Page 11 of Mister Prick

She wasn’t very convincing. Obviously, my claim of her being attractive wasn’t, either. “You’re an attractive woman,” I said with a firm tone. “I’m not relationship material, though.”

She gave me a look. “I wasn’t propositioning you.”

“I thought--”

“I simply asked the question. You clarified yourself. You’re attracted to adventurous women, but you’re not attracted to me. And, just in case you didn’t understand what I was trying to say, I’ll make it clear.” She set the cheese aside and wiped her hands on her napkin. “I’m not attracted to you, either.”

I’d obviously hit a nerve. As I finished my martini, the thought of her not being attracted to me ground against the grain of my being.

I raised my index finger, catching the attention of the passing waiter. I glanced at Jess. “Are you sure you won’t have one? It’s been a long day.”

She let out a sigh. “Sure.”

“Dirty?”

She grinned. “Please.”

I raised my glass toward the waiter. “Two, please.”

I looked her over. Describing her as attractive was an understatement. Everything about her was beautiful. By my guess, she was easily ten years younger than me. And, regardless of the age difference, she was a woman. One-night stands were at the upper limit of my relationship goals, and anything beyond that wasn’t realistic, or desired.

While I was lost in admiration, she nibbled at a cheese ball.

“Two martinis, dirty with extra olives,” the waiter said.

I nodded toward Jess.

He handed her one of the drinks, and me the other. “Enjoy.”

Jess raised her glass. “Here’s to coincidences.”

I gave her an awkward look, but raised my glass nonetheless. “Coincidences?”

Her eyebrows raised. “Finding Marty.”

“Oh.” I coughed a laugh, and then took a drink in toast. “Biggest coincidence ever.”

She took a sip. Then, a gulp.

Her gaze went blank. I sipped my drink and admired her. Having gone the entire day without eating, the two martinis I’d consumed were quickly catching up with me. Her comment about me being unattractive found its way beneath the surface of my skin, and then began to irritate me to no end.

“So, you don’t find me attractive?” I asked. “Did what happened today have an influence?”

“Attractive?” She blinked a few times and then finished her drink. “After you said you weren’t attracted to me, I was just…I don’t know. Being a shit. You’re attractive. Very much so, to be honest.”

“It’s not a big deal if I’m not. I just wanted to see why you didn’t see me as such. The question was driven by curiosity, more than anything.”

She gazed into her empty glass. “I do.”

“If you don’t, that’s fine. My self-esteem’s in order.”

“I’m sure it is.” She chuckled. “But, I do.”

“You do what?”

“Find you attractive.”

I nodded toward her hand. “Another?”