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“Yes, oh my God, thank you.” I almost jump over the table in jubilation. He stands up, and I follow suit.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at ten,” he smiles. “So you can come in and fill out all of the necessary paperwork.”
“Thank you again,” I respond. We shake hands, and he escorts me back to
the main entrance to the suite.
“We’ll go over what field work I’d like you to start next time.” I smile and nod. Turning, I head back out the way I came. I exit the double doors leading outside and start to smile. I mean really smile. I have a job! And, I start this week! Holy crap. Am I ready for a real job? I guess I’ll soon find out.
Once in my Jeep, I head toward Anthony’s. Brenda is no doubt waiting for me. She’s as anxious about me finding a job as I am. She knows I need to find an apartment ASAP. I just hope my mom doesn’t freak out when I tell her I’m now employed, and therefore, moving out.
Brenda is in the office finishing up some mundane paperwork when I arrive at Anthony’s. I bound in like a kid who’s had too much sugar. “I got the job!” I squeal.
She spins around surprised. “Really! They told you already? That’s awesome, Liv!”
“I know. I was just as shocked. I start this week. Can you believe it?”
“Wow that was fast.” She smiles. “C’mon. I’m finished in here, let’s eat and celebrate.”
I sit in the kitchen patiently waiting for Chase to pick me up for dinner. He texted me earlier that he was running late and would be here a little after six. I still have no idea where we’re going to eat. I wish my new job started sooner so I wouldn’t be so anxious about funds. I know deep down he would never let me pay, but I’d like to be able to if I had to.
I narrow it down to three places. Insignia in Setauket is a new steak house. Very trendy and very expensive. Lombardi’s on the Bay is an Italian restaurant in Patchogue near the ferry. It has an outdoor bar right on the water and fantastic views. The food is pretty good too. Lastly is The Oar House. It’s a seafood restaurant on one of the canals in Patchogue. It, too, has an outside bar, but the view isn’t as pretty. I decide to take the middle road and go to Lombardi’s. It’s not crazy expensive, and it’s close to home. I also know I don’t need a reservation for a Monday evening.
My mom is nowhere to be seen. I haven’t seen her all day. I wonder if she’s making herself scarce knowing I’m going on a date tonight or if she’s still sulking. Most likely sulking. If I had to guess, she’s at my aunt Ro’s house venting her frustrations.
At precisely ten minutes after six, there is a knock on my door. I open the door to Chase’s smiling face.
“Hello, beautiful,” he says with affection.
“Hi, there, handsome.”
“Have you decided where I’m taking you?” His lips twitch into a sexy smile.
“Yes, I have. Let’s go.” I grab my keys, lock the door and follow him down the walk to his car.
Once in, he says, “So, where are we going?”
“Just turn where I tell you to. It’s a surprise.” I paste a sly smile on my face.
“Okay, you’re the boss,” he concedes.
I give him turn-by-turn directions until we pull up in front of the restaurant. Since it’s Monday there is no valet, so he parks on the street in front.
“Wait there,” he directs. I love that he is always so gracious. He comes around to my side, opening the door for me. I step out onto the curb, and we walk toward the stairs that lead up to the front doors.
“It’s a nice evening. Let’s sit at the outside bar first,” I insist. He nods his head in approval, and we make our way through the restaurant toward the back entrance that leads outside.
The winds are calm this evening, making the bay appear to be made of glass. There are a few boats in the distance heading toward Fire Island, but the bay is otherwise empty. There are a few stragglers left from happy hour sitting at the bar, but that is also otherwise empty. We take seats at the bar that is right at the edge of the patio, skimming the edge of the water.
“What would you like to drink?” His manners are flawless. He is so sweet.
“I’ll have a glass of Sauvignon Blanc,” I answer. He glances at the drink menu, giving it a quick once over.
He turns his attention to the bartender. “Can we have bottle of Matua Marlborough, please?” he asks politely. The bartender nods his head and goes to retrieve the bottle.
Chase leans over and picks up two menus from the far side of the bar. He hands one to me and starts to read over the other. I have been here often enough to know what I like, so my only debate is which entrée to order.
The bartender comes back with our bottle of wine as well as a marble wine chiller. After presenting the bottle to Chase, he opens the bottle with a flourish and pours a tasting into Chase’s glass. Satisfied with his choice, he gives a subtle nod to the bartender who then pours wine into my glass followed by Chase’s. Returning the bottle to the marble chiller, he moves on to take care of other bar guests. Chase picks up his glass.
