Page 4 of The Secrets We Keep

I let Landon lead the way to the hostess so I can check out the place. It's cute and chic. I like it already. What I don't like is how the hostess is openly flirting with Landon. I know I have no right, yet I can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. Before I can process why I feel jealous, Landon looks back at me with a megawatt smile and reaches for my hand. The gesture alone causes me to relax. I smile back.

"Come on Evie. They have a table available.”

I smile and nod allowing him to pull me along. I look away from him and take in my appearance. I’m wearing nothing spectacular, a slightly fitted gray sleeveless dress and black flats. What does he see in me? I shake the negative thoughts as we slide into a booth.

After looking over the menu, I opt for a French dip sandwich and a small house salad. Landon orders lemon glazed salmon with sticky rice and asparagus.

While waiting for our food we make small talk. Landon tells me about himself. His parents died a few years ago in a car accident. He’s an only child. He asks me easy questions. Ones I can answer. I'm glad he doesn't ask anything to personal. I'm not sure I could answer. In fact, I know I couldn’t, not truthfully anyway. I don't know who he is and I'm not about to tell a stranger my secrets.

Our food arrives and we eat in a comfortable silence. I'll admit it's nice to not have to eat alone for once, even if I am a little anxious.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Landon asks.

"Oh... um, it's just nice to have company." I bite my lips nervously and shyly make eye contact with him. His eyes seem to darken and something passes over his face. He says nothing for a minute before speaking.

"I take it you are single then."

Shit. I probably look pathetic now. I smile before responding,

“I am."

"Good." Is the only response Landon gives on the matter and it leaves me on edge. Good? I don't know him, could Chet put him up to this? Suddenly I’m no longer hungry.

"Are you okay Evie?" Landon asks as he reaches out and touches my hand that rests on the table. I instantly pull away, I don't mean to, it's just I'm ruined. Landon raises an eyebrow and waits for me to answer.

“Yes, I'm fine. You startled me."

"I see. Let me grab the bill and we'll get out of here."

I nod my head in return, hoping I didn’t just scare him off.

For the most part dinner was fun. It’s something I haven’t done in so long. I miss going out with my friends, co-workers. It makes me a little sad to think about. Landon was great company even though I felt uneasy. I was able to take the burden I carry daily off, even if for a little bit.

As we walk up to my car, I turn to Landon, “Thank you for tonight. I needed this.”

“You’re welcome. I want to do this again.” He says matter of factly. Before I allow myself to say no I blurt out, “I think I would like that.”

He holds out his hand and asks for my phone. I nervously hand it to him, but once I realize he is just adding his number to my contacts I start to relax. He gives it straight back.

“Good night Evie”. He turns and slowly walks away. I climb into my car, close the door and lock it. I smile, maybe just maybe I can learn to be happy here.

Chapter 3

Landon and I have been chatting a little via text and spoke on the phone last night for the first time. It’s a little weird I’ll admit. It feels foreign almost. Considering I was once a social butterfly in my element, it’s a shame what one vile person has done to me. I hate Chet but enough about him right now. Landon is coming over later and I’d be lying if I said I was not nervous. He’s bringing take out and we are going to watch a movie of his choosing. I told him to surprise me so I’m curious to see what he comes up with. The house is already clean, I just need to keep my mind busy and not overthink things until he arrives.

Landon arrives right at 6 o’clock on the dot. Take out smells amazing as I dish it out on plates. I take my first bite and holy hell it’s delicious.

“Where did you get this take out from? It’s so good.”

“To China and Back.” Landon replies with a sheepish grin and then bursts out laughing.

“You’re joking?”

“Not at all, it’s the best take out around too.”

I haven’t seen this side of Landon, being carefree. He’s always been serious. It’s kind of nice to see this side of him.

The rest of dinner was easy going. I’ve learned that Landon is a website designer and has a very large clientele. He doesn’t like seafood. He still seems a bit closed off. He chose his words carefully before responding to any questions. I didn’t mention my family and he didn’t ask. Sarah and I have been on our own for years. Her being older, took care of me while going to school. I don’t want pity. We did just fine and were successful in life. Well, I was at one time. I spy on her social media occasionally, just to make sure she’s still alive and well. She is and sadly she is still engaged to Chet.

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