Page 8 of Wine & Whiskey
“I’ve spent most of my life proving myself for something I didn’t even want. Now, I’ve earned their respect, but it’s dangerous in my world to get complacent.”
“Whatisyour world, Nick?”
“It’s a long story.” He glances in the rear view and does a double-take before shaking his head. She looks too, catching a black sedan turning off the road behind them. Nothing unusual, except for his worried expression. “Now it's my turn to hear all about you.”
Intrigued by the sparse details he shares about his life, she studies his profile, trying to understand his sudden tension. Although he seems to be hiding something, she doesn’t feel afraid. “Similar story. No brothers or sisters. My mom died about a year ago.” A lump forms in her throat, and she takes a deep breath to keep it from turning into a sob. “I never knew my father. He left before my mom even knew she was pregnant. I’m by myself, except for my best friend Carrie and a few close friends like Jason.”
Glancing over at her, he raises his eyebrows. “And new friends like me.”
She winks at him, conveying a nonchalance she doesn't feel. His impact on her more than he can imagine. “We’ll see.”
When they get to their exit, she gives him directions to the restaurant. She braids her hair then puts on a pink sun hat with a white sash and black sunglasses from her bag. The only way to keep them from getting mobbed.
Out of the corner of her eye, she catches him watching her. “Why the sudden cover up? I like your outfit, but you looked great the way you were.”
They pull into a parking space, and he comes around to help her down. Once the pain in her back subsides, she takes a deep breath and starts her confession, “I haven't been completely honest with you about who I am.”
He leans his head down to hers as they walk. “Who are you?”
Humor entwines his tone, perhaps thinking she’s playing a practical joke. They reach the hostess stand before she can answer. “Good evening. Would you prefer inside or outside?”
Nick nods to her, letting her choose. “Outside, please.”
They wind through the restaurant, following the woman to a table close to the edge of the patio. Pleasure surges in her heart when he pulls out her chair. Carrie’s grandma always says good manners are the sign of a good man.
“Your server is Ryan, and he'll be with you shortly.”
“Thank you.”
He turns to her and lowers his voice. "Now, are you going to tell me what's going on?"
Her gaze drops to her hands, her fingertips rubbing over the glittery pink polish. “I’m Shae Armstrong. I’m a singer, and I’ve done a little bit of acting…small roles in two movies.”
She looks up to find him staring at her with a frown. “You mean like Madonna or something?”
“Well, I’m a little bit younger than her, but yes.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he starts to say something and stops. She can’t quite read his expression, but guesses he thinks she’s crazy. “I swear I’m telling the truth. Your family business is keeping you out of the loop. You’ve heard of Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, right?”
Nick smiles as the waiter comes up to take their drink orders. He turns to Shae first.
“May I have sparkling water with an orange slice, please?”
“And you, sir?”
“I’ll have water too. No orange slice.”
She laughs at his modified order. “Too girly for you?”
“I'm guessing it’s your signature drink. I don’t want to be a copycat.”
He opens his menu and looks through it while she enjoys the view, a welcome peace flowing over her. The blue-green waves almost match the cushions on their chairs. The breeze lifts the corners of the white tablecloth and threatens the dancing flame in the silver candleholder.
As the waiter departs with their food order, Nick glances down at his buzzing phone. “I’m sorry. I really have to take this. Excuse me.” He walks a few feet down the sidewalk separating the restaurant from the beach. Pacing back and forth, he runs his hand through his hair, the rise and fall of his voice floating on the wind. By the time he returns, their meals are being delivered. “I’m sorry my call took so long. There’s always a fire needing to be put out.”
"It's okay. I hope everything is all right."
"Yeah, it's fine. Let's eat." He smiles before digging into his food.
She moans after taking a big bite of her fish taco, the mixture of cilantro and lime making her tongue tingle. “I had forgotten how good these are. Thank you for bringing me here.”
