Page 9 of Always You
“Mrs. Amaro, I’m here for my two-thirty appointment.” I jump out of my seat, startled; I didn’t hear the door.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.” I was so lost in thought looking at the asshole smiling at his bimbo… ugh, she’s probably nice, and I am taking my anger and jealousy out on her too.Damn, it.I forgot I had a photo shoot—a husband scheduled a photo shoot for his wife in lingerie. I rarely get these types of appointments. I’m all for a woman wanting to feel sexy. Of all days, not today, all I can think of is the woman posing for Dominic and how long they have been together.
“Mrs. Ellen, please change in the dressing room, and I’ll be waiting in the room when you’re ready.” Mustering a smile, I point to the changing rooms.
* * *
Saturday came in a blur. Tonight, is my date with Brian. I’m pacing in my room, thinking about what to say to cancel. Sophie insists that if the asshole Dominic’s engaged, I must move on and, at least, try to have a good time. I slip on a black off-the-shoulder, sleeveless, short dress. It hugs my curves in all the right places. I rarely dress up, although I feel sexy tonight. I’m twenty-three and feel like I’m an old maid. I hardly go out. Devoting my life to my son means so much more. Hell, what do I even talk about on a date?
“Let’s do your make-up and hair,” my best friend says excitedly. “Damn, you look beautiful. Brian’s going to lose his mind.”
Sliding my black heels on, I do feel beautiful.
“Mommy, you look pretty. Where are you going?”
I tenderly press my lips to Dante's forehead. I am overwhelmed with emotions, feeling like I might throw up. I never go anywhere without my baby other than work.
“Just out with a friend, okay? You listen to Auntie Sophie.”
“Love you, Mommy. I watch Spiderman.”
“Love you more, little man.” There’s a knock at the door. Sophie takes Dante to the living room.
Brian stands with his hands in his pockets, dressed in jeans, and a blue button-down dress shirt. His short, sandy-blond hair looks ruffled like he just rolled out of bed. Brian is exceptionally handsome with his boyish smile and his sparkling blue eyes.
“Wow, Mila, you look gorgeous, so stunning,” Brian drawled, his blue eyes roam my profile.
“Thank you, and you look handsome, Brian.”
He gives me a flirty wink. “Thanks, beautiful.” We drive off in his blue Jeep Wrangler.
“I’m sorry. I forgot to ask if you’re okay with Italian. I didn’t think to ask if you have food allergies or maybe you don’t eat gluten; we can go somewhere else.” His cheeks flush, and his words stumble, making him all the more endearing.
“Italian is perfect. I love Italian, actually.”
He immediately relaxes, his shoulders deflating with ease.
“How’s Dante doing? How’s he liking school?” He glances at me and smiles boyishly.
“He loves it. I thought he would miss me, but nope. He has a school play,Peter Pan, and guess who he is?”
He chuckles. “Peter,” Brian voices with a raised eyebrow.
“Nope, Hook.”
We both laugh. The tension and nervousness are immediately gone. Talking to Brian is easy.
“I thought he would be more of a Peter Pan than a Hook since he’s always wearing Spiderman clothing.”
I giggle. “I know, right? He’s taking the Hook role seriously.”
We arrive at the restaurant, Stefanos Italian Cuisine. We enter, making our way to the hostess. Brian wraps his arms around my waist to speak to the hostess. I wasn’t expecting that. Feels a little too intimate.
“Reservation for Brian Prestly,” he tells her.
“Yes, sir, your table is ready,” the host mutters with a half-smile.
The restaurant is pleasant, not overly upscale, just perfect.
