Pretty sure my mental double take showed through, because Colin seemed to straighten a bit.
“It’s ok if not. I probably seem kinda creepy hanging out here every weekend. Forget I said anything.” He quickly took a sip so try and hide his dismay.
I mentally kicked myself for showing my shock. You’re an idiot. Why not just smile and tell him yes, you moron. That’s what you’ve wanted. Now you’ve got him thinking you’re not interested. Stupid! Say something! Quick!
“Sorry, Colin, I would love to go to dinner with you. I didn’t mean to seem like I wasn’t interested. I just... I don’t know, sometimes I’m an idiot. And then I turn into a babbling idiot.” I laughed nervously at my own gibberish.
“I would love to go to dinner,” I said more calmly, making sure to look him square in his amazing steel-grey eyes while trying not to hold my breath.
“I’m sure that is not true. You could never be an idiot, let alone a babbling one,” he said, winking as he took another sip.
*********
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Fumbling around her nightstand, Layla was trying to see through her eye mask to locate the thing screaming at her. Finally, her hand connected with the screaming and vibrating noise box. Pushing her mask up just enough to pry open an eyelid, she slid the ‘answer’ button. Before the phone even reached her ear, Jo’s voice came through:
“LAYLA! He did it! He finally did it! He actually did it! I can’t believe he did it!”
Layla yawned audibly before mumbling, “Gr-great, what? Who? Huh? Who did what?”
“Colin. He asked. Me. OUT!” Jo shouted through the phone.
“Girl! That’s awesome and I want the deets, but can it wait ‘til at least I’ve had some coffee? Seriously, what the hell time is it?” Layla asked, yawning through a half smile and rubbing her eyes to get them to focus.
“Oh sorry, I was just way too excited to sleep in this morning. Tell ya what, I’ll grab the lattes and be over in fifteen. That should give you a chance to at least wash your face.”
Not even giving her a chance to decline, Jo said bye and hung up.
Chapter 4
I was so excited. I felt like I was walking on air. I was going on an actual date with Colin. Like a real date, not just him coming to the bar where we exchange a few words in between me taking care of other customers. But a real date!
Eek!
Tuesday night couldn’t come soon enough. I was a ball of energy and nerves at the same time. No, Tuesday isn’t your typical date night, but I worked most Friday and Saturday nights, so…
We pulled into the parking lot of O’Charley’s, a great steakhouse nestled right at the juncture of the Red and Cumberland rivers. There was a gorgeous backdrop to go with the amazing food.
Colin parked, got out and came around to open my door. I smiled as he took my hand to help me out of his white Jeep Wrangler. We walked up to the entrance, his hand just above the small of my back, guiding me. Then he opened the big door. “Ladies first.”
The young man waiting to seat us gave us a half smile. “Patio or inside?” was all he said. Not exactly the warmest greeting, but honestly, I didn’t care.
“Do you mind if we sit on the patio? It’s nice out,” I asked.
A smile graced Colin’s lips. “That sounds perfect, patio please.”
The host led us to a table by the rail where we had a nice subtle breeze and the soft sounds of the river below. I couldn’t have imagined a better scene for our first date.
Colin pulled out my chair.
“I’ve never had anyone do that. Thank you,” I said beaming while taking my seat and nervously tucking my hair behind my right ear. It was an unconscious habit.
“That’s a shame, but I’m glad I was the first one to treat you like a lady,” he said, his crooked grin growing wider.
His smile always made my tummy flutter, but now those butterflies were having themselves a dance party.
“This is so nice,” was all I could muster. So dumb, Jo. This is so nice?! Really?
“It really is. I’ve actually been wanting to check this place out since I got here, so I knew this is where I wanted to take you. Though it never occurred to me until now—are you a vegetarian?”
I could hear the nervousness in his voice at the idea he may have inadvertently brought a vegetarian to a steakhouse.
“No, I’m not.” I giggled at his concern. “No, I love this place. But I don’t think I’ve been out here. My girls and I usually sit at the bar and I try not to critique the bartenders.”
“Really? Well I guess that’s an occupational hazard.” He chuckled and I could see his shoulders visibly relax.
Just then the waiter showed up. “Good evening, my name is Todd. I’ll be helping you tonight. What can I start you with? Perhaps a refreshing twisted lemonade or maybe a frozen strawberry daiquiri?”
“Actually, the daiquiri sounds great, but can you make it virgin?” I asked as I held the menu.
“Sure. And you sir?” He turned slightly towards Colin.
“Ya know, I always like a refreshing drink. Think I’ll have the same.” He smiled first at Todd and then turned that gorgeous heart-stopping grin towards me. I swear my stomach was trying out for the Olympics.
“Got it. I’ll give you a few moments to look over the menu while I put in your drink order.” With that, Todd turned and left.
Looking up from my menu I saw Colin staring at me. Just looking at me. He was wearing a clean-cut
