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“Is it true that your bodyguard was gunned down right in front of you? Did anyone do CPR?”
I stare at my menu. “Can we not talk about this, please?” This isn’t at all what I expected. He’s no better than the photographers who hound me, wanting information and comments for their news stories.
“Well, it was pretty big news,” he says. “Still is. I’m sure you get asked about it all the time.”
“What’s your major, Reese?” I ask him. I’m reaching for any topic other than what happened to me.
“I’m pre-med. Cardiology. I’ll take over my dad’s practice one day. Dr. Hendricks? You’ve probably heard of him. He’s a big shot around here.”
Everyone’s staring at you.
No, they’re not.
Yes, they are. They’re staring. And laughing behind your back. They think you’re a joke.
Stop it.
I try hard to block her out, but she keeps on and on, the words jumbling together.
I catch Reese watching me curiously. I smile at him, then return my attention to the menu. I’m trying so hard to act normal. To not bring attention to myself.I can do this.I can be like any other girl out on a date.
When our server comes to take our orders, Reese orders the biggest steak on the menu, a baked potato, and a bottle of red wine.An entire bottle.I order a grilled salmon filet with steamed veggies and a bottle of imported sparkling water.
When our drinks arrive, I nervously uncap my bottle of water and take a sip.
Reese shakes his head and laughs. “I spent a freaking fortune on a bottle of expensive wine, and you’re drinking water? How old are you, Layla? Five?”
The ridicule in his tone sends a shaft of pain right through me. My heart starts pounding, and my cheeks burn. “I’m not five.”
He’s laughing at you. They all are. Because you’re a joke. A stupid joke.
“Then drink up.” Reese pours wine into my empty glass and hands it to me. Then he picks up his own glass and offers a toast. “To us. To the first of what I’m sure will be many dates.”
My stomach knots as I stare at my wineglass. Alcohol doesn’t mix well with my psych medication, and to make things worse, it can have a weird effect on blood sugar. That, combined with a meal, will send my glucose levels up quickly.
Everyone’s staring at you. You should be ashamed.
God, why won’t she just shut up for once?
I glance across the room toward the window, which overlooks a quiet little courtyard that offers customers bench seating outdoors. The tiny, clear fairy lights strung from the tree limbs are magical. I wish I was out there instead of in here.
“Layla?”
This is the worst date ever.
I shouldn’t have come.
“Layla, look at me. Are you even listening?”
Everyone’s staring at you.
My pulse is pounding, and my skin crawls. I can feel the weight of everyone’s stare.
I can’t do this. I thought I could, but I can’t.
“Layla!” I hear a loud snapping sound. “Hey, space cadet! Pay attention, will you?”
Startled, I turn back to face Reese.
