"So you just go out with the first person who asks you?"
"What do you care?"
He gritted his teeth.
"You don't even know him. Where are you going?" he demanded.
"Why should I tell you?" I said defensively.
"Because I don't trust him. What man needs his mother to set him up on a date? Someone needs to know where and when you're going."
I stared at him with disbelief. Who did he think he was? I wanted to tell him it was none of his business, but I liked how protective he was acting.
"We're meeting at seven at The Petite Rose," I said.
"Really? That stupid fancy place?" he grumbled. "I'll call them and have them change the reservation to four people."
"Four? Don't do this to me, Gideon. Do not bring one of your bimbos on my date."
"Your date? It's our date, a double date. And Alyssa isn't a bimbo. We'll have fun."
Gideon suddenly smiled and appeared relaxed. It was the same smile he had last week when I returned his ring. It was fake. His eyes told me everything I needed to know. He was jealous. What I didn't understand was why.
Chapter Twelve
Gideon
Ipulled up to City Hall with one thing in mind. I was going to get my girl. Everything that happened was my fault. Had I been more open about what I wanted, none of this would have happened. New Year’s Day would've been the start of something great, not this friends with benefits crap.
It wasn't like me, but I bought two dozen red roses to give to Becca. I wanted to make sure that even if the wrong words came out of my mouth, she understood what I was trying to say.
Eddie Salvador was standing by the side door taking a smoking break. He raised his cigarette as a hello as he blew smoke into the air.
"Flowers, eh? That's a shame," he said.
"How so?" I asked.
"My sister Alicia is back on the market. I thought you and she might get along. I know she's not looking for anything serious." He shrugged before putting his cigarette between his lips, then pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. "Here's her number. I know you'll be looking for your next girlfriend soon anyway."
"Yeah well, I don't think I'll be calling Alyssa anytime soon," I said as I pulled the door open.
"Alicia."
Whatever.
As I headed down the long hall on my way to Becca's office, Janice popped her head out of her office.
"Oh Gideon," she said. "I haven't seen you in weeks. I was just asking Becca about you."
"You were?"
"Yes, well, I'm sure she'll tell you, so she won't mind if I spill the beans. She has a date with my son tonight. I set them up."
Janice smiled happily. How could Becca do that? Didn't she know we were supposed to be together? I was speechless.
"Who are those beautiful flowers for?" Janice asked.
Her question snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked at the oversized bouquet in my hand. I couldn't give it to her now. I had missed my chance with her.
