Page 29

“What the fuck do you mean, per the signage?” Dante exploded in anger. Myla and the cashier jumped at the bass and fury that erupted from Dante. Instead of realizing that he was taking things too far, he doubled down on berating the staff.

“Do you think I came here to read signs? The only thing I planned to read when I got here was the menu? If you wanted people to know that you didn’t accept American Express, you should’ve announced that when the customers come in instead of trying to humiliate and embarrass me because you and this company are too broke to afford the transaction fees.” Dante was fuming.

He was so angry that his hands shook. It was as if he were taking the decline of his card as a personal attack.

Myla was so caught off guard that she was temporarily paralyzed. Sunny, on the other hand, was unbothered. She did not flinch or give any indication that she was bothered.

“I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience of not accepting American Express or Discover cards. However, we do have workarounds in place because of the inconvenience. We do have two ATMs; both are located by the restroom, where you can withdraw funds from the cards. We do accept cash. Nothing over a $20 bill because we prefer not to keep large bills on site.”

“The only other card I have with me is my Dubai Royale First Mastercard. But if you don’t accept the Centurion, I’m quite sure you won’t accept this,” Dante added as he pulled out the Black Card trimmed with gold.

Myla’s jaw dropped. She had never seen a credit card with what appeared to be a diamond in the center of it.

“We do not,” Sunny answered flatly. “As I stated before, we have two ATMs; both are located by the restroom, where you can withdraw funds from the cards. We do accept cash. Nothing over a $20 bill because we prefer not to keep large bills on site.”

Sunny spoke in such a robotic manner that it snapped Myla out of the shock that Dante’s behavior had put her in. There was no reaction, no performance, just facts.

“Ummm, thank you for the clarification, Sunny. If we go to the ATM, will we have to get back in line to check-out?”

“Yes, ma’am. You would have to get back in line,” Sunny answered.

Both Dante and Myla looked backward at the long line.

“Yeah, we’re not doing that,” Myla laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “I got it, Babe,” she said as she went into her Chanel purse, pulled out the matching wallet, and Wells Fargo debit card.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind getting cash. You can wait in the car while I wait in this long line,” Dante said.

“We’re not doing that. I’m going to pay. Then we’re going back to Meyers,” Myla said as she tapped her card against the card reader.

The sound of the receipt printing, along with the word ‘approved’ on the card reader, let them know that the transaction was successful.

“I don’t need the receipt. Thank you,” Myla said before exiting the establishment.

13

Dante drove like he was on the speedway in Daytona. His ankle ached from how hard he had his foot on the gas. But he refused to let up. He needed to put as much space as possible between him and the restaurant that tried to humiliate him. He was so angry that he couldn’t think straight.

“Dante! Can you…umm, do you mind slowing down?” Myla shouted as she held onto the grab handles for dear life.

Her feet stomped the imaginary passenger-side brake pedal aggressively. Motion sickness was kicking in. The delicious seafood and grits that she had ingested a few moments ago were threatening to reappear.

Dante didn’t respond. His jaw was clenched so tight it looked painful. Myla could genuinely see his muscles pulsating beneath his skin. The digital numbers on the speedometer crept higher, making her sicker in the process.

“Dante! Slow down before you get us pulled over or killed!” she screamed; fear and panic fought for dominance.

Myla’s nerves were rattled. She didn’t know if it was the fear in her voice or the threat of him being pulled over or killed that made him slow down, but whatever it was, she was glad for it. They were just all jokes and laughs; she could not understand what caused the change in his demeanor.

A heavy, uncomfortable silence filled the car. The only thing Myla could hear was her racing heart. She swallowed hard, willing her stomach to settle. Even though the car had stopped, her death grip on the grab handle remained.

“I knew I should’ve kept my black ass at home. I learned four years ago that New Year’s was not my day. This would’ve never happened if I stayed home,” Myla said as she finally released the handle to dig in her purse for her phone. Unlocking it, she went straight to the Uber app to order an Uber Black.

“What are you doing? Who are you calling?” Dante asked.

“I’m not calling anyone. I’m ordering an Uber,” Myla answered, as she opened the car door to step outside. She needed some air.

Dante slowly ran his palms over his face.

“Myla, please, don’t do that. I’m sorry,” Dante apologized. The sincerity in his voice made her glance at him.