Page 38 of Being Julia

We pulled into the parking lot, and Jake parked the Range Rover. He looked over at me and told me to wait while he got out. He walked around and opened the door for me.

“I will always open the door for you.” He smiled as he took my hand and helped me out.

“Thank you.”

We walked into the restaurant, and it was packed. People were standing everywhere, waiting for a table.

“Man, look at this line. Hold on. Let me ask how long the wait is.”

Jake walked back, shaking his head. “The hostess said it’s at least an hour wait. Is that okay with you, or would you rather go somewhere else?”

“Come with me.” I smiled as I grabbed his hand and led him through the line of people. We walked up to the hostess desk where the manager, Alan, was standing.

“Good evening, Miss Black. Are you dining with us tonight?”

“Hi, Alan. Yes. It’s just Jake and me tonight.” I smiled.

“Very good. This way to your table,” he said as he grabbed two menus.

We were seated at our table, and Jake smiled at me.

“How?”

“Welcome to the Black family’s table,” I said as I raised my hands. “My dad bought this table so we would never have to wait. He’s crazy like that.”

“That’s awesome. Remind me to thank your father.” He grinned. “Are you going to open your menu, or do you already know what you’re having?”

“I get the same thing every time I come here, chicken parmesan. It’s the best I’ve ever had.”

“I’ve never had the chicken parmesan from here. I usually get the lasagna.”

The waitress walked over and took our order. I smiled when Jake ordered the chicken parmesan.

“Don’t hold me responsible if you don’t like it.” I laughed.

“If you say it’s great, then I’m sure it is.” He winked.

I had to stop and think for a moment because suddenly, Irealized that I was no longer nervous around him. I was comfortable and felt like I could just be myself. We talked about our families and Columbia.

“What are you studying at Columbia?” I asked.

“Corporate Finance,” he said as he took a sip of his water.

I placed my hand on the table while I picked up the glass with my other hand. “Sounds interesting. You and my dad will have a lot to talk about.” I smiled.

Jake looked at me and then at my hand. “I really want to hold your hand. Would that be okay? I don’t want to overstep.”

“You’re not overstepping, and I would like that.”

He reached his hand over and placed it on top of mine. His skin was soft, and his touch sent a warm sensation throughout my body. He was so polite and such a gentleman.

“What about you? What are you going to be studying at Columbia?”

“Architecture and design with a background in marketing.” I smiled.

“That’s an excellent field.”

“I’m an artist, but I don’t want to make a career out of it like my mom. So, I opted to put my talents somewhere else. Plus, I’m hoping to work for my dad at Black Enterprises. He’s already grooming Collin and me to take over when he retires.”

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