Page 64 of Bossy Hero

As it is, I’ll probably have to make a few quick turns or run a red light to stop him from following me to the restaurant. If I know my son, he’s planning on watching me from one table away. His over-protectiveness knows no bounds.

Normally, it doesn’t bother me. However, I don’t need that kind of stress tonight.

“I’m not going,” I announce. “Get out so I can change into my sweatpants. I didn’t defrost anything for dinner. Order a pizza, and we can watch that Wick movie.”

“No, no, no. First off, you’re not watching something that violent.” He crosses his arms over his broad chest. “And second, I’ll get out, but only so you can put that black dress on. You’re going on the date. You need this. It’s time to start living again, Mom.”

The sternness of his tone leaves no room for arguing.

Besides, he’s echoing my own thoughts. The earlier ones. The ones that had me agreeing to this preposterous dinner.

Now, those thoughts about taking my life back before I’m dead are quiet as can be. They disappeared into the depths of my subconscious. Instead, I’m wondering how to get out of this. Slashing my own tires so I can’t drive there would be a financial mistake I can’t afford to make. And I don’t know how to disconnect my spark plugs or whatever. Even if I could pull that off without Leo seeing me rooting around under the hood, he would insist on driving me.

Then again, I can’t be expected to ride on his Harley in this little black dress.

My son’s expression softens as he shifts from stubbornness to concern. His gentleness shines through in the relaxing of his brow and the warmth of his piercing blue eyes. “Mom, you can do this. It’s just dinner. You’re gonna have a nice night. No pressure. Sammy would want you to go.”

My Sammy.

I miss her so much.

My daughter’s been gone a little more than two years. At times, it hurts just as much as the day I found out she’d taken her life.

An icy hand reaches into my chest, squeezing my heart.

It was all my fault.

Leo, my gentle giant, moves in close and brings me in for a warm hug. I bury my head in his chest and let him comfort me for a long time.

Pulling back, I crane my neck to meet his eyes. “I’ll go.”

He winks and retreats from my room. “Good. I’ll wait for you in the living room.”

“That sounds lovely,”I lie through my teeth, wishing for the hundredth time that a sinkhole would bring me to my demise.

I’d even take a tranq dart to the back of my neck or a dagger to the heart. Too bad no one poisoned my food. I wonder if there’s a signal I could flash to the waiter so I could be saved with an emergency phone call or something like that. Anything to save me from sitting through another minute with this arrogant prick.

I had no idea he was this self-absorbed. Then again, when have I ever been right about someone?

If I have to hear one more story about his precious company, I’ll reconsider my earlier idea of sneaking out.

Sadly, there wasn’t a bathroom window—yes, I looked. We’re right by the front of the restaurant, so leaving that way undetected is out. Perhaps I could escape through the kitchen.

Oh, even better yet. Perhaps the ground could swallowhimup so I can enjoy the rest of my sea bass and wine. At least he picked a nice restaurant. He’s attractive too. But that’s where his good qualities end.

This was a huge mistake.

To make matters worse, after I brush him off, I’ll still have to see him all the time.

Colossalmistake.

Tuning him out, I scan the room, my eyes lingering on the illuminated fish tank. For a few peaceful moments, I get lost in the vibrant blue, purple, and yellow hues of the tropical fish. There’s something about fish tanks that I find so soothing. Unless it’s a small tank, since I end up feeling bad for those fish.

They’re trapped. Confined. It’s all too familiar.

Not these fish, though. These are the lucky ones. Huge tanks with beautiful coral, rocks, and fabricated caverns encircle each of the three main dining rooms. Each room has a different color scheme, and the fish were chosen to add to the decor. This room is deep purple and yellow. I love it.

However, it does remind me of the Minnesota Vikings, and that sours my gut. Travis was a huge football fan, and he hated the Vikings. One of the many things he hated.

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