Tyra took Tim's outstretched hand as they walked out of the restaurant. She smiled politely at him as they made their way down the short walkway that lead them to the entrance of the restaurant and to the sidewalk where they would await a cab. 

She had to admit she was a bit taken with Tim and this made her quite nervous as she was afraid in the end he might be repelled when he discovered her secret. 

They had a wonderful dinner and he had made her comfortable as he provided her with jovial company and amusing conversation. She had found herself often smiling or downright trying not to choke on her poached salmon as he related some out-of-this-world experience.

She truly has not known what to expect when she had agreed on this date but during the delicious meal, the glasses of wine, and Tim's easygoing personality she had come somewhat undone.

"Are you ok?" he asked looking over at her with an eyebrow raised in inquiry.

"Yep," she told him staring into his mesmerizing green eyes.

"Is it ok if I kiss you I have been wanting to do it all might," he said causing her mouth to open with a small gasp.

This was his first indication of wanting more than just a convivial dinner where he provided her with entertaining conversation. Her heart raced in her chest and she was sure the vigorous thuds it made could be seen beneath the bodice of her short lime green body con dress.

She could feel her bare breasts move against the loosely laced-up bodice as her heart beat frantically as Tim leaned in to kiss her still-surprised lips. She had to get herself together. 

She had learned over the years to take control of her uncertainties and be more secure about who she is but here was Tim making her hard work all fall to shreds at her dark green patent stilettoes as his soft lips claims hers in a sweet captivating kiss.

She fought the urge to press her body into the sweet-smelling masculine frame of his body clad in a light brown button-front shirt with the sleeves cuffed below his elbows, dark bootleg jeans, and black leather tassel loafers.

He was a looker, a charmer and it seems a great kisser too. There was more she wanted to discover but her sense of knowing that he might not like the fact that she was a transwoman caused her to pull away before the kiss deepened and things got carried away.

"Walk with me," he said smiling at her and pulling her along by the hand he still held when her uncooperative legs kept her rooted to the spot.

Surely she should call it a night it was almost eleven. It was best she let them catch a cab a put an end to things before it all go down south.

Her mouth moved to speak but Tom casually moving down the sidewalk spoke before she could. "You've heard all about me yet I am yet to know about you."

There goes her heart again beating wildly as her mind started to twist and turn the details she should share knowing that the reality of what she was might repulse him.

"Well am just me," she heard herself say lamely but before she knew it she was chatting away. "I just came here looking for a brand new start to get Tyra Townsend a life that was not marred by abuse, rejection, and lies."

Tim turn his head and look at her. His eyes are dark in the dim night that shrouded them and she wish the lights that came from the busy business places that they passed gave her a chance to read what their green depth held.

His hair fell over his forehead as he tilted his head inquiringly as he asked softly. "Who would want to abuse you?"

It was asked in such a way that caused the pain she suppressed to surface and her feet faltered as she lost complete control of barely in-contact composure.

"My…my father…we…well my  stepdad did."

"Oh fuck Tyra I am so sorry I ask," he said when he realized the pain and heartache she was feeling.

"It's no…nothing," she said trying to brush it aside. "And you have nothing to apologize for."

"Bu—"

"Listen Tim there is something you need to know," she said cutting him off. "You seem like a really nice guy and it would be a pleasure to have something with you but this is not going to work. You and I are two different people."

"Why are you speaking for me?" Tim asks his mind on overdrive. He was yet to get what he wanted. 

For a minute he thought he was in the clear but obviously not. He could not lose his chance. He gripped her hand firmer as he felt her try to pull her hand away. He was careful not to let it look like he was trying to force her into anything so he pulled her into his arms and hugged her to him.

The last thing he wanted was for the busy thoroughfare to turn into an angry mob in the belief he was forcing himself on her. Maybe it was best if they has stayed at the restaurant and chatted.

"Baby please," he whispered into her neat afro curls. "I did not mean to upset you. I am really into you and I truly want to get to know you, please don't deny me that chance."

