With a start I ask, “Sorry?”
“The Italian place I just told you about. Weren’t you listening?”
“Yes. And no. I mean I was sort of listening, but I didn’t really hear you.”
“Then you weren’t listening.”
“I’m sorry, I got a little distracted by my leg. It hurts.”
His expression softens. “You want me to stop for painkillers? Aspirin?“
The only painkillers that work for me are the blood thinning kind and since this is a bruise, I’ve been advised against them. But I don’t want to tell him that I actually went to a doctor who warned me.
I really don’t need questions.
Especially not from my ex who just told me he likes how I taste right before I saw the man of my dreams driving up to my house.
I’ll take an olive green, off-roading vehicle over a white horse any day.
I bet Wyatt’s not wearing khakis.
“No, thank you. I can handle it.”
Eddie smiles, “You always were a strong girl,” and turns the wheel, eyes scanning for traffic. “So, Italian?”
That five-point turn reminds me of, “Let’s go to the Vortex.”
“Your favorite place,” he chuckles. “I thought something fancier might be nice.”
Pretending to smooth out my dress I lean to look through the side mirror. Why is Wyatt following us? I check my phone again even though it hasn’t vibrated. Nothing.
Eddie notices. “You nervous?”
“I feel a little strange,” I say with a forced smile.
“Why did you call me? I’ve been meaning to ask. I almost did on the phone but decided not to jinx it.” He turns onto Euclid Avenue.
“Somebody told me to call you.”
“Who?”
“Someone from where I work.”
We’re both searching for parking as he mutters, “Maybe there’s some in the lot and we’ll get lucky. Where are you working now?”
“Silver Linings.”
“Really?” His eyebrows fly up. “Here’s one.”
“Why are you so surprised?” I glance over to the spot he’s attempting to parallel park in. He’s got to turn around. And it’s not close to the restaurant. I’ll have to limp over. But with Wyatt on my mind I can’t think straight, don’t have the ability to ask him to drop me off.
The people inside the parked car are still gathering themselves, their conversation seeming important.
Eddie’s watching them as he shrugs, “No reason.”
“You had a reaction.”
“I’m just surprised you’re still there. Didn’t you get that job after we broke up? They’re leaving.” He pulls up a little.
“A year isn’t that long. Are you implying that I don’t stick to things? What is it about me that has ever shown you I don’t stick to things. I am very reliable.”
As he slides his four-door into place without any trouble, he chuckles “Don’t be so defensive, Diana. I never said you were unreliable. Of course you are. If there’s anyone I could always count on it was you.”
My frown vanishes, shoulders relaxing. “Thank you. That’s very sweet.”
Switching gears literally and figuratively he locks eyes with me, “French fries.”
A grin spreads as I watch my seatbelt sliding away. “Best in town.”
“Bookhouse Pub is a close second.”
We merge into a busy night full of people who know Little Five Points is the hippest spot. Not the slightest bit swanky, but definitely hip. I love most of the neighborhoods in this section — Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia Highlands where I live — but this one draws me in more than any other for going out. It’s a little gritty and a lot artistic. Neither of which personify me in any way. Opposites attract I guess.
I’m thinking this as I watch Eddie scanning faces of locals, tourists, and artists selling their stuff on the street. The sight of merchandise carefully displayed on wrinkled tablecloths reminds me of who I almost forgot was following us.
CHAPTER 17
WYATT
M y phone vibrates with a call from Nathan. “I’m starving, where you at?”
“I’m in Little Five Points following that girl I hit with the car today. We hit. Then she kind of hit me.”
“What do you mean you’re following her?”
As I step aside for a group of teens carrying skateboards, I explain, “I drove by her house thinking I’d catch her before the date. But she was already driving off with the guy.”
My brother pauses. “You realize that makes no sense.”
“Want to go to the Vortex?” I smirk.
“Be right there. Where should I meet you?”
About twenty feet up ahead Diana and her hopeful companion disappear inside the white skull entrance of my favorite place to eat in the entire city. The exterior is probably the most photographed restaurant we have. But the food is why we keep coming back. “I’ll wait for you right out front. How long are you going to take?”
“Three minutes, tops.”
I hang up, pleased with his timing. Until three minutes passes and I’m still kicking my heels under a warm sky, surrounded by people out for some fun. A lot of them are women who might have been taking a photograph of me if I were still in uniform. Haven’t seen phones pointed this way so I’m less recognizable in these jeans, grey t-shirt, dad’s old Marine boots, and my leather jacket.
I’ve gotten smiles from a couple girls but no snapping flashes.
Leaning against a black wall I cross my arms and stare at the sidewalk, mind on Diana, the Chief, and what a weird day it’s been.
My brother’s voice makes me look up as he smirks, “Penny for your thoughts.”
I cock an eyebrow. “It'll cost you a lot more than that. You’re late.”
Nathan looks at the watch Dad gave him for his eighteenth birthday, a real beauty with a wood face and thick leather band. In his other hand he’s flicking a lighter, a habit he acquired recently. “Five minutes.”
Pushing off the wall I agree, “That’s right. Like I said. You’re late.”
He grabs my arm, “Before we go in, can I get a little back story here?”
“I was hoping you wouldn’t ask.” Lowering my voice I explain to the best of my ability, “I met this girl today. She let it slip that
