Chapter 5

"Nothing in particular," he answered, then took a sip of wine.

"Come on..."

"That's the truth, I don’t have anything specific I’m looking for in a woman. If I get hit, I get hit, I won't dodge." He took another sip of his wine.

TeeCay pouted, probably not convinced by his answer.

"Does size matter to you?" she asked, her voice lilting with curiosity.

He nearly choked on his wine. She did not just ask that! He quickly recovered, trying to keep his composure. "How about you? Does it?"

"It depends..." she answered, her grin turning devilish, clearly enjoying the effect she was having on him.

"Depends on what?"

"On which part of the body you're talking about," she replied, barely suppressing a giggle.

Oh... He couldn't help but smile. "Then, I have the same answer for you. It depends on which part of the body you're referring to."

TeeCay’s chuckle turned into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. "What if every part of the body is big?"

"Then that's even better—there’s something to hold everywhere."

Her laughter grew louder, drawing the attention of other customers. And he couldn’t help but smile as he watched her. TeeCay’s happiness was surface-level. He suddenly remembered what his mom once told them:

If someone laughs at simple jokes, they’re either lonely or just a kind-hearted person.

So which one was TeeCay?

"Oh my gosh, I didn’t hire a comedian, but that’s what I got," she said, laughing while wiping tears from her eyes.

He smiled faintly and, not being able to hold back, he asked,

"Why did you hire an escort for tonight?"

"What else? So I could have a date. I’ve never been invited to something like this before."

"Why?"

"I don’t know," she answered with a shrug. There was a smile on her lips, but it seemed forced.

"No one’s courting you?"

"Do you really need to ask that? Of course, no."

"Why, though? You’re beautiful, even though..." Shit.

One basic rule when talking to women was never to mention their size!

"Even though I’m sexy?" TeeCay added to his words. He was about to apologize and explain what he meant when she continued. "You sound like my crush, Jefferson. They used to tell me I was beautiful even though I was big—giving me hope, only to end up disappointed."

He leaned back in his chair and stared at her directly.

"Based on the reason you gave the agency, you hired a date tonight because you wanted to feel supported. What’s going on? Support for what?"

TeeCay laughed again. "Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do, Jefferson? Didn’t you agree to make me happy tonight? You took my booking, you agreed to take me on a date and join me on this adventure tonight. You shouldn’t be asking me personal questions."

"I can't help it—I’m just curious why, at your age, you seem like a desperate woman who’s been left behind and is now chasing after a guy—"

He stopped.

What the hell was he saying? He shouldn’t have said that here. He wasn’t in a position to speak like that. He didn’t even know her well—he knew nothing about what she was going through. And he had no right to know, because who the hell was he? He was just dragged into this stupid job by his friend who was originally hired to do this!

He exhaled deeply and looked down.

Shit, he couldn’t meet her eyes now...

"I’m sorry, TeeCay. I didn’t mean to—"

"Nah—don’t worry about it. I’m used to being talked to like that. This is why I paid someone to date me and make me feel special, even just for one night. Someone who would support me and treat me as an equal." She giggled. "But I guess, even if I paid for someone, I still couldn’t get what I wanted."

His guilt was eating him, and he couldn’t even say a word in response. He was an asshole. He forgot his place tonight.

Damn Jeff...

"You can go home after dinner—I’ll be fine." She forced a smile before picking up the wine glass and taking a sip. She looked away, probably to hide the pain in her eyes.

And that’s when he felt even more miserable.

Before he could think of what to do next, he reached out and gently squeezed TeeCay’s hand. She turned to face him and looked him in the eyes. He smiled at her.

"I’ll be your supporter tonight—you can do and say whatever you want around me. I can be your shoulder to cry on, too. That is, if... you want?"

TeeCay’s eyes shimmered with tears.

"You can treat me as your best friend tonight. And if you want, a lover too. Just tell me what to do, and I’ll paint the whole town red with you."

Shit, Phillian—What the fuck?