“I’d love to meet your brother at some stage. It seems like an interesting dynamic.”
Edward is moving a little fast, wanting to meet my family. I scan the floor for the waiter. Where’s my wine? I’m going to need it if this is where the conversation is heading. “How have your last few days been?” I ask, steering the topic away from my brother.
“I’ve been decorating my home because it’s been a little bare. Now, I’m not the best at it.” He chuckles. “Maybe it needs a woman’s touch.” He gives me a long, lingering look.
I gulp. “Sorry, I’m useless at that sort of thing. I’ve lived in my home for a long time, and it’s still bare.” Not that there are many photos of family or friends or vacations I can put up anywhere. My home is clinical, like a show home that no one lives in. My thoughts turn to the clubhouse. I don’t mind the mess there and the kids’ toys because there’s a lot of love and laughter in that place that overrides anything else.
“Still,” he says, “if we have a weekend off together, it would be nice to have help from a friendly face.”
I smile politely. “Yes, sure.” I don’t mind helping friends.
The waiter arrives with my drink, and as subtly as I can, I take a few large gulps. “And if you don’t mind me asking, why did you ask me out?” I flinch.
He raises an eyebrow and smiles. “I enjoy your company, and I don’t know many people here... but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested.”
I take another gulp, giving him a tight smile. Unsure how to respond, I look down at the menu.
“You’re quiet,” he observes.
I wince. “I just... I don’t know if I’m in the right place to be dating.” If I weren’t interested in Twitch, this wouldn’t even be a conversation. But I am, and it’s not fair to the handsome man sitting across from me.
“I get that... but I’m in no rush.”
I divert my attention back to the menu. “The seafood marinara looks nice,” I comment lamely.
He grabs a menu in front of him. “Do you like all types of seafood?”
“Yes, I love all food in general.”
“What about the seafood platter for two?” he asks, pointing to the menu.
I look at the $300 price tag, and my eyes bug out of my head. “That’s a lot of money.”
He chuckles. “I’m sure it will be worth it.”
“It better be for that price,” I mutter under my breath, earning another laugh from him.
“You don’t spoil yourself often, do you?” he asks, his tone softening.
I take a moment to think. “No, I don’t.” I’m on a good salary, but growing up poor taught me to be frugal. Even now, I struggle with spending money on things I don’t absolutely need. My biggest splurge was buying a secondhand convertible, and even that felt like a guilty indulgence.
“You get one life. You can’t take the money with you. Spend your money on what makes you happy.”
I sigh, his words hitting a little too close to home. “I’ve realized lately that I’ve been cruising through life—working but not actually living. It’s kind of sad.” I rub the base of my throat, feeling a lump form. “Outside of the club, I haven’t developed any real close friends. I don’t go on vacations. I’ve rarely ever gone on dates. I’ve put my life on hold for my career, and now that I’ve made it...” I trail off, looking at him. “They’ve brought on new staff, so I can take more time off. I actually bit the bullet and started taking motorcycle lessons.”
He gives me a round of applause. “Good on you. Do you like it?”
I give him a genuine smile. “I always wanted to learn but never dared to ask my brother. A guy from the club offered me the opportunity to learn and ride on his bike, and I rode it through a parking lot. I got such a high from it that I knew right then and there I was learning no matter what.” It’s one thing I’m proud of myself for—finally getting out there and doing something I’ve always wanted to try.
“You’ll have to pick me up one day when you get your full license.”
I cackle, and it’s loud, drawing looks from other people at the tables nearby. “I can’t imagine you on the back of a motorcycle, but it would be funny to see.”
The waiter returns, and we grab another round of drinks. Edward orders for us, and I try my best not to think about the ridiculous price tag.
“Are they still calling me McDaddy at the hospital?” he asks, sounding amused.
“They certainly are. You can’t blame them. You’re the town’s shiny new single man.”
