Page 24 of Unforgettable

He chuckles, and together we head out of Vino and Veritas and onto Church Street. With the sun close to setting, the Marketplace is busy with both the dinner and after work crowd, enjoying the warm weather and the open-air eating that summertime provides.

“Anything in particular that you would like to eat?” Oz asks.

Because I’m one indecisive person, I turn the tables back on him. “Seeing as you’re local, how about you decide for us?”

“Is there anything you don’t eat?”

“As long as ordering a dish without chili is an option, I eat pretty much anything.”

Oz peruses all the options in front of us and then he claps me on the back of my shoulder. “I got it. Follow me.”

So, I do.

We stop in front of this tiny hole in the wall, that I would’ve certainly missed if I were walking the street on my own. The painted blue door opens up to a narrow, steep set of wooden stairs. Oz gestures for me to go inside, and I take each step carefully, trying not to focus on the small space and the presence of Oz’s large body close behind me.

We reach the landing and there’s a huge sign on the door that says “Push”. I follow the instruction and am met with an unexpected warm gust of wind.

My feet falter and I feel Oz’s broad chest against my back, holding me in place.

“What is this?” I ask, completely gobsmacked. In front of me is what looks to be a rooftop-style restaurant, decorated with different shaped tables and strings of fairy lights overhead.

“It’s one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Burlington.”

I whirl around, looking Oz up and down. “You’re vegetarian?”

He follows my gaze, looking at himself, and flicks his eyes back up to my face. “Is there something about the way I look that says I’m not?”

“No,” I squeak. “Maybe.”

He laughs. “How about we find a table and you can explain that to me a little bit more.”

“Oz,” the petite, female server greets enthusiastically. “It’s so good to see you. Just the two of you?”

“Yes, please, Aisha.”

Aisha leads us to an empty table and places two menus down on opposite sides. “I’ll be back with some water for the table,” she advises.

Oz and I sit down, and out of habit, I pick up the menu and begin to flick through it. It isn’t extensive, but the items listed are detailed and sound flavorsome.

The whole vibe is comfortable and not at all date-like, which eases my nerves from earlier, just a little.

Flicking my eyes between Oz and the menu, I ask, “How long have you been a vegetarian?”

“On and off for about four years.” My face must look confused because he continues. “I started it out to support my sister when she had a stroke, but these days I fall off the wagon. Often.”

“Your sister had a stroke?” I ask incredulously. “How old was she?”

“Twenty-three,” he says matter-of-factly.

“Oh my god.” I cover my mouth with my hands in shock. “That’s so young.”

“Yeah, she was. But thankfully she wasn’t out of action for too long.”

“So, she’s okay now?” I clarify.

“She’s on medication for life, but she’s doing great.”

Before I can ask another question about his family, Aisha returns with a jug of water, two large glasses, and her expression expectant. “Are you ready to order?”

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