Page 87 of Thanks for the Friendship
“Absolutely.”
He takes my hands in his. “Reagan told me you had an interesting day.”
I laugh. “Yes. I’m definitely in need of some fun tonight.”
“Well, I’m your guy,” he says, touching his forehead to mine. “Tonight is just about us. Not to worry about anything or anyone else around us.”
This is exactly what I needed to hear. Nothing else matters in this moment.
As we drive down to South Beach, Cal tells me about the last few days at the hospital. I have to admit that it gives me an adrenaline rush just listening to his experiences. Hearing how he held several lives in his hands makes me so grateful for those people who work tirelessly around the clock to serve their communities.
I reach over and touch his arm. “I’m in awe of how you can hold it together. How do you not completely lose it, especially seeing people in so much pain?”
He sighs. “I have my moments, but that’s when I remind myself that I chose this field so I could help people. It keeps me level-headed and focused … And over the last few days, I had tonight to look forward to.”
He pulls my hand to his lips and kisses it, which sends a surge through my body.
A few seconds later we pull in front of a new steakhouse on Collins Avenue. A valet comes to my door and opens it.
“I’m sure you’ve been here before,” Cal says, holding out his elbow to mine. “I know you’re quite the social butterfly.”
I roll my eyes. “As a matter of fact, I haven’t, but I’ve heard fabulous things.”
He punches the air with his hand. “Whew. I was panicking when I was trying to pick a place. I wanted it to be special, so I just spun the roulette wheel and hoped for the best.”
I squeeze his arm. “That’s very sweet of you, but anywhere would’ve been fine. I would’ve been perfectly content to go mini golfing again.”
A mischievous grin spreads across his face. “Oh, we’re going back there. I think we need another rematch.”
As soon as we step into the lobby, a myriad of delicious smells fills my nostrils. The restaurant is warm and inviting with dim lighting and a hint of soothing R&B music playing in the background.
Cal checks in at the host stand, and I look around at the walls filled with mirrors and wine bottles.
“I’m impressed,” I whisper, leaning into him. “If this goes well, you might end the night two for two.”
He laughs and gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “That’s the plan. I’m hoping I can convince you to go out with me a third time.”
“Dr. Sims, right his way,” calls the host.
I raise an eyebrow at him. “You’re so fancy.”
Cal and I sail through another meal, never running out of things to talk about. The food is fantastic. The only problem is, I’m noticing a tiny stitch of fear creeping up in to my mind, trying to interrupt my extraordinary night. Cal is everything I could ever want in a man. He’s kind, service oriented, hard-working, and so gorgeous. So why am I worrying? I use all my energy to push this out of my head and just enjoy every minute I can.
After dinner while we’re waiting for the car, a couple approaches us.
“Cal, I thought that was you,” the man says, reaching out to shake his hand. A pretty woman behind him says hello while eyeing me curiously.
“Maggie, Dale, this is Lila Barlow,” Cal says, placing his hand on my lower back.
We all shake hands, but it’s obvious by their expressions they’re wondering who the hell I am. Which probably means they’re wondering why I’m here instead of Sara.
“I love your shoes,” the woman says, pointing to my nude platform heels.
“Thank you,” I say. “So, how do you all know each other?”
The three of them exchange looks.
“I work with Sara,” Maggie says awkwardly then points to Cal and Dale. “These two like to get together to watch baseball. Thank goodness, because I can’t watch baseball on TV.”
