Page 96 of Here and Now
Is this also a drive-through? I’m so confused.
Then Miles is at my door, opening it. “My lady.” He extends his hand.
Okay, hecanbe cuter. Damn it.
I place my hand in his, allowing him to help me out of the truck. However, he doesn’t let go once I’m safely on the ground, and he tucks my hand into the crook of his arm.
We walk inside, where a woman nearly screams when she sees him. She’s short with long gray hair and big-rimmed glasses, and she clearly loves Miles. She rushes around the hostess booth and slaps his chest.
“You little stinker! You didn’t tell me you were coming for dinner.”
“Marge, this is Penelope, my date. I didn’t tell you because I thought the surprise would be more fun.”
Her gaze goes to me, and she has one of those smiles that is so much like a parent. Her eyes are full of warmth, and it’s clear she’s happy Miles is on a date. “Hello, beautiful girl. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Auntie Marge, and I’ve known Miles since the day they slapped him on the ass when he was born.”
“It’s great to meet you,” I say, stifling a laugh. I have a feeling I’m going to be doing that a lot tonight.
“I’ll tell you, he was a handful, but oh”—she clutches her chest—“the way he could melt your heart with that smile. He’s the best, but you know that, since you’re on a date with him, I suppose.”
“He’s definitely the best,” I agree.
“He does have bad qualities,” Marge says quickly. “I don’t want you to get the impression that he’s perfect. No man is. Trust me on that. They’re all a little dense and often stupid too.”
“Same meaning,” Miles cuts in.
“See what I mean, had to correct me. You know, they never learn either. I’ve been married to my husband, William, for sixty-one years. Sixty-one. It’s like ... purgatory without an end other than death.”
Miles sighs. “Regrets. So many regrets.”
She elbows him in the stomach.
This time my laugh does escape. I seriously love this place, and I haven’t even stepped past the entrance.
“I bet you’ll have regrets when I’m done telling her all the things about you, Miles Anderson.”
“How about we don’t and you feed us whatever is on the menu? It’s our first date, and I’d like to make sure there’s the option of a second.”
Marge clutches her hands to her chest. “First date? And you brought her here? Oh, I’m just so honored. Come, let’s get you the best table.”
We follow her in and Miles leans close. “I warned you.”
“I love her,” I whisper back.
She sits us in the back corner. The restaurant is old, but clearly loved. It has a cabin-like feel with exposed logs and glass chandeliers that have one individual light. All the tables have white tablecloths and a single candle in the middle.
“Here, this is the lovers’ nook.”
“I’m sure it’s not,” Miles says with a sigh.
“It could be if you don’t mess it up.”
I snort and place my napkin on my lap.
Marge looks to me. “Would you like some wine?”
“I’d love some.”
“For you?” she asks Miles.