Tyra pulled away from him and look long into his eyes before she said. "For fourteen years of my life, I have been known as Tyrone Townsend. When I realized I was never going to live without feeling stifled by a body that denied me my true identity I started being Ty the girl that was going to give me my freedom. All it got me was abuse, hate, and rejection.

For four years I defied the odds and stuck with Ty but it took every ounce of my self-esteem I remained determined to be true to myself until my stepfather took me back to my real father and his wife after he came home and find me dressed in my mother's clothes and putting on her makeup. That day I did not get a beating guess he figured I had enough belt scars and cigar burns so he gave me what he thought I wanted.

On the very bed that he would be sleeping with my mom that night he took me. I have made out with girls but never with boys. I was afraid they would mock me and I did not want to be the gay kid. Damn, I wanted so much for life to be easy; to understand what I need, but instead, it shattered my self-worth when I got my first dick in the most brutal and degrading way. 

I was a mess when I was dumped on my dad's doorstep. Lucky for me June was a woman who was not going to let her husband's bastard mess up her well-planned life with its polish and pristine existence that is put in place by her devotion to have her best life.

This was to be the first good thing life did for me. June's selfish desire to be the best socialite was my haven. Also, her love for my father helped save me too, it would kill her if she was to lose him. I wish I had the devotion they had to each other with someone."

Tyra shook her head and gave a humorless laugh before she continued speaking.

She ensured I got all I wanted so as not to put a dent in the dome she place over her life. June has friends in both high and low places that valued her standings in society and her wealth to spin the right story for my existence.

June played her cards well making sure I became Tyra and every trace of Tyrone and Ty Townsend were nonexistent. I got my surgeries done at the best private facilities, I got the best education fitting my career choice, and I am on the best of the best list for potential lovers yet she resented me as I was her double jeopardy.

I was to June a punishment. I was the retribution she had to face for sending her own daughter away because like me she was cursed with immorality. Her beloved daughter was bisexual and her husband's illegitimate child wanted to be a girl. How ironic is that?"

Tim stared at Tyra as a few details fitted the pieces of the puzzle together. She was a sweet and fascinating surprise. He could not help but appreciate her more for what she shared. 

"Hey am not here to judge you if you think that's what am about then your wrong," he said taking her hand again. "I spend all of the photo shoot earlier today watching you. I even had Kessa telling me to make my move and I did. I find you extremely attractive, kind, helpful, and selfless things that caused me to like you a lot. Also, I realize that something was bothering you, and discovering it was your concern for my feelings only increase my attraction for you."

"Have you heard…what, you like me?"

"Yes Tyra, I like you a lot," he smiled caressing her cheek tenderly.

"But I'm trans girl,l" she return as if talking to someone who was mentally challenged.

"A damn sexy and good-looking one at that," he smirked letting his fingers trail to her full luscious lips. "Beat the ones I had when I was in prison."

"Wh…what?!"

"Tyra you were honest with me now it is my turn. Tonight I had my agenda. I wanted to find out what went down between Tiana and Kessa in the powder room," he told her. He saw her disappointment at the revelation but she stood there waiting for him to finish speaking.

"I care deeply for Kessa she has become a dear person to me and I truly want what's best for her and clearly it's Tiana. I went about wanting to help her wrongfully and for that, I must apologize to you."

He watch as she gave a shrug trying to be nonchalant.

"I have been in a lot of shitty things and done my share of wrongs and had to pay the price. What am saying is I don't want to pay for my stupid choice by losing you."

He watches as her eyes probed his face searching for sincerity.

"I might have ended up with a fine girl when I eventually settled down here but life has already mapped out our destiny. I want to be with you in every sense of the word as we see where things take us. If you'll give me another chance."

She smiled as she took his hand "Let's end the night with coffee," she said as they continued on their walk.

"So?"

"I make my best decisions after coffee. It tames my inner bitch."

That sounds like something Tiana would say…