with a little bit of mischief.
“Only the best for my first date in a decade,” he mocked himself, and I
couldn’t help but giggle.
Silence hung between us a few beats. I could sense him searching for
his next words.
“Well, Daphne, I’m a growing boy and about starved. Could I interest
you in a meal?”
Just as I was about to say no, my treacherous stomach betrayed me with
the sounds of starvation. I’d never gotten to eat lunch today since the shop
was so busy.
Arkin bent, peering into my face.
“I think that was a yes.”
He smiled again, and his ease and comfort made me little by little let
down my steely resolve. I nodded in agreement.
“Perfect. I know just the place. I would offer to drive us, but I have a
feeling you aren’t the type to get into the car of a guy you just met.” “You would be right. What did you have in mind?” I asked, digging out
my car keys.
“Do you know where Reggio’s is?”
I looked at him, a little startled by his suggestion. Reggio’s was a holein-the-wall Italian restaurant in town. The place was a complete dive, but it
had the best Italian food in the entire world. I’d been going there since I was a little kid. Whenever mom had a little extra money, she’d take me out
and treat me to a giant bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.
“Know it? I practically grew up there.” I smiled. I was about to drool at
just the thought of that delicious sauce.
“Great. They have the best sauce in town,” he stated matter-of-factly,
his words full of conviction.
“Yeah, they do.” My heart spun excitedly in my chest. “Meet you
there,” I said as I headed for my car.
“Hold up!” He followed me. “A gentleman would walk you to your car,
and I’m tryin’ my best to be a gentleman here,” he joked,stopping beside
me.
