Page 33 of In a Pinch

I admit, I am not the most aware of my surroundings. So, kidnapping me would be way too easy. Instead, we pull into an all too familiar parking lot, and I feel my stomach bottom out. Flambé. The fanciest and highest quality restaurant in town. It makes sense that Shaun chose here for a first date. Maybe I will get lucky andhewon't be here. I mean, he works in the kitchen. Why would he ever be out at the front?

But fate is not on my side. Shaun walks me up to the door and opens it like the gentleman he is, placing his hand on my lower back as he guides me through the door. And up at the front stand Linsey and Sam. Of course.

“Allie, it’s nice to see you again.” Of course, she would pull theI don’t remember your namebullshit. She knows my name and I know it.

Sam’s heated stare lands on me. Specifically, where Shaun’s hand is still on my lower back. His eyes snap to mine, and I can’t look away even if I want to.

“It’s Addie,” Sam replies.

Shaun chimes in, “We have a reservation for two under Henderson.”

“Yes, I see your name here. If you will follow me—” Linsey starts, but is interrupted by Sam.

“I’ve got this. Follow my way.” Sam’s eyes linger on mine just long enough for me to notice before he turns and leads the way.

The dim lighting of the restaurant sets for a very romantic atmosphere. The tables are spread with black tablecloths and fancy wrapped napkins. Even the floor is fancy—black floors with red glitter to replicate the look of a flame. The vibes alone here are immaculate. Even with all the ambiance, our makeshift hostess is ruining every romantic vibe that has ever existed with his sourpuss attitude.

“Here is your table. Can I get you something to drink while you wait for your waiter?”

“I wasn’t aware you had so many roles here, Sam.”

“One of our hostesses is running late, and we are overstaffed in the kitchen. So, I volunteered to help until she could get here. Don’t worry, I’ll be back in the kitchen and out of sight soon.”

Thank God. Though, he’s fun to look at. Especially in dress pants and a button-down shirt. Dare I say, he cleans up well.

Doing my best not to ogle, I say, “How thoughtful of you. I’ll take a dry red wine, whatever you think is best.” My tone is as dry as the wine I am about to drink. I can’t help it. Something about this man drives me bonkers. His eyes meet mine and I find myself unable to look away. Again.

“Do you guys know each other?” Shaun’s comment brings me back to the present. How the fuck did I forget he was here for a second? Damn, I suck as a date.

Blinking a couple times, I look back to my date. “Yes, he is Cal’s brother. Isla and I have been taking his cooking class.”

“Oh, well, nice to meet you. I’m Shaun.” He extends his hand and Sam, slower than a fucking snail caught in spilled molasses, raises his hand and shakes it. Judging by my date’s face, I'm guessing that Sam’s handshake is on the aggressive side.

“I’ll be back with your drinks.” Sam turns on his heels and stomps his way across the dim restaurant.

Fucking egotistical males. Everything is a pissing contest.

Shaun shifts in his seat, as if he’s feeling a bit uncomfortable. That makes two of us.

“It’s none of my business, but did you ever date that guy?”

“Sam? No. I’ve only known him for a few months, actually.” My mind flashes to the kitchen that is all too close, and how Sam’s lips were millimeters away from mine only a week ago. More often than I would ever care to admit, I’ve found myself thinking about what would have happened if Linsey hadn’t interrupted. But that wasn’t a real date. So, I feel like I’m not lying to Shaun. Clearly, we were just friends.

With that, he just shakes his head and lets it go. “So, what do you do for fun?”

I almost forgot how much I hate first dates. The whole thing feels like an interview. I know it’s not, and how else do you get to know someone than asking questions? But it’s just… Ugh.

“Um, I enjoy hiking and I like to bake—mostly cinnamon rolls, bread, and cookies. Stuff like that. What about yourself?”

“I like hiking, too. There are quite a few trails around us. We will have to go sometime.”

“I’d like that. What made you move to the area?” Isla had told me he hasn’t been in the area super long. At the very least, we have that in common.

“My grandparents used to live a couple towns over from here. So, I was familiar enough with the area. My last job didn’t quite pan out the way I had hoped. I started applying elsewhere, and this was my best offer.” A story similar to mine. Maybe I am not the only one in their late twenties still trying to get their shit together.

Dinner goes by without any more interruptions from grumpy pants, since our waiter took over. The conversation moves from interview to more fun topics, like the dumbest things we’ve ever done. He is kind and he makes me laugh. The fact that he isactually six-foot-five is just a super sweet icing on the cake. I almost feel a bit of hope. Except, I can’t help but notice how my eyes keep scanning the crowd throughout the meal, searching for another glance at Sam. What is wrong with me?

After we finish dinner, he drives me home and walks me to the front door. The cool air brings on a chill to my exposed arms and legs. I should have worn a coat, but that would have ruined my outfit. Sometimes, being cold is a sacrifice you have to make.

---