“Thinking about where I started in law school and where I ended up.”
He cocked his head sideways. “I don’t follow.”
“I’ve spent the last few years doing the most boring type of law on the planet. Not following my true interests. Settling for less than what I saw for myself.” I didn’t know where the confession had come from. “And even though I’m helping people now, I realize I wasted time not doing it. I stuck my head in the sand and let other things distract me. I was so naïve.”
“But you’re here now.”
“Yes. I am.”
We sat back in our chairs when the waiter came to take our order. Vaughn ordered a bottle of red wine and dismissed him quickly.
“Any regrets about moving?” he asked.
I shook my head. “No.” It was the first time I was confident in my answer since I moved. “I think this is where I’m supposed to be.”
“D.C. has a way of growing on people.”
“What about you? How long have you been here?”
He ran his thumb over his bottom lip and moved his elbows when the waiter returned with our wine.
“Five years. I moved for the job and haven’t thought about going anywhere else.”
I reached for my glass of wine.
“There’s something to be said for finding a place you like.”
He nodded. “If my job moves me, then I’ll worry about that then.”
“Is that a possibility?” There was a needle of fear with that idea. Even if it was too soon to have that feeling.
“In my line of work it’s always a possibility.”
“You make it sound like you could get a transfer at any point.”
“No. It’s not that serious. I shouldn’t have made it sound like that. I just know not to get too attached. Guys in this business move a lot. I’m one of the lucky ones to have been in the same place for so long.”
“Lending sounds unpredictable.” I gulped the wine.
He smirked. “Different from day to day.”
“And you like it? It’s what you want to do?” I remembered the night we first met he had told me he used to be in the Navy.
“Does anyone really want the job they have? Present company excluded, of course.” He winked. “It’s interesting. I make plenty of money. I’m not out saving the world like you, and I’m ok with that.”
I giggled slightly. “I never said I was saving the world.”
“Just take the compliment.”
I blushed. “Ok. I save the world.”
“That’s better.”
We ate by candlelight. Somewhere in the front of the restaurant was the sound of an accordion. Vaughn was right about how authentic it was. The food was delicious—so was my date.
I thought we would take a car back to my place after dinner but Vaughn wanted to walk. Sometimes I got the feeling he had a restless side. He liked being outside more than in.
“Are you cold?” he asked.