“Ok.” Riley flopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
“Did you want to shower too?” I stood waiting. I knew it would take her longer to get ready.
“I’ll shower before bed.” Her head lolled to the side as she yawned.
“Ok. See if you can get a quick nap in. The time change is gonna be rough.” I smiled and her face fell. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just really wanted to find my dad today. He’s probably working though, huh?” She mashed her lips together in thought.
“We have time. Let’s have fun tonight.” I laughed.
“Fun. I can do that.” She grinned as she kicked her feet against the mattress in excitement.
“Give me a half hour to get cleaned up, and then we’ll go.” I collected my clothes, and made my way into the bathroom.
I had to give it to Riley’s parents; this place was nice. Everything was clean and smelled so fresh. We had a view of the ocean, and there were lots of things to do in the area. The pool looked inviting, and I was hoping that I could convince Riley to go for a swim later.
ooooooooo
“Ready?” I held out my hand for her to grab.
“Let’s do this.” Riley giggled as we made our way down the hallway to the elevator bank. We rode down in silence, and then stepped into the lobby. There was a water feature in the center with lots of windows. Several planted areas made you feel as if you were outside.
“Wanna walk tonight?” I waited by the door. The valet was ready to get the truck if she said no. “There’s lots to do right here.” I motioned to all the shops and restaurants within the few blocks of our hotel.
“That sounds like fun.” She grinned, and we made our way down the steps. Living near Boston, we walked a lot. There were lots of places near the gym. It was getting into the city that was the issue. Riley’s home was outside the city. Wes wanted privacy and built his home in the suburbs.
“Burgers, steaks, or salad?” I motioned to the buildings surrounding us. “We can eat whatever you want?”
“Let’s go in here.” She started tugging me toward a pub. There were umbrella tables out front on a patio of sorts, and open windows showcasing the large bar area inside.
“Lead the way.” I chuckled as she excitedly stepped through the doorway. Loud music greeted us along with one of the bartenders.
“Have a seat wherever you like, man. Someone will be right with you.” He smiled and then went back to making drinks for the customer in front of him.
“Let’s sit here.” Riley pulled me to a table near one of the windows. “We can see everything, and it’s not so loud.”
“Whatever you want.” I chuckled.
“Whatever I want? I like that response.” She grinned as I pulled her chair out, and she sat down.
“I think I’m going to go for a burger.” I scanned the menu, and then set it aside. I watched as Riley stared at the cardstock. Her eyes scanned over it, and her mouth twisted in thought. “See anything you like?” I tapped her menu to get her attention.
“Yeah.” She flipped it over and started scanning the back. “I just…” Her voice trailed off.
“Just what?” I used my foot this time to get her attention.
“It’s expensive,” she whispered.
“I told you to stop worrying about that. We’re in California. I came prepared. Why do you think we stayed in all those shitholes for hotels?” I leaned back in my chair. “Get what you want.”
“I want this steak, but it’s a lot.” She sighed.
“You order it, or I’m going to order it for you.” I crossed my arms.
“You’re being bossy.” She scowled.
“I’m being your boyfriend. Call me old fashioned, but I believe the guy pays and the girl gets what she wants to eat.” I shrugged.
“When do you get what you want to eat?” Her head tipped to the side.
“I’m working on that.” I lowered my voice as her cheeks flushed. I wondered if she’d catch my meaning, and apparently, she did.
“Maybe later.” Her foot nudged mine.
“That’s not what this is all about, Rils.” I dropped the flirting for a moment.
“I know.” She smiled as a server approached our table.
“What can I get you?” She smiled at us with her pen and pad ready.
“I’m going to have the classic burger, and my girlfriend will take the NY strip.” I handed over my menu.
“That comes with a side.” The server looked somewhat annoyed.
“Fries please.” Riley smiled as she too handed over her menu.
“Coming right up.” The girl turned on a dime and marched away.
“She was trying to flirt with you. I saw it on her face.” Riley laughed.
“That’s why I used the ‘g word’,” I laughed. “I’m not blind to other women. I know enough about girls to know when I need to speak up.” I twisted the napkin that was in front of me between my fingers. My mom had taught me a lot of this. She told me when you’re on a date, you need to make it clear to everyone around you because they don’t always get it.
“I’m impressed.” Riley smiled and nodded. We hadn’t had much chance for me to flex my manners on our last date.
It didn’t take long for
