“She must be special if you’re actually going out without your friends.”
“Very special.” I place my phone in my locker and ease the door shut. “We’re actually just friends. I hope to change that.”
“Be careful.” Tony’s voice takes on a fatherly tone. “Before you try to take anything further, you need to make sure you’re both on the same page or it could ruin whatever friendship you may have.”
“I will.” It’s not what I want to do, but I know he’s right. He’s the one that’s been there for me when my own father is too drunk to care. “I’m going to get to work.”
“If you need anything let me know.”
“Will do.” I open the door and walk into the store. There’s absolutely nothing that can bring me down today. The countdown to dinner begins now.
* * *
The parking lot to The Pit is jam packed. I expected it, though and it’s a testament to how good their food is. My stomach growls at the thought. It’s been way too long since I’ve eaten well.
There’s a car backing out of a spot and I put my blinker on to grab it as soon as he’s gone. Amelia’s dark hair and lightly tanned skin catches my eye as I put my car in park. She walks into the restaurant without a glance around her to see if I’m here yet. She walks with confidence while I’m nervous over even having dinner with her. Any hopes of bailing on dinner are dashed. I will not stand this girl up. I may have done it to the few girls in the past, not with her. She needs to know that she’s special and not just a conquest. Or only “friend” material. She’s meant for so much more.
Deep breaths. It’s all I focus on as I turn off my car and open the door. I can do this. We’re only hanging out. Nothing else. My stomach flips. I want it to be more. Maybe not right away, but in the future. We have the possibility of fixing each other.
The middle of Spring is not the time for summer weather to be sneaking in. I feel the heat trying to take over the mild temperature. It’s par for the course in Texas, and I wish we had longer Springs before it feels like Summer. Quickening my steps, I make my way across the parking lot. Anxious to see Amelia.
She’s standing right inside the door in front of the hostess stand. “I see you didn’t chicken out,” she deadpans.
“What are you talking about? I just got here.” Shoving my hands in my pockets, I rock back and forth on my feet. I never know what to do with my hands. It feels awkward just letting them hang by my side.
“I saw you as soon as you parked.” Her smirk gives me goosebumps. It’s a good thing because it’s been so long since anyone has made me feel anything. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d bail or not.” She turns toward me eyes lifting until they meet mine. Her dark lashes are fanned out, and vulnerability pours from the look she’s giving me. As if my not showing would hurt her.
“Wow. I didn’t even see you look my way.”
She shrugs. “I thought maybe if I came inside, you’d come, too… Eventually.”
Her bravery in an environment she’s not familiar with is amazing. We move up toward the hostess stand, and ask for a table for two. She grabs a couple of menus and utensils. “Right this way.”
There’s no doubt in my mind that tonight will be the highlight of my week. I’m going to cherish every moment of it.
Seven
Amelia
The hostess leadsus toward a table in the back.The Pitmust be amazing, almost every table is taken. Who knew a place could be so busy during the week? Randall is walking next to me, and he bumps into me avoiding a chair. A spark shoots up my arm. A tiny part of me wants him to take my hand. For this to be more than just a dinner as friends.
The pain he caused me creeps in, and warns me that a relationship with a guy that pursues me without really knowing me is a bad idea. Chemistry is a hard thing to ignore, but I will do my best. My heart is on the line and I'd rather have him as a friend than boyfriend anyway. Friends can have fun together without any expectations. It’s something I desperately need right now.
“Here you go,” the hostess smiles. “Your server will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you,” I nod.
Randall rushes to my side of the table to pull out my chair before I sit down. The tips of my ears warm at the gesture. That seems like something someone would do on a date and I have to remind myself that isn’t what’s happening here. No other guy has ever done that for me, though. Well, except for my dad. “Thank you,” I squeak before he takes the seat opposite me.
Randall grabs the menu, hiding most of his face. All I can see are his eyes as they scan the menu. At the speed they are going up and down the page, I’m not sure he’s actually paying attention to it.
“So,” I pick up my own menu, glancing over the options. Most BBQ places offer the same things, and I already know what I’m going to get. “How are things at the store? Anyone else dropping screws all over the place?”
Chuckling, he sets the menu down. “Nope. All screws are safe from your cousin’s vengeance.”
“I’m on Tonya’s side here. Those screws attacked her.” At his smirk, I relent. “Okay, she probably should have seen them. Honestly… Who leaves a box of open screws on top of wood?”
“You’d be surprised,” he rolls his eyes. “A lot of times people will open the box to make sure it’s the correct size before buying them. Or, they’ll carry them around and place them wherever when they decide they don’t need them or it’s the wrong size for whatever project they’re working on.”