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“I won’t lie and say I don’t love my job, because I do. I think most doctors love their job—they have a passion for it—which is why it’s so hard for them to step away sometimes. But we’re not all like your parents.”
I gasp. “You mean you know how to relax and have fun?”
We both laugh at my lack of acting skills. “Yes, I know how to have fun.”
Laughter from another table catches my attention. I turn to look at small group of people who have been here for almost as long as we have. They too said hi to Drake when they walked in, which is why I’ve been careful not to touch him as openly as I did when we got here, but it’s hard when I’m having such a good time.
“You’re thinking awfully hard over there. What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing.” I shake my head. “I was just thinking about how much fun this has been. I can’t remember the last time I spent time with someone who wasn’t a classmate and talked about something other than school.”
“I’ve had a wonderful time too.”
I study my empty plate before looking up and catching Drake’s eye. “I can’t help but wonder how differently tonight would’ve gone if we weren’t Abby and Drake.”
“What do you mean?”
“This might sound silly, but I wish we could be two different people. Just for one night.”
“Two strangers?”
“Yes. Like how we were when we first met, before you became my superior. Only this time, maybe we’re two strangers who meet at a restaurant. I just finished a wonderful meal, and I’m perusing the dessert menu when a guy from across the room catches my attention.”
“What’s your name?” Drake asks, playing along with my silly game.
“Bethany.”
Drake slides from the booth and walks across the restaurant. I look around and laugh, wondering what in the world he’s up to when he stops to talk to Jess. When he comes back, he stands in front of me and holds out his hand.
“Excuse me, but I couldn’t help but notice you from across the room. Are you here alone?”
I can’t believe we’re doing this. “I am…” I hesitate, and when Drake stays in character, I continue. “But I’d love some company.”
He smiles and holds out his hand. “My name is Tom.”
“Bethany,” I say, shaking his hand.
Drake…er, Tom slides onto the empty seat. “Was your meal good?”
“Wonderful. It was my first time eating here. A friend recommended it.”
“Must be some friend. Great taste if he recommended a place like this.”
“He is a wonderful friend, but I’d much rather talk about you.”
“Tom” and I spend the next hour laughing and talking, getting to know each other as though we were two people out on a first date.
We share a chocolate shake, slice of apple pie, and several childhood stories. We talk about everything from our junior proms to the first time Drake/Tom got arrested. I ignore the other patrons in the diner when he moves from his side of the booth to mine and drapes an arm over my shoulder, and we make absolutely no move to leave until Jess drops off our bill and announces that the diner is closing.
“That was fun,” I say, stepping out the front door.
We’re on our way to Drake’s car when he stops and looks at me.
“What would Bethany do if Tom wanted to hold her hand?”
I fight a grin, loving our little game. “I think she’d really like that.”
Drake slips his hand in mine, linking our fingers together. The touch of his hand causes a spark of pleasure to zip through me—a visceral reaction so intense that I suck in a sharp breath.
