Page 26 of Living for Truth
She squares her shoulders. “No. I’m not letting him ruin this like he’s ruined so many other things. I just hope you’re prepared to act like a doting boyfriend on the off chance we run into him.”
She has no fucking idea how ready I am. “Then let’s go, Butterfly.” The nickname just slips out, but I don’t take it back or apologize. I holdmy hand out for her, ready for her to decline. To my utter delight, she clasps my fingers in hers, and we walk into the restaurant.
Once we’re inside, she glances around, but the lighting is low, and most of the booths are arranged in a semi-circle, giving the illusion of complete privacy for a romantic, intimate dining experience.
“Welcome to Fondue Frenzy. Do you have a reservation?” The woman at the front is dressed in a black button up and black slacks, and her name tag reads “Shondra.”
“Yes, two for Fowler,” I respond, giving Hannah’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Ah yes, Mr. Fowler. Let me show you to your table.” She grabs two menus and leads us around the hostess stand to the main dining area, where most of the booths are filled with couples out on their own dates.
We’re led to a booth by a window that looks out onto the bustling streets of Salt Lake City. I allow Hannah to slide in first, and I follow, leaving a friendly amount of space between us.
Shondra lays the menus down. “Your server, Katie, will be with you momentarily to grab your drink orders.” She then scurries off back to do her job.
I pick up the menu and look at the drinks. “Their cocktails are amazing. Oh, wait, do you drink? I won’t drink if you don’t want to.”
Hannah shrugs. “I’m not technically supposed to drink, but I have before. I think tonight is a good excuse to let loose a little bit. Which cocktail do you suggest?”
I already know which one I would suggest. “Love Potion. I personally really enjoy their French Kiss cocktail,but for someone who hasn’t had a lot of alcohol, Love Potion would be good.”
Hannahgiggles,and it makes my heart threaten to burst. “Why are they all so sensual? I mean, Love Potion? French Kiss? Cupid’s Cup? Part-Time Lover? Hanky Panky? I’m surprised there’s no Sex on the Beach on the menu.”
“There’s a bar over on thirteenth that has a whole slew of dirty cocktails and shots. If raunchy, sexual alcoholic beverages are your thing, I’m more than happy to take you.”
“I have always wanted to try a Wet Pussy shot. See what the hype is about,” she says just as the waitress comes over.
ThankGodbecause hearing the word “pussy” come out of Hannah’s mouth makes me think of other scenarios she could say it in. We order our drinks—a French Kiss for me and a Love Potion for her—and Hannah lets me order the meal, keeping in mind she doesn't like fish.
Katie writes it all down and promises our first course of cheese fondue will be out soon, then as she turns to walk away, she runs right into another patron.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, sir,” Katie says.
“Maybe just watch where you’re going next time,” the man snaps, and I watch Hannah stiffen at his voice.
I think she’s upset he’s being rude to Katie for no reason until her eyes meet mine, and she mouths, “That’s Liam.”
Then I hear a familiar voice say, “Comeon,Liam. I want to get back to your place.”
My head snaps towards the voice, and when Katie finally escapes, I say, “Whitney?”
Chapter 11
Hannah
The blonde woman snaps her gaze toward Morgan and so does Liam.
Liam does a double take to me and says, “Hannah?”
The blonde—Whitney—says, “Morgan?”
Since he’s the only one who hasn’t been mentioned, I say calmly, “Liam?”
Liam shakes his head. “What are you doing here?”
Whitney says the same thing to Morgan at the same time.
Morgan looks at me, and I subtly nod my head, so he says, “We’re on a date. Presumablyyou twoare also on a date?”
