His name…Emmanuel Santiago. And I hated him for making my baby feel this way. I had just turned 26 when I first met him. He was a guest at my fathers celebration dinner the year he was honored at his alma mater, Howard University. As usual, I was my fathers date and was being shown off to all his friends. I resented being displayed as a show horse to everyone. And only Emmanuel could see that. He volunteered to show me around the campus, even though I had been there countless times before. My father looked him up and down and deemed him a suitable escort.

Take good care of my daughter, young man.
Yes sir.

He extended his arm for me to take and I did so. He took me off campus to the local hang out and treated me to burger and fries.

Whoa, slow down, champ. I can get you another burger if you want? he laughed.
Sor-whe, I said with a full mouth.

I gulped down some soda and repeated myself.

Sorry about that. Im just so hungry and that food just wasnt my taste.
You mean the cardboard taste isnt in? he laughed again.

I joined him.

I personally dont want to find out.

We shared some more laughs and some more fries.

I think I should keep my word and show you around the campus.
Listen, Emmanuel, Ive been here before and have seen all there is to see so dont feel obligated to show me around. And as much as my father seems to forget, Im 26 and dont need a chaperon.
Your father didnt hire me to be your chaperon. In fact he didnt hire me at all. I… you just look like someone I could talk to tonight.
Oh god, I sighed.
What? Did I say something wrong?
No, Emmanuel, you didnt.
Please, call me E. Emmanuel was my grandfather and father.
Okay, E. Youve been a great date. But Im *****. Nothing could never become of this.
Hey, thats cool. I still like you anyway…now as a friend.
I wish more guys could be as understanding as you, E.
Cant have that. Im the one and only, he laughed.
No, of course not.

We both were silent for a minute.

It looks like were finished here. Can I still show you something?