“Shh,” I kiss her forehead. “I’m glad you were working hard because school is important. Besides, let’s go out for dinner tonight then. Does Mexican sound good?”
“Really?” Her face brightens. “I think that’s exactly what I need actually,” she says. “How about the Sonoran? I know how much you love tacos.”
I chuckle. “Whatever you want, sweetheart. I’m all ears. Or stomachs in this case.”
“Yes!” Patty crows while pumping her fist with joy. She speed walks to our bedroom while sassily tossing her curls over one shoulder. “I’ll put on something nicer to wear. I’ll only be five minutes so keep your shoes on.”
I stroll to the living room and plop onto the couch while rolling my shoulders and working the stiffness out of my neck. “Take all the time you need, sweetheart,” I call. “I’m ready for you whenever you are.”
Little does Patty know, but those words are truer than she thinks because I want my woman to be happy. Our lives are amazing and we’re ecstatic together, but there’s more to be had because I’ve noticed the sparks in the air between my girlfriend and Chase, and it intrigues me. It’s not everyday that your girlfriend and one of your best friends feel the live wire of physical attraction and mental alignment. But what Patty doesn’t realize is that I’m okay with it. Hell, I’m more than okay with it, and I have a special surprise for her birthday that could put things over the top.
3
Patty
* * *
Half an hour later, Chris and I pull up in the parking lot of the restaurant. I’m wearing a light purple, sheer kimono cardigan, a white spaghetti-strap shirt, and ripped jean shorts. I made sure to smell like the peaches and vanilla perfume he likes so much because he just looked so tired after walking in from work.
My heart turns over in my chest as I take my boyfriend’s hand. He works so hard and is incredibly successful as a personal trainer, yet it drains him and exerts a toll.
But my stomach lets out another tremendous growl, and laughing, we stroll into the restaurant. The Sonoran is our favorite taqueria in the city, and looks a bit like a pueblo with its sandy walls and pink-tiled roof. Inside the theme continues with polished wood tables, rustic décor and colorful tapestries on the walls. We come here so often that we’re on a first name basis with most of the wait staff, and sure enough, we’re seated at one of the best tables outside. No menu is necessary because I already have it committed to memory.
“I’ll take the Cubano tortas and a Corona,” Chris says to our waiter Jim.
“Si,” the man replies. “Great choice.”
“And I’d like three large carnitas tacos with refried beans and extra salsa,” I add. “Oh, and a horchata too. Thanks, Jim!”
Our waiter winks and heads off to get our drinks.
Chris leans toward me across the table. “Hungry much?”
I titter while rubbing my soft belly.
“You know it! I’m dying to get my hands on those tacos. How about you?”
Chris nods and grins, but then his expression goes reflective.
“Do you remember when we met, honey?” he asks. “You came into the gym all nerves and jitters. You were so set on working out every day and eating nothing but raw vegetables and boiled chicken, and it was totally crazy. When I mentioned the Sonoran to you for the first time, you practically freaked out from the thought of sour cream and guac.”
I blush. “Yeah, of course I do. I was so silly and it’s totally embarrassing.”
He smiles. “You were adorable, and believe it or not, you’re not the only client I have who’s scared of sour cream and guac.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Not anymore! I still have no idea why you started dating me when I was such a mess back then with all my food issues and body dysmorphia. OMG, it’s so embarrassing.”
Chris just shakes his head, one dark lock falling over a blue eye.
“No sweetheart,” he says. “Despite all that, you’ve always been so sweet and beautiful, so how could I not fall in love with you?”
My blush deepens. “You’re just saying that!”
“I’d never lie to you, baby.” Then, the handsome man reaches across the table and takes my hand. “And you know what one of my favorite things about you is?” I shake my head, and he grins. “I love a girl with a sense of humor.”
I giggle. “That was one of the first things you told me when I accidentally poured hot sauce all over my burrito. But all’s well that ends well. You ate the hot sauce-drenched burrito for me, and I ordered a new one.”
He leans over for a kiss.
“Always happy to help my girl out,” he growls, blue eyes already beginning to blaze. “But before the food comes, I wanted to let you know that I’ve been thinking about your birthday. I want to get you something extra special this year.”