Ice Cream Man Read Online Free PDF Page A

would go back to see Janice now. The ebony beauty that had made his day needed one last viewing before he went back to Queens to drop off his ice cream truck and call it a night. And he wouldn’t say a thing about what happened after she ate the Fudgsicle unless she did. He intended to be respectful.
    As he turned north on Second Avenue, he took a comb out of his pocket and ran it through his hair. He drank down half a bottle of water. The first day of work hadn’t been all that bad. He had sold a lot of ice cream and had an interesting woman who was calling to him.
    Turning right on St. Mark’s Place, he saw plenty of people walking outside. The evening was heating up in East Village. Parking was at a premium on the street, but Antonio was lucky. A late delivery truck pulled out of a space not too far away from Janice’s shop. He slid into the space, got out of his truck and locked the door.
    The inside lights were aglow inside her tiny shop. Antonio opened the door and went in. He looked down the few rows of clothes, but saw no one.
    “Janice,” he called out.
    The rear room opened and there she was. The stained white cashmere sweater had been replaced by a tight tangerine blouse that accentuated the fullness of her breasts. She had a half-sandwich in her hand and a bite in her mouth.
    Her eyes widened. “Antonio? What are you doing here?”
    “Thought I’d come back and visit. I didn’t get to say goodbye earlier.” He smiled. “When my customers left, you still had yours.”
    She nodded. “They were here over an hour.”
    “So did you sell anything today?”
    Her lips opened in a grin. “I did. The woman that was here when you left bought an African outfit. Then I had another customer later in the afternoon who bought a dress. It was actually a great day.”
    “Wow! That’s cause to celebrate.”
    “It is.” Janice raised her eyebrows. “Every time I sell one of my African outfits, it makes me feel closer to my dream.”
    “I thought helping those children in Ethiopia was your dream.”
    She tilted her head at him. “They are already a reality for me. I have a dream, too.”
    He frowned. “What is your dream?”
    “To get African clothes on the runway.”
    “Hmm. I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “I guess I don’t understand much about African clothes. They’re not already on the runway?”
    “No. There are African-American and African fashion designers, but African designs are not in fashion shows. I feel strongly that African influences with traditionally worn African attire need to be featured prominently. It is time. They are beautiful and a part of many people’s heritage.” Janice shrugged. “I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing more models of color either.
    “I think I understand what you’re talking about now.” Antonio nodded. “I’ve been around a lot of models in the past during my photo shoot days, but can’t think of one black girl I knew.”
    “No matter, I’m quite happy today.” She paused and glanced up at him. “In more ways than one.”
    He wasn’t sure how to take her remark. Was she talking about the oral sex? He wasn’t sure what to say next. “Were you able to get the chocolate out of your sweater?”
    She let out a breath. “My sweater is soaking but probably will never be the same again. It’s all your fault, Antonio.” Her eyes twinkled.
    “I’m sorry, Janice. I didn’t mean for your sweater to get stained. I thought your mouth would catch all the drips.” Antonio smiled.
    “I did try to catch all the drips, but it just melted too quickly.”
    “It’s just like me not to miss out on fun opportunities when they present themselves. I hope you’re not too upset.” He gave a quick bow. “I apologize.”
    “Don’t worry about it. I’m not.” She shrugged. “Clothes come and clothes go. You took me out of my misery this morning and that’s what counts. No worries from me.”
    “That makes me feel better.” He nodded, but couldn’t help