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“Happy place?” He asked.
“Where all my good memories go. I don't have many, but the ones I have are perfect.”
He linked our fingers and a tender smile touched his lips. “I hope I fill your happy place with memories.”
“You're doing really good so far.”
His hold on my hand tightened and though he didn't say anything, I had a feeling he was thinking a great deal. “I should get you home.” He said. “But Lark?”
I looked up into those eyes and saw mischief brewing. “What?”
“Paybacks are a bitch.”
Chapter Six
After school one day, Bastian took me to the local diner for dinner. Once we were seated across from each other, the waitress, Peggy, came over to take our order and as she walked away, I wondered if her red hair was natural.
Bastian's attention was on me when my focus turned back to him. He seemed a bit off—distracted might be a better word. “What's wrong?”
He fiddled with his fork, but when I asked this, his fingers stilled. He glanced up at me. “My birthday is coming up, which means I'm required to go to the club with my parents for dinner.” Another hesitation before he added, “I know it's sort of sudden, but any chance you'll come with me?”
“When's your birthday?”
“October 6th.”
“Good to know. What's the club?”
“Pearl River Country Club.”
Ostentatious was the word that came to mind in regards to the club and certainly not the place I would picture Bastian. “And you want me to have dinner with you and your parents there?”
He didn't answer with words, but then his direct and searching gaze was answer enough. I couldn't lie—I was thrilled that he wanted me with him. The heady sensation didn't last for long though because the thought of meeting his parents terrified me. “When?” I asked warily.
“In two weeks.” He reached across the table for my hand, “What's wrong?”
“I've never met parents before and I suspect that yours aren't going to like me.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because they're pro-Kira.”
“Pro-Kira’s parents, not so much Kira.”
“Well, my aunt and uncle are middle-class. My mom was a drug-using alcoholic, so I'm guessing I'm way down on their list of eligible ladies.”
“Do you really care, Lark?”
I cared how I would become one more thing in his life that they'd find unacceptable, particularly since we were just getting to know each other. “I care how being with me will come back on you. Maybe you should take Kira.”
“I'll take you or I'll go alone.” The belligerence in his tone made me cave. He was adorable when grumpy.
“Okay, I'll go with you.”
Surprise flashed over his face in response. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
The smile that took over his entire face formed his only reply.
