Page 37 of Slay Bells

“Get a hold of yourself Gabriela,” she snapped at her reflection. After washing her hands, she went back out and stopped. Frozen in place, she watched as Rafael said something to Jeremy, who was standing up now. Rafael shoved his cell phone at Jeremy who looked at the display.

She hurried over, thankful there were only a couple of tables with people at them.

“What are you doing here?” She poked her ex in the arm with her finger. “Go away.”

He had the audacity to roll his eyes. “I’m informing this man who I am.”

“A psychopath?”

“Your boyfriend.”

It took counting to ten and two deep breaths before she could form a reply. “No, you are not my boyfriend. We broke up months ago.”

This time it was Jeremy who spoke. “What is happening? Who is this?”

“Jeremy,” Gabriela held out a hand toward Jeremy and then swept toward Randolph, “Meet my stalker ex. Stalker, meet my fiancé.”

“I am not your stalker.” Rafael managed to look contrite.

“Then why do I have a restraining order against you?” She grabbed her purse and began digging in it. “It’s in here somewhere.”

Rafael chuckled. “It was a misunderstanding. We’ve seen each other since.”

“Like when you showed up at my building and I called the police?”

She’d probably left the restraining order in another purse, so Gabriela gave up looking. Jeremy motioned to the cell in Randolph’s hand. “Why does he have pictures of you sleeping?”

“Eeww.” Gabriela snatched the phone from Rafael before he could move it away. She began swiping and deleting. “See, this is what’s wrong with men today. You guys can slide right over the line from nice to creepy so easily. I don’t understand why you’re not out there dating some nice girl…or guy.” She turned to Jeremy. “These are old.”

“I’m not gay.” Rafael looked to Jeremy. “Do I come across to you as gay?”

Jeremy narrowed his eyes. “I’m not good at judging that.”

“Right,” Rafael replied with a firm nod as if Jeremy’s reply made his point. “I’ll be on my way. Best be the better person and allow you to move on with your life even if you are cheating on me.”

At the last words there was a gasp from a near-by table. “What are they talking about?” an older woman asked her tablemate.

“The guy in the blue shirt is cheating on the flamboyant one. With a woman,” the woman replied so loudly everyone heard. A server giggled and several others in the room coughed.

“I’m not flamboyant,” Rafael said to the woman. “Why would you say that?”

“You’re wearing pink and the way you stand with your hand on your hip, it’s very flamboyant.”

The other woman nodded in agreement.

“I’m not gay,” Rafael said and glared once more at Gabriela before storming from the restaurant.

They stood awkwardly, unsure what to do next. Gabriela was frozen with embarrassment and at the same time a part of her wanted to burst out laughing.

“Can I start you off with drinks?” a cute blonde asked looking Jeremy up and down.

“Got any whiskey?” Jeremy asked and sat down.

“We’ll take two sweet teas please,” Gabriela said and joined him. “Oh look here it is.” She pulled out a crumpled paper. “The restraining order,” she finished weakly when Jeremy lifted a brow.

“So is your ex gay?”

“No. Well, maybe.”