Lie, Lie Again(78)

“Kidding! I love it. Are you thinking the Cream Shoppe?”

“You know it. Best place in town.”

The night was cool, but the patio had heated seating. They ordered cones. Sal had asked if she wanted to share a sundae, but Sylvia was quick to refuse the offer. “Ah. One thing I never share is ice cream.” She looked down, smiling, before turning her eyes to his. “Sorry. I like to have my own so I can savor it.” And there it was. One more challenge for Mr. Sal. It would become a victory for him if he could get her to share ice cream one day. It was all about creating opportunities for him to succeed along the way.

She took the last bite of the cone and dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Perfection. There’s nothing like a good french vanilla.”

Sal leaned back in his chair, a look of admiration on his face. “I would’ve pegged you as a chocolate lover.”

“I am. But sometimes a pure vanilla is what I want.” She took her lipstick tube from her purse and reapplied the dark coral color to her lips. She could do it perfectly without a mirror. Even though etiquette dictated she should do it in the restroom, she bent the rules. Men loved to watch women do anything with their mouths. It was a proven fact. As she capped her lipstick, she said, “It’s subtly decadent. You should try it sometime.”

He paused, checking her face for any indication of flirtation. Was he hoping she was making an innuendo about other types of decadence? Other things he should try? She could imagine his boy’s brain adding in the bedroom to each sentence. You should try it sometime in the bedroom.

She rounded her lips and widened her eyes. “What? You don’t like vanilla?”

“No, no. It’s not that at all. I’m still working my way around subtly decadent. You know how to sell things.”

She smiled. “It’s my marketing background.”

“Whatever the case, I’m getting vanilla next time.” He stood. “Shall we go?”

“Yes, but I’m going to use the ladies’ room before the drive home.” She stood and, from the corner of her eye, confirmed that her phone was resting facedown on the chair.

Once enclosed in the bathroom stall, she took the burner from the zippered pocket of her purse and began typing.

This is bullshit!!! Stop ignoring me. Did you block my other number? WTF?

She pressed “Send” and started a second text. It would feasibly take a few dings to get Sal curious enough to pick up her phone and take a look.

Answer me, Sylvia!

After waiting a few seconds, she sent the grand finale.

I didn’t want it to come to this, but if you don’t agree to talk to me, I’m posting these on the internet.

Attaching the selfies she took at Sammy’s apartment, she pressed “Send.” Before leaving the stall, she typed one more message.

Don’t be stupid, Sylvia. You have one hour.

She stepped out of the restroom before hitting “Send.” Then she quickly replaced the burner in the pocket of her purse and headed for the table.

As she eased into her seat, she was thrilled to see her phone was no longer there. She smiled at Sal, and the concern in his eyes was palpable. “Your phone kept beeping. It must’ve fallen when you got up, so I took it from your chair.” He slid it to her. “I didn’t mean to read it, but the text appeared when I had your phone in my hand. I think it’s from your ex. Is his name Hugh?”

Hooray for his curiosity! It had been a solid move to label the burner as “Hugh” in her contacts, causing his name to appear with each nasty text. She began reading, scrolling slowly until she stopped on the first scandalous photo. “Oh no!” She smacked her phone on the table and covered her face with her hands, allowing her shoulders to shake. It was tough to conjure up the tears, but after pressing her fingers into her eyes, she managed to get them going. Slowly, she looked up. “He’s going to post photos of me on the internet. I have to respond to him. But oh my God . . .” She huddled into herself. “I feel so violated.”

Sal’s eyes were dark with rage. “What he’s doing is illegal. It’s called revenge porn. You have to report this, Sylvia.”

Shaking her head, she spoke in a frightened whisper. “He won’t stop. I don’t even know what he wants anymore. I’ve promised him I won’t tell his wife.”

“If you’re scared to go to the police, I’ll go with you. Would that help?”

“I just don’t know.” Wrapping her arms around her middle, she said, “I’m so embarrassed. This isn’t how I envisioned our first date. You’ve already seen me naked,” she added with a bitter laugh.

“Hey,” he said, reaching to smooth a hand down her cheek. “Our first date has been amazing. I’m not going to let your ex ruin any part of it. If anything, I’ve learned just how strong you are. You’re an amazing woman.”

Well, all this flattery was unexpected. Sal was proving to be quite a find. Luring him into bed wouldn’t be difficult. “Thank you.” A tentative smile crept to her lips. “I think you’re pretty amazing too. Thanks for not making me feel bad about those pictures. I wasn’t even aware he’d taken them.”

He nodded and gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. “Which is exactly why you need to report this.”