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“I don’t enjoy going out at night anyway,” I said. “Lunch is fine.”
We left the apartment, holding hands, the transition from co-workers/friends to lovers complete. His car waited, exhaust curling up. In the back seat, with the divider window closed, he kissed me, setting the mood for the date.
He was right; Chantal’s was wonderful. Even in the light of day, the tables were candlelit, the tuxedoed server perfect. We took our time ordering. Ryan got a steak sandwich, and I had quiche and fruit salad. Lunch food. I ate dessert, too.
As promised, I stayed in the moment. We stayed there so long, the sun had set as we shared our secret longing, no future or past for either of us. That is until we left the restaurant and a photographer blasted his flash in my face.
“Ryan! Who’s your co-host next season? Miss Long, why aren’t you returning to Saving New York?”
“Oh, Christ,” Ryan mumbled. Then he looked up and gave them his most beatific smile. “Keep an eye on the website! We’ll be making an announcement soon.”
The car was at the curb, the driver holding the door. It rang false, the paparazzi, the car, like something my father might do to spice up interest in the show. A little of my trust in Ryan eroded just then.
I shrank down in the seat, eager to get away from there. “I definitely don’t like that.”
“It’s okay,” Ryan said, sliding his arm around my shoulder. “Clint leaked a hint that there’s an Adventure Trek coming up. That’s probably what all the hoopla is about.”
“Did he know we were going to be at Chantal’s?”
“Probably. I’m sorry. I sent him a text that I was taking you to eat.”
The possibility that the romantic meal at Chantal’s was a publicity thing had the potential to tick me off big time, so I tried to calm down. “Who are they replacing me with in Saving New York?”
“He doesn’t have anyone yet. He can only focus on Taiwan, and he’s upset you aren’t coming. I’m pretty sure he planned the trip for you.”
“No can do,” I said, shaking my head. “Going out of the country is the last thing I want right now.”
“Okay, I just wanted to make sure,” he said, pulling me close. “I don’t want to leave you for six weeks.”
He looked out the window, his jaw set. I liked having some control over Ryan.
The car stopped in front of my apartment building, and I waited while Ryan talked to the driver. He joined me, and we walked up to the door.
“I’m going to head home for a bit,” he said. “I want to pick up a few more things. But I’ll be back in an hour, if you’re okay with it.”
“I’m okay with it. We’re taking a big step, deciding our future on the sidewalk.”
“Ha! It’s not that bad. I’ll take you up.”
“It’s okay, Ryan. Go get your things. I’ll be waiting.”
“Thank you.” He walked me to the door, kissed me, and left.
I wondered why we hadn’t just gone to his apartment on the way back from Chantel’s. It made me slightly suspicious, but I wasn’t going to nitpick Ryan, because I wasn’t confessing anything about my less-than-stellar past. I’d have to allow him a little secrecy.
