Page 10 of The Neighborhood Witch

He patted Hugo on the back and said, “How you doin’, buddy boy?”

Hugo had been around Antonio long enough to know that’s how he greeted everyone: “How you doin,’” followed by either “buddy boy” or “buddy sis.”

“I’m doing good, Antonio,” Hugo replied.

“I heard you were here with a pretty date, so I thought I’d deliver these personally.” Antonio turned his attention to Hugo’s date. “Antonio Moretti. A pleasure to meet you. Hugo here is the best guy I know, and I know a lot of people.”

“I’m Sarah,” she replied. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Don’t let him fool ya. Hugo Dodds can be quite the scoundrel, if you know what I mean.” Antonio patted him on the back with his thick hands.

“I look forward to getting to know more about Mr. Dodds.” Sarah leaned forward and turned her attention back to Hugo.

Hugo blushed. His eyes lingered on the empty table across the room before looking at the food in front of him.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Antonio said. “And enjoy some free cannolis, compliments of the house.”

“You don’t have to—” was all Hugo could say before Antonio left the table. “Looks like we get free desert.”

Hugo heldthe door open as they exited the restaurant. The full moon rose and provided a bluish hue to the clear night sky. Hugo shivered as the air grew colder. It was quieter and less populated through the town center.

“Thank you for a lovely evening,” Sarah said as they headed toward the crosswalk.

“My pleasure,” Hugo responded.

“Where are you parked?”

“Oh, I walked,” he replied. “I live not too far from here. I can escort you to your car.”

They checked both ways before crossing to the other side together.

“A lot of people care about you,” Sarah said.

“I know,” he responded. “I’m really thankful for it.”

They stopped in front of her silver sedan. Sarah withdrew her keys from her purse. She focused on Hugo’s eyes. “You seemed distracted tonight. Everything okay?”

Hugo cringed at the question. He placed his hands in his jacket pocket. “Fine. I’m fine,” he replied.

“Did I say something wrong? I hope I didn’t make you feel uncomfortable.”

“No. No. It’s just that well”—his gaze dropped to the ground, stalling to find the right words—“it’s been a whilesince I’ve been out with anyone. It’s usually just me and the pup. It was good to get out of the house.”

“Good. I was worried I upset you.”

“You didn’t.”

“It’ll get better. I didn’t realize that until some time after my divorce. It’s hard, but it does get better.”

Hugo tilted his head up at her and gave a half smile. “Thanks.”

“Do you want a ride home?”

“That’s okay. It’s not far. I enjoy the chilly night air, anyway.”

“Take care of yourself, Hugo.”

“You too.” He turned around and strolled down the sidewalk as the headlights of her car illuminated.

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