Page 77 of One Life to Loathe

“Yup.”

“I figured.”

We placed our drink orders and then proceeded to pore over the menu.

“Let’s go big,” he said. “I’m talking appetizers, entrees, and dessert.”

“Doesn’t that mean you’ll have to get up early tomorrow to work out so you don’t lose that eight-pack?” I teased.

“I plan to work it off later with you.”

“Good answer.” I winked at him. “I’m going to have to start running again if I eat that many calories.”

“Live a little,” he prodded. “I know this is the sort of business where we have no choice but to watch what we eat, but we can have a splurge night.” He looked so excited at the prospect, I couldn’t turn him down.

“It’s sort of been a splurge day,” I hedged. “We might as well finish it out, though.”

“Definitely.”

I made a popping sound with my lips as I looked over the appetizers. “I can’t do raw oysters,” I warned. “I know they’re supposed to be an aphrodisiac, but they’re gross.”

“They taste like snot,” he agreed. “Besides, we do fine on our own. We don’t need help in that department.”

I grinned. “I like clams. Can one of them be clams?”

“Yup. How about the Clams Casino and the crab cakes?”

“Sold.” Despite my bold talk in front of the hostess, my heart was already set on stuffed lobster. The menu—which was extensive—had a lot to offer. I couldn’t get my mind off the stuffed lobster, though.

“Just get it,” Leo prodded when I sighed. “You know you want to.”

“It’s expensive.”

“This is on me.”

“Oh, but that doesn’t seem fair.”

He made a face. “It’s on me. Don’t be weird.”

“What are you going to get?”

“Surf and turf. If I’m going to be bad, I might as well go for the red meat.”

“That sounds good.” I cocked my head, considering. “I’m still getting the stuffed lobster.”

He laughed really hard, which happened to coincide with our server’s return.

“You guys look like you’re having a good time,” she said as she delivered our drinks. My pink martini had a huge heart drawn on the surface with what looked to be a syrupy white sugar concoction.

“We are having a good time,” Leo said. “I always have the best time with her.” He ordered everything. He didn’t even give me a chance to order something else—not that my heart would’ve been in it anyway. Once the server left, he focused on me. “Tell me something.”

“I’m going to eat my weight in food tonight and you’re going to have to carry me back to the hotel,” I replied, not missing a beat.

“Not that.” He shook his head. “Tell me something that nobody else knows about you.”

He needed me to confide in him, I realized. He’d told me the worst thing that had ever happened in his life, and he needed me to reciprocate. There was just one little problem.

“My childhood is going to seem veryFull Houseto you.”

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