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“I’m, of course, giving you a ride home. As well as dinner,” Ian said. “You do remember agreeing to dinner tonight?”
“I’m actually exhausted.”
I did remember, but I wanted to be alone to process. Seeing the disappointment on his face, however, I felt instantly guilty.
“But, well, maybe something light?” I added.
“Okay.” He grinned. “How aboutPer Se?”
I giggled at the impressive and pricey eatery. “Look at me? I’m hardly dressed for that place.”
I motioned towards my pencil skirt and loose shirt, and lifted my ballet flats. Ian’s gaze was hot on me as he moved over my body and back to my eyes.
“You look beautiful.”
My face went hot and I dipped my head. “Ian, I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted to be clear on my thoughts about you.” His lips curled up. “But we’ll skipPer Se. How about burgers? Would that be better?”
I turned my lips upward. I didn’t know what to make of his compliments, but perhaps a bit of friendly company would do me good.
“Sure.”
Ian chuckled. “That’s better.”
He placed his hand on my lower back and helped me inside his SUV. This time I let him. Ian rattled off a place I had never heard of and the divider window rose. His phone buzzed and he spoke to someone else as we sped through downtown towards the village. I turned my phone back on and found voice messages from Dani and Mary. I played Dani’s first.
“David called and told me what happened. Ian told me you were going to press charges. I know this is a huge step, and I just want you to know I’m here if you need someone to talk to. Jonas is, too.”
I swallowed. They were both extending friendship. I was still unsure about Dani, but now that I knew Jonas was with Melissa, I wouldn’t be contacting him anytime soon.
I quickly sent a text to Dani.
You’ve helped me plenty. Thank you again.
I next played the message from Mary.
“Are you still in San Francisco? I’m up to my ears with papers right now, but I’m not too busy for my best friend.”
My heart constricted. Mary. I needed to tell her the truth. Keeping this hidden from her, and everyone close to me, had always been hard. But now I felt especially compelled to tell her. Although we lived away from each other and had been moving in different directions since college, she was still my closest friend.
I had always justified not telling her because I feared she’d pressure me to end things with Declan. Once Mary set her mind on something, she was relentless. But I also knew she would be crushed by my secrecy. She thought of me as I did her, as a sister. I didn’t know what I was going to do. Truly, I couldn’t bear her disappointment.
The car stopped, bringing me away from my worries. My jaw unhinged as we got out and stood before the building. The entire space was steel and glass, with a large saucer spaceship coming out of the front of it.
“Ian. I didn’t know about this place. Is this new?”
He chuckled. “I thought you would like this, though I hope you’ll let me take you toPer Senext time,” he said confidently, holding the door open for me.
Maybe, I thought as I walked in and marveled at a replica of the Dr. Who Tardis in the corner, as well as photos from various sci-fi movies. The hostess approached us dressed like a steam-punk alien. She led us into one of the circular booths in the middle of the restaurant and left the menus with us.
“This is great,” I said, looking around the restaurant at the patrons.
They were a great mix of trendy hipsters, steam punks, and families. Ian reached over and squeezed my hand.
“You’re shaking,” he said.
“I didn’t realize.”
