dare.

  When Brian said yes to a date instead of payment for services rendered, I’d been speechless. Apparently, he felt getting to know me was worth it. The thought was flattering.

  Brian resented the idea of going Dutch, but it was one of my stipulations. After all, he’d bought me a drink and fallen for the free grass ploy. Besides, this wouldn’t go any further. My plan: answer his questions to stave off his curiosity, and go home. The next time we needed yard maintenance, I would be sure to have cash on hand. If not, I’d find another company to use. Though I had to admit, the idea of not seeing him half dressed in my yard again would be disappointing.

  I reached for my cell phone to check the time. Brian was fifteen minutes late. There were no missed calls or messages. We’d exchanged phone numbers in case either of us needed to cancel. He never called, so I figured we were still on.

  The idea of meeting Brian wasn’t so bad. After the day I had at work, a break from the norm would be nice. The closer I got to graduating, the fiercer the competition for the coveted veterinarian technician position became. I had earned the opportunity to move up from being a volunteer to an intern once I graduated U.C.L.A. Moving from intern to vet tech would put me one step closer to my career goal.

  I began working as a volunteer during my second year in college. After five years of working at the zoo, I was aware of everything that went on. The routines, all the secrets, and who was screwing who. Animals were not the only ones in heat.

  I stared at my menu. Instead of food, the image of Dr. Jacobs and Lily - the newest volunteer who was barely legal – in an unimaginable compromising position in the supply closet came to mind. I’d excused myself and made a quick exit from the building. Dr. Jacobs found me a short time later in the orangutan habitat. He pulled me to the side and promised to make me a shoo-in for the full-time position upon graduation if I kept my mouth shut. The idea disgusted me.

  After nearly eight years of working my ass off, I didn’t give a damn where Dr. Jacobs stuck his private parts, as long as he didn’t think I was the one holding his balls. I made my position clear; I didn’t need his help, nor did I plan to gossip about his personal affairs. He didn’t seem satisfied when I didn’t accept his offer. I had a feeling he would be watching my every step. So much for having a mentor.

  The delicious aroma of melting cheese and pepperoni awakened hunger pains. Where was Brian?

  Fed up with waiting, I dialed his number and got sent straight to voice mail.

  Could he be standing me up? Was this retaliation for not hooking up at the club? God, I hoped not.

  I sighed. Maybe something I said caused him to change his mind.

  I wiped a hand across my forehead. It felt as if fate branded the word ‘idiot’ there for the whole world to see.

  This definitely had to do with the club. I’m the one who fell for it.

  There were no other reasons for me to hang around. I mused over my dinner choices ­ chicken noodle soup or McDonald’s ­ and signaled the waitress, paid for my drink, and headed out of the pizza parlor. I’d nearly reached the parking lot when I heard my name called.

  “Ebony, I’m sorry,” Brian shouted as he jogged toward me.

  Either I was under-dressed or he was seriously over-dressed. He wore a black vest over black shirt, silver tie, and black slacks. Black and white Converse completed his ensemble. My eyebrows went up in surprise. Not only did he clean up nice, he had a weird sense of style.

  “Ebony, I can explain. Just let me catch my breath.” He bent over to rest his hands on his knees. His cheeks were flushed red from the exertion.

  I didn’t know how to react. A part of me wanted to rejoice because he hadn’t stood me up, while another part wanted to fuss for the lack of communication.

  I crossed my arms. “This better be good.”

  “I promise you it is. I was on my way here when I got a call from another musician. He had a gig scheduled tonight but got sick and can’t go.” He paused and wiped sweat from his brow. “I’m sorry. I’ve got to take this job.” His eyes beseeched me in a heartfelt apology, begging me to understand. Brian’s smile was apologetic, and his voice sounded genuine.

  I knew exactly what it meant to make ends meet.

  “I understand the need to get your hustle on, Brian. Why didn’t you call? Isn’t that why we exchanged numbers? We could have─”

  Brian dug into his pocket and displayed the screen of his phone. “My battery died after that call, and your number is in my phone. My cousin broke my car charger, and I didn’t have time to get a new one or charge my battery before I left the house. All I could do is pray you’d still be here.”

  Beads of sweat dotted Brian’s brow. He’d apparently run the entire length of the parking lot to find me. His blue-eyed gaze continued to beg for my forgiveness. Softening, I uncrossed my arms.

  “Let me make it up to you.”

  I pursed my lips. “Fine, maybe some other time.”

  “No, I mean tonight. You’ve already driven out here. Come with me. This should only take an hour, hour and a half tops. Then I’ll take you out for steak, my treat.” Brian flashed his baby blues and killer smile. I was a sucker for dimples.

  Besides, steak was a step up from pizza and a lot better than a can of soup. How could I say no to that?