In the past few weeks, this restaurant had become a favorite of Isaac’s and Sabrina’s, and they were seated at their usual table. Soft candlelight flickered on the table and deep crimson curtains hung behind them. The only difference tonight being that they were three, instead of two. Isaac motioned for Marie to order first. She opted for the Chicken Cordon Bleu and Caesar salad.
He arched a brow at Sabrina, and she gave a nod of her head, probably imperceptible to anyone who didn’t watch her as closely as Isaac, and closed her menu.
“And the lovely lady and I will each have the filet mignon, baked potatoes, and house salad with French dressing, please. The steaks should be rare, on both.” Handing the menus to the waiter, Isaac noticed Marie smirking at him. He glanced at Sabrina in confusion, and she shrugged.
She didn’t have a clue what he had done this time. All night long, Marie had been judging him and questioning his every move. She couldn’t believe Isaac hadn’t snapped yet.
“What, did I do something wrong?”
Marie snickered and replied, “Yeah. Although the gesture is impressive in an old-fashioned kind of way, you ordered wrong.” She gloated. “Sabrina eats her steak medium well. You better get the waiter before it’s too late.”
“Actually, Marie, I’ve discovered I’m a rare kind of gal,” she interjected as she grinned at Isaac. “Why settle for the normal when you can be rare, right, Isaac?”
He laughed wholeheartedly. “Why, indeed.”
Marie looked back and forth between them and glowered silently. She muttered something under her breath Sabrina couldn’t make out, but no doubt Isaac could. She kicked her sister’s shin in an attempt to remind her to be more polite. Marie, ever the drama queen, jumped and yelped loudly. She glared at Sabrina before turning to Isaac with a plastic smile.
“So, Isaac, what do you do?”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have acquired a rather large amount of real estate over time. I have several properties spread out here and there, and I rent them out while I am not using them.”
“Oh, and what else?” she inquired.
They both froze at her icy tone, neither daring to look at the other.
“I’m not sure I understand your question.”
“Well, you can’t earn enough to support yourself by simply renting out a few properties. I’m sure you do something else, as well.”
“Marie, stop it right—”
“No, it’s okay, Sabrina,” he interrupted smilingly. “I just hadn’t understood what she asked me. When I had told you that I own a few properties, I suppose I leaned a bit toward the modest side of my holdings. The land I own would take quite a while to name off. And, I’d rather not, to be honest. I’d come across sounding boastful and arrogant.”
“Oh…well…okay….” Marie stammered. Her cheeks flushed, and she took a sip of ice water before settling back in her chair to cross her arms over her chest.
“I also invest in real estate and am always looking for more opportunities. I own a firm that buys, and flips, properties. I’m also involved in an organization that makes sure land stays open in farm areas, and we try to preserve national forests and such. So, I manage to keep myself busy.”
“I’d imagine so. You sound like a busy man,” she spoke begrudgingly. “I don’t know how you’ve got time to woo Sabrina in-between all of your other commitments.”
“Oh, if I didn’t have the time, I’d find a way to make some. Your sister is one of a kind.”
“Yeah, she is,” she agreed. “You know, I’m trying to find something not to like about you, and failing.” She laughed and met his eyes for the first time the whole night.
He leaned in and whispered with flair, “Well, I’ve been told I snore.”
They all chuckled, and the tension dissipated. The rest of the meal passed minu
s any hitches, and they were driving home when Marie stated, “Isaac, I’d like to apologize. I know I’ve been a bit hard on you. I tend to worry about Sabrina, and I want to see her happy. I can see now how much you care for her. So, I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”
Sabrina moved forward from her relaxed position against the back seat, straining to listen to the conversation. She’d insisted on sitting in the back, since Marie got carsick so easily.
“There’s nothing to forgive. You were protecting your sister. It’s an admirable quality to possess.”
They stared at each other for a moment and grinned. Sabrina grinned as well.
Now that is what I’m talking about. Everybody getting along. Nothing could ruin this—
“Do sit back, Sabrina. I’d hate for you to strain your neck,” Marie said snidely. She giggled, ruining the effect, and Isaac’s musical laughter joined in.