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T W E N T Y O N E
- Maeve -
I don’t know what kind of place I expected Finn to take me to, but this wasn’t it. His bar was cozy and casual, the kind of place you could get comfortable and kick back. Not that I was the kicking back type, but I appreciated its relaxed atmosphere.
This venue, on the other hand, was sleek and stylish. All the servers wore black from head to toe, and our table was set between a window overlooking Michigan Avenue and a jazz quartet whose smooth music was setting a very swanky tone. But the classy décor wasn’t the only pleasant surprise.
Finn cleaned up nice. Really nice. He was in a chunky navy sweater that had me looking forward to the prospect of cozying up to him on the couch later, and his signature scruff and slightly disheveled brown hair made him look ruggedly handsome in a way my lower body definitely noticed. In fact, I was having trouble not squirming in my seat.
“Is this okay for you?” he asked. “I asked for this table because I like being able to see the musicians.”
“It’s perfect,” I said, glancing their way before looking back out the window at the lit trees lining the street outside. “And the view is lovely.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
When I realized he was looking at me, my cheeks went hot.
“I almost requested a booth, but I was worried you wouldn’t be able to keep your hands to yourself.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to figure out if it was his voice or his confidence that had my stomach doing backflips. “I assure you, I’m very restrained.”
“Have you always been that way?”
“Yes and no?”
His brows piqued with curiosity.
“I've always put a lot of pressure on myself,” I explained. “But I think that’s normal when you’re the oldest.” I could tell by his face that he was listening intently, but he seemed relaxed, too, which made me feel at ease. “Plus, after my parents got divorced, I had to grow up quicker than I would’ve if I hadn’t had to support my mom so much.”
“Emotionally or financially?”
“Both,” I said. “My dad had an affair and left her with a bunch of gambling debts, so it rocked the family pretty hard.”
“I can imagine,” he said. “Where’s your dad now?”
“On the corner of I don’t give a shit and don’t call me.”
He grimaced. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. He doesn’t care about me either.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.”
“It is true,” I said, fixing my eyes on his. “He’s proven time and time again that he only cares about himself.”
Finn’s lips formed a straight line. “That’s a shame.”
“It could be worse,” I said, feeling slightly self-conscious for being so blunt. “My daddy issues are hardly worthy of a Lifetime movie.”
He laughed. “Small mercies.”
“Anyway, forgive me. It’s really not a sore subject, but I’m sure you didn’t invite me to dinner to hear me complain.”
“Were you complaining?” he asked, furrowing his brow. “I thought you were just being your usual charming self.”
“I appreciate that, though charming isn’t usually the first word people use to describe me.”
“No?” He grabbed the carafe of water on the table and filled our glasses. “How do people usually describe you?”
