Erica’s POV
I was at the mall early by 6:30 pm. I was too nervous to be around Lorenzo. He was ‘different’ and it felt uncomfortable.
As the evening Drew closer, I was stuck with him making a fuss over me. It stunned me how fast he flipped the switch from an angry fiance to a loving and doting one.
I was stuck in a near cringe position every time he was around me.
I was so happy that Javier asked me to go with him. I needed the change of company.
I walked to the restaurant but was reluctant to go inside. Going inside would imply that I wanted a meal and I didn’t want him to…
“Hey.”
I was startled and surprised to see Javier at the door of the restaurant. He had on a pair of blue jeans with a black turtle neck sweater.
His golden eyes seemed to light up the place and his smile made me feel uneasy.
“I was waiting for you inside. Why are you out here?”
I stumbled on my words and I felt stupid for a whole five seconds. I should have gone inside.
“I didn’t think that we were going to meet inside. You said to meet at the restaurant.”
I felt a blush spread over my cheeks. Even my explanation sounded stupid.
He said nothing and smiled warmly at me.
“Well, I thought that we should start the evening with a hearty meal. Wouldn’t want to stroll on an empty stomach. You’re also early. I was hoping to see you at 7 pm.”
I slinked and wished the ground would open and swallow me up.
“Did you have an appointment? Am I interrupting? I’m sorry if…”
“Calm down”
He smiled again and I couldn’t help but notice a tiny dimple form.
” you don’t have to worry. On the bright side, we get to spend more time together.”
My heart did a little flip and he took me inside and showed me to our table.
I sat down and I suddenly realized how nervous I was. I wasn’t nervous the last time because I was so focused on the kids, but it was just the two of us.
“Easy Erica, deep breaths. He’s a normal person like anyone else. Be professional about this…”
“Erica?”
My mental motivational speech was interrupted by his soft and smooth voice.
I looked up and his golden eyes almost stared into my soul.
“Are you alright? You seem tense. Is it the kids? You’re worried about them, aren’t you?”
His words took the anxiety right off me and allowed me to focus on something else.
I was a bit skeptical about leaving them with Lorenzo and told him that I would ask Clarissa to come over and watch them for the evening, but he vehemently refused and assured me that he could handle them.
“The kids are in good hands. I’m just used to having them around.”
“I understand.”
His hand touched mine gently and I felt a cough come to my throat.
I stifled it and pulled my hands away slowly.
The waiters brought the menu and we ordered.
I was so uncomfortable. I guess I would have been more prepared if we had an official business meeting. This felt weird. Maybe it was a mistake for me to come here.
“So, now that the kids are not here and we are alone, I really want to talk a your architectural ideas. They intrigue me. We did a prototype of one of the designs you told me about during the party and it has become our number one. It’s been moving the market for weeks.”
My mind felt a ease. Business talk. Finally.
“Well, I’m considering furniture for people that are trying to manage space…”
Our conversation took off and he listened to me with such rapt attention that I relaxed into the conversation in no time.
Our discussion persisted even after our food was served. He even pulled out a notepad and began to take notes.
I felt my heart swell with pride. He was so easy to talk to.
“We better get eating before our food gets cold,” I said finally.
“Awww, that’s too bad. I enjoyed listening to your beautiful voice.”
His compliment took me off guard and I blushed. Why did he have to say that?
We dug into our meal and it was delicious. Even though I had ordered the same thing I ordered last time, it tasted different, better in fact.
“This is much better than the last one I had.”
He smiled back and reached for the glass of water.
“The chef slightly changes the recipe from time to time. He is always looking for a way to make it taste better.”
He drank his water and I couldn’t help but look at his lips and watch his Adam’s apple move up and down with every gulp.
Everything that he did was perfect. I never imagined that I would be so jealous of water.
Something about him made me wish that Dante was like him. Maybe, then we would have a better chance of getting back together.
“I haven’t asked about your personal life. I don’t mean to pry. The guy that stole you away at the party, is he your…”
I nearly choked on my water and began to cough violently.
My eyes began to water and waiters crowded around me, asking if I was okay.
“I’m fine. I’m fine.”
I was coughing and gasping for breath. Javier asked the waiters to leave and he came to my side and patted my back.
“I’m fine, Javier. I’m okay.”
He reluctantly went back to his seat and I raised my head and tried to smile. Tears had wet my face, my eyes were watery and my vision was blurry.
“Was it my question?” He asked, gently, with concern wrapping around his every word. He was an angel.
“Not really. It’s just that I don’t like talking about my private life. It gets…complicated… sometimes.”
I wiped my eyes with my handkerchief and managed a more genuine smile
“I’m sorry that I asked. I was just curious. The party was very…”
“No, it’s okay. He’s not a boyfriend. Just a guy that doesn’t know how to take ‘no’ for an answer.”
I smiled again and put another spoonful of food in my mouth to keep me from talking.
Was that really what Dante was?
No. Deep down I knew that none of this was his fault
I was the one who couldn’t give ‘no’ as a proper answer…