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“Since diapers. She’s my family.”
She sounds almost sad when she says that, and I want to ask her to elaborate, ask if she misses her parents and more about her friend, but we’re interrupted by our waiter first.
“Welcome to Ciao. Can I get you two started with something to drink?” He asks, staring at Pia.
“Did you want wine?” I ask her ,and she bites her bottom lip.
“Just water for me,” she says, and I nod.
“Same for me.”
The waiter nods, his gaze lingering on Pia, and I want to growl at him.
“What about you? You’re friends with Adrien. When did you two meet?” She asks me once he’s gone.
“College. Theo, Adrien, and I were all on the same floor. We were roommates and suitemates, actually. We’ve been best friends ever since. We all moved to Los Angeles after graduation, and now we all have offices in the same building.”
“That’s cool. It’s like you guys are plotting world domination,” she says with a laugh, and I grin.
“Something like that. I think that Theo has the best shot at it.”
“He’s on the top floor? The law office?”
“Yep. The guy practically lives there.”
“I guess it’s nice that he’s doing something that he loves.”
I want to tell her I’m not sure love is the right word, but the waiter is back.
“Ready to order?” He asks, and I nod for Pia to go first.
We spend the next hour playing a version of twenty questions. I learn that her favorite color is blue, that she loves winter, and Christmas is her favorite holiday. She hates olives but loves seafood and pickles.
“Any luck finding a dog?” She asks me as the waiter clears away our dishes and leaves the check for me.
“Not yet. I can’t get a good read on pictures, though. I want to go and meet the dogs. See their personalities and all that.”
“That makes sense.”
“We should go this weekend. I’m sure that there are a few events around here for adoptions tomorrow.”
“Maybe. I’ll have to see if Lila has any plans for us.”
“Let me know,” I say, trying to sound casual and not like I’m dying to see her tomorrow.
“You didn’t have to get all of this,” she protests as I sign the check.
I smile at the takeout bags filled with pasta and four different kinds of desserts. Pia might be protesting, but I can see the happy look in her eyes. She likes me taking charge and taking care of her. That’s a good thing since I like it too.
I help her carry the bags out to the car and then open the door for her. I tip the valet and climb into the driver’s side.
The drive back to her place goes way too fast for my liking, and when I find a parking spot right out front, it feels like the world is against me.
“Thanks for dinner,” Pia says as I shift into park. “And for my dinner and dessert for the rest of the week.”
She laughs, and I grin.
“Of course. Anytime. I’ll help you carry all of this upstairs.”
