Page 34 of Pursued By My Grumpy Fiancé
I don’t know why I’m so nervous, but something about her makes it harder for me to keep my head on straight. It doesn’t help that she keeps licking her lips. I wish she would quit doing that.
Hailey tilts her head at me, and I realize that I’ve retreated back into my thoughts for a moment too long.
“Are you okay? You seem anxious. Do you not like talking about your family?” She puts her hand over mine on the table, and my heart rate quickens.
I shake my head in response.
“No, it’s just, uh—I don’t know. I guess I’ve never just laid it all out like that, so I don’t know how to put it together.”
“I see. You said your dad was in plane crash. Tell me more about that,” she says.
“You don’t think that’s a bit of a grim topic for dinner?”
“Not at all. We’re here to get to know each other more, after all.”
“Well, he died when I was twenty-six. I know I was an adult, but it seriously impacted our family. My siblings were still young, just teenagers. My mom was a wreck, obviously. He was the love of her life. I was expected to take over the family business, but it wasn’t easy. So many of the board members tried to fight me for the position. It was like an episode of ‘Shark Tank.’” I shake my head again as the server comes out with our food, still steaming.
She sets the Gamberoni alla Thermidor in front of me, and I feel my stomach rumble.
“Can I get you two anything else?”
I shake my head and she goes off to serve another table.
“This looks wonderful,” Hailey says, and digs in immediately.
I’m grateful for the break in conversation. There’s no pressure to talk while eating. I spear a piece of shrimp and put it in my mouth, admiring the flavor.
I watch Hailey, admiring the way she delicately cuts her chicken into pieces and puts them in her mouth. Her berry-colored lipstick comes off on the fork with every bite.
I’m suddenly struck with a thought. I’m not just attracted to Hailey; I’m starting to like her. That’s why I’m so tongue-tied today. I don’t actually think I’ve ever been nervous like this around anyone, much less around a woman. It feels like I’ve finally met my match—she’s so intelligent and feisty. She doesn’t take lip from me. I mean, she’s a law student for crying out loud. She’s hilarious and witty—it’s one thing to have someone to laugh with, and a whole other thing to have someone that can make you laugh at yourself. I don’t think I’ve laughed as much with anyone else as I have with Hailey. She makes me question myself, rethink the things I do. In a way, being with Hailey makes me a better version of myself.
I watch her for a few more moments before I turn back to my own dish, savoring the food and the view sitting in front of me.
Chapter Fifteen
Hailey
I’minthelaundryroom of my building, putting my final load into the dryer when my pocket buzzes. I start the dryer and dig my phone out to see a text from a number I don’t recognize.
Hailey, we would love to have you join us for lunch today! Does one-thirty work for you?
I’m about to respond when another text comes through.
It’s Eleanor.
I smile, and quickly send off a text confirming that I will be meeting her for lunch. I silently wonder if the ‘we’ includes Landon. I peek at the time on my phone—it’s seven-thirty. I have five hours, plenty of time to finish my laundry, study, and get ready. I pick up my textbook and go back to highlighting.
Istepoutofmy building into the warm California sun. A luxury town car is waiting for me by the sidewalk. I’m surprised that it’s not Landon picking me up, but maybe he’s too busy to pick me up beforehand.
As I get closer, the driver steps out and opens the door for me. I get in and he shuts it behind me. We set off and I’m left wondering what kind of food I’ll be eating today. In all honesty, I need to stop eating out as much, or I’ll start putting on weight like a bodybuilder during bulking season.
I lean my head against the window, conscious that Landon would hate that. He thinks I don’t notice when he shoots me dirty looks, but I do. It’s just funny to see how much it gets under his skin. The car pulls into a parking spot in front of a small breakfast bistro. It’s cute, with yellow and white striped umbrellas covering tables on the outdoor patio. The driver lets me out of the car. I smooth my shirt as I walk. Just as I approach the door, I hear a voice call my name.
“Hailey! Over here!”
I turn to see Eleanor sitting at a table. With her is another woman around my age, with long dark hair and an enormous baby bump. She smiles at me and waves. I make my way towards the table and sit down in a chair.
“Hi there! It’s so good to see you. Will Landon be joining us?” I say as I set my bag down.
