I snap my attention back to the group, cheeks flaming red. They’re all looking at me with mixed expressions of amusement and pity. Right. Uh.What was I saying?
I focus on the menu.
When that hottie ends up being our server, I sit up, heart pounding.
“Hey, guys. My name is Gage. I’ll be your waiter tonight.” The man grins at each of us, his attention lingering on me a second longer than necessary. A rush flows through me when his lips curve into an even bigger smile. “Can I start you off with some drinks?”
As we take turns placing our orders, I notice Cole seems a little uncomfortable now, almost like he’s realized he’s just one of many who have caught my attention. I feel bad, and embarrassed. I have nothing to be ashamed of, I know that. But itispathetic to bounce from person to person. Even I can admit that.
My fingers twist absentmindedly around the leather bracelet on my wrist, nerves getting the best of me. I should be used to this by now. I mean, how many people have I asked out? But I’d be lying if I said all the failed attempts and bad dates haven’t chipped away at my confidence.
I don’t know why I keep trying.
The food comes out a little while later, and I immediately get lost in all the deliciousness of it. I try notto think about the lobsters in the tank as I rip the tails off my jumbo shrimp. They’re rich and tender, demanding I slow down and actually enjoy the meal.
“Well?” Korie asks with an eager grin. “Is it everything you hoped for?”
“And then some.”
They stab a piece of salmon with their fork. “Mine too.”
Rope lights flicker on around us as the light fades, and the waiters make their rounds to turn on battery-operated candles on each table. Korie’s eyes get dreamy as they look around. It’s exactly the kind of environment they love.
Then again, any restaurant is the environment they love.
Mateo is in peak form tonight, telling a story about a client who bailed on a job recently. He’s doing a full reenactment, complete with voices and exaggerated gestures. By the time he’s done, I’m laughing so hard my side hurts.
Then again, that might be the beer. I’m on my fourth one.
“No—no, you don’t understand,” he insists. “He actually said that.”
“There’s no way,” Hattie says, breathless.
“I swear on my life.”
We erupt into laughter again, drawing the attention from nearby tables.
Hattie turns her attention to Korie. “How about you, Kor? I’m sure you have some interesting stories from work.”
They wipe their mouth, sitting up. “Oh, I definitely do.”
“What do you do?” Cole asks, finishing off his seafood Alfredo.
“I’m a radiology tech. You wouldn’t believe the things we see inside bodies.”
Cole grimaces, like he regrets ever asking.
I wrap an arm around the back of Korie’s chair. “What is your ass total up to now?”
“You don’t want to know.”
“Ass total?” Mateo asks.
Korie snickers, reaching for their glass of water. “My friend and I have a running total of how many objects we find inside someone’s ass.”
Mateo’s eyes widen, and he opens his mouth as if he’s going to ask, then changes his mind.
“Like I said, you don’t want to know,” they say.
