Page 18 of Charming Crosschecks

“Have you ever been to Vinny’s?”

She turned to look at him in shock. Vinny’s was an exclusive, upscale Italian restaurant that some people had to book dining reservations a few weeks out and saw his warm smile.

“Perks of the job,” he said simply, putting the SUV into reverse. “I guess you don’t mind?”

“I’ve never been there.”

“Vinny’s has the best cappuccinos, espressos, and they have this thing called anaffogato al caffe– which is basically espresso and ice cream that is… probably high in calories,” he finished and hesitated. “They have a niceinsalatatoo.”

“Gerry?” she began, hesitating and knowing this was probably the worst thing in the world to do, almost a form of sabotage to all his hard work, but it felt right. “This is our first date, and I’ve never been there. No offense, but I would rather not think about calories, sugar content, work, or anything else. If it’s a date, let’s be ourselves.”

“Really?” he hesitated. “And if you don’t like me… therealme?”

“You know, before you start putting people on pedestals, maybe you should realize they are normal just like you. What if that shoe was on the other foot, and I’m annoying? I could laugh like a hyena or chew with my mouth open like some heifer, or possibly…”

“I love cows,” he chuckled softly, tossing her a smile as they got on the expressway. “Graceful creatures that chew their cud, munching on grass all day long happily.”

“Did you just call me a cow?”

“Nope,” he grinned. “Just mentioning that I like them. My grandparents used to have a small farm in Canada, raising chickens, pigs, and a few cows for milk and cheese.”

“Nice save,” she sassed, smiling at him.

“I’m trying not to put my foot in my mouth,” he admitted simply, “Besides, I don’t think that there is a lot that could happen that could ruin this evening for me. I’m going to relax, have a nice meal with a lovely lady, and enjoy our first date.”

When they pulled into the parking lot about fifteen minutes later, Molly felt significantly underdressed as she saw the other people who were waiting for a table wearing suits, ties, and cocktail dresses.

“Gerry, we’re not dressed for this…”

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes, but…”

“C’mon,” he smiled and got out of the car, moving to open her door as he held out his hand toward her. Molly hesitated, but at his smile and the way he made her feel perfectly dainty. That smile was not something she could turn away from. It was encouraging, so full of hope, that she was out of the car within moments, drawn toward it.

And then she heard the whispers…

Is that the guy from the Coyotes?

What’s his name?

Hey, it’s the Thor-dude…

Where’s my phone?

My friends are never gonna believe this…Is that Gerard Thierry, number three for the Coyotes?

“Come with me before it gets insane,” Gerry muttered under his breath, grabbing her hand off his arm and practically pulling her forward toward the side of the building. She spotted the fire exit and hesitated as he made a beeline for it – only to see it opened from the inside.

“Heyyy Gerry! How’s it goin’, my dude!”

“’Sup Vinny… you got a spot for me?”

“Always, my friend. Y’all get in here before all the crazies see ya – and I mean that in the best way possible because we like the stuff that folds, eh?” And the man named Vinny waved them forward. Both darted inside the door, and Molly jumped slightly as it closed heavily behind them, following as the two men talked simply.

“I appreciate you taking care of me…”

“You always take care of me.”

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