Page 14 of Bones

“Thanks, Lace.”

I gave her a quick hug, then rushed down the hall towards the parking lot. I was just about to reach the back door when I heard Q shout, “Whoa! Where are you running off to dressed like that?”

“I’ve got a date!” I was running late, so I continued out the door as I answered, “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“A date with who?”

Before I could answer, the door closed behind me. I continued out to my car and got inside. I started the engine, and as I started to back out, I spotted Wyatt standing next to his bike. His eyes were fixed on me, and his expression wasn’t a good one. He stood there watching as I drove through the gate. Even though it seemed odd, I figured Wyatt was just being Wyatt, and I continued out onto the road and headed towards town.

When I pulled up at the restaurant, I was pleased to see that it didn’t look very crowded. I parked, then got out and started for the front door. I was about to head inside when I heard, “Elsie! Hold up!”

I turned and found Ben walking towards me. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw that he was wearing khakis and a crisp white button down with loafers--which was quite different than the brothers’ jeans and leather vests. I gave him a warm smile as I said, “Hey, Ben. I’m sorry I’m running a little late.”

“Don’t worry about it. As far as I’m concerned, you’re right on time.” His eyes skirted over me as he said, “You are totally worth the wait... You look incredible.”

“Thank you. You look really nice, too.”

“Glad you think so.” He reached down and took my hand in his, then led me up to the front door. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“I’m starving.”

“Great.”

He held the door open for me and waited as I stepped inside. It was a small, family-owned Italian restaurant with worn leather seating and quaint little lanterns glowing at each table, making it feel warm and inviting. It was the perfect place for a first date. The hostess led us to one of the small booths in the back, and once we were seated, she took our drink orders and offered us each a menu. “I’ll go get your drinks while you two take a moment to decide what you want to eat.”

“Sounds good. Thanks.” Ben studied his menu a moment, then asked, “So, whatcha thinking?”

“I’m not sure. The lasagna is really good here, but I think I’m leaning towards the chicken marsala.”

“You can’t go wrong with either.”

“Yeah, I was kind of thinking the same. What about you? What are you having?”

“I’m not sure. I’m still mulling it over.” His face was still buried in his menu when he said, “You know, I’m kind of surprised that you came.”

“Really? Why’s that?”

“I don’t know. Just a feeling, I guess.” He glanced up at me as he confessed, “I’m really glad you decided to come, though.”

“It’s still early. You might change your mind about that.”

“I highly doubt it.” He looked around the room, then said, “You’re the most beautiful woman here. No way I couldn’t be happy about spending time with you.”

“You’re very sweet.”

“Just being honest.”

He gave me a wink, then studied his menu for a moment longer. Once he decided on an entrée, he motioned the waitress over and gave her our order. As soon as she was gone, Ben rested his elbows on the table and leaned towards me. “So, tell me a little about yourself.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Anything. I mean, I know you go to school at PC, and you’re taking Spanish two. I’m pretty sure I overheard you say you were in the business program.”

“I am. I’m hoping to graduate at the end of this semester.”

“That’s great. Any idea what you will do after you graduate?”

“I’m still trying to figure that out.” I took a sip of my soda, then told him, “I’m hoping something will come up between now and then.”

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