Jade followed the guy through the restaurant to a table in the corner with privacy. They already had a chair out of the way for his wheelchair.
The man pulled back her chair.
“Maybe next time, you’ll think before you open your mouth, jackass.” She sat and pulled the chair toward the table.
The man sputtered. “My apologies. I will have your waiter come right to you.”
She ignored the man and took a drink from the glass of water.
Cole placed his hand over her on top of the table. “Look at me, baby. You’ve got to stop beating up anyone who says something mean or stupid. Take my word for it, you’d be fighting all day long.”
She nodded. “I’m sorry. I just hate stupid people.”
“Have you always been violent?” he asked.
She thought about it for a second and shrugged. “I don’t like bullies because I’ve been bullied so much growing up. So, when I see one, I tear into them. I had to learn how to fight early. I guess it makes it worse because I’m protective of you.”
“Do you do this all the time?” Cole asked.
“Not really. There were a few parents I fought with because they were abusing their children. One man thought he could intimidate me.” She giggled. “He ended up on the floor with his hand up to ward me off.”
“We’ll have to figure out a way to curb this tendency. I’ve got an idea I’ll talk about later.”
“Hello, my name is Mathew, and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I get you a drink to start off?”
She looked at the menu. She’d learned a little about alcohol working at the bar and wanted to try something.
“I’ll take a beer,” she said.
Cole’s gaze jerked to her. “Have you ever had one, baby?”
“No. But a lot of people seem to like it.”
“How about I order one for myself, and you can try it? In the meantime, how about a glass of milk?”
She straightened. “Chocolate milk?”
“Yes.” Cole chuckled.
She nodded.
“I’ll be right back with your drinks, sir.”
The drinks were back within a few minutes, and she was still looking at the menu. Some of the things she’d never heard before, and the prices were astronomical. Who would spend sixty-five dollars for a steak?
“I’ll be right back to get your order,” the waiter said.
“That’s fine,” Cole said.
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes to see him looking at her.
“What’s the problem, baby?”
She looked around before leaning into him. “Cole, I don’t think you looked at the prices. They’re ridiculous, and I’ve never heard of some of these things.”
He chuckled. “I’ve seen the prices. Please don’t ever worry about that. Would you like me to order for you?”
She relaxed. “Yes, please. Something small, like a salad.”