Page 5 of A Me and Him Thing
He gestures with one hand, his movements slow and controlled. “My parents have issues. They thought Clarence was a suitable name for their son.”
“Did they hate you?” Dear Sarcasm, we can’t be friends anymore.
“They never said as much, but I sometimes wonder. It’s not even a family name. I could’ve forgiven them if that was the case. I fought them every step of the way, tore up my birth certificate, and renamed myself Ren.”
For being so intense, he certainly doesn’t take himself seriously. “Smart man.” Clarence is an awful name. Ugh. “I like Ren. Good choice.”
“You’re much too kind.” While he’s subtly sarcastic, it’s of the upbeat variety, making him come across as friendly rather than snippy. I could learn a thing or two from him.
We smile at each other as several awkward moments tick by. I think I could stare into his eyes for hours and still want more. Huh. When I let a little light trickle in, it defeats the darkness. Something I need to remember.
“Thank you for dessert.” I’m finally remembering my manners. I do have them. They like to hide as though they’re dormant flowers, waiting for spring.
“You’re welcome, Bree. I hope you’ll dine with us again soon.” With that tone of voice, he could’ve just asked me to marry him.
Back to business—and a huge reminder he’s not flirting with me. Which is good since I’m not looking to flirt. These days, I’m all about look but don’t touch. “Are you getting ready to close?”
“Soon. No hurry at all. Take your time,” he says, slick as ever.
“All right. Thank you.” I will. I’m not ready to leave quite yet. I’d like to sit here and pretend I’m reading while sneaking glimpses of the dashing Ren. Because looking is all I’ll allow myself to do. I suppose a little fantasizing is okay too.
Hey Ren, you could be my next mistake.
Chapter Two
FEELING GUILTY FORbeing snarky with the smooth Ren this evening, I decide to chat with the manager for a few, put in a good word or two. I want to be a better person. Here’s my chance to start making a change. It’s the least I can do after giving him a bit of a hard time. He kept his cool, never once snapping back at the rude customer.
That would be me.
“May I speak with the manager, please?”
My waiter looks alarmed. “Is anything wrong, ma’am?”
“No, I’d like to tell him or her how much I enjoyed my experience tonight.”
“The manager and the owner are one and the same. I’ll let him know you’d like to speak with him.”
I grant him a smile. “Perfect. I’ll be waiting in the foyer.”
I leave my table and sink into a leather chair in the warmly decorated lobby. When Ren approaches, looking concerned, I get to my feet. He’s around six foot four to my five foot nine. I have to look up as I speak.
“Don’t look so worried, I’m not here to complain. I’m waiting to speak with the owner, and I promise to talk you up and sing your praises. Look, I know I was unpleasant this evening. I appreciate you putting up with me.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “That’s very sweet of you, but it’s not necessary.”
“Yes, it is. Let me make amends. It’s something I need to do. For me. So I can look in the mirror and be happy with the reflection I see.”
“You would do that for me?” He seems surprised.
“Yes, of course.” I’m not a monster.I’m not. I’m not.
He doesn’t take a step forward or put his hands on me, but his eyes pin me in place, holding me hostage. “Who hurt you?”
The sudden change of subject takes me off guard. “Excuse me?”
“Who hurt you?” he repeats, with penetrating eyes.
“What makes you think I’ve been hurt?” He’s perceptive, I’ll give him that.
