Blind Date(18)

I laugh and roll my eyes, nudging him with my shoulder. "What are your plans for today?"

He grins. "I'm taking you out for lunch, considering you told me you're working tonight, so go and get changed."

My heart warms a little. Getting out is just what I need to clear my head. "Sounds like a good plan. I won't be long."

I hurry off down the hall, and get changed for the day into some casual shorts and a light blue tee, then I pull my hair up into a ponytail after running a brush through it. I spray myself lightly with some body spray and then head back out. Jacob is sitting at my kitchen counter, studying his phone. He looks up when I come up, and his eyes lighten.

"You look nice."

I shift and flush. "Thanks. So, where are we going?"

He winks at me. "That's a surprise. Come on, let's get going or we'll be late."


      ///
       
         
       
        

Late.

Exciting.

I wonder where he's taking me.





SEVEN


I blink.

Then blink again, swallowing a few times before shaking my head to control my emotions.

What are the chances Jacob would bring me to the same place my husband not only asked me to marry him, but also the place where we actually held our wedding reception. I haven't been back here since he died. We used to come here often. It was our place, and I loved it. I haven't been able to come back. It was just too painful, and I honestly didn't think I'd be able to handle it without him.

"Is everything okay?" Jacob asks as I stare at the massive restaurant that overlooks thick woodland.

It's a gorgeous place.

And it serves some of the best food I've ever had.

I clear my throat, "Yes, of course. Sorry, it's just … "

I hesitate. Is it wrong to tell him that I used to come here with my husband? I don't want to make him uncomfortable, not in any way, but he does deserve to know the truth. I try not to talk a lot about Raymond on our dates, even though Jacob has asked a few times. I don't want to make it uncomfortable for him. Maybe I can suggest we can go somewhere else? That would make me feel a whole lot better. It's just not a place that I feel like I can share with someone else. It's just  …  it's Raymond's and my place.

It always will be.

Staring at the building, I can practically hear his happy laugh when I said yes after he got down on one knee. I can hear the slow drawl of his voice when he gave a toast at our reception, making everyone laugh and cry when he spoke about me. I can see the way his eyes held mine as we shared our first dance right there on the wooden deck that so many people are currently sitting on, enjoying their food.

Yes.

Our place. Our memories.

It's not Jacob's fault. He couldn't have had any idea what this place means to me, so in a soft voice I tell him, "It's just  …  I got married here."

Jacob is silent for a minute, and I look over at his face to see him studying the restaurant. Gosh, he probably feels so uncomfortable now. I know I would if I was in this situation. The poor guy probably feels terrible, but it isn't his fault.

"I didn't realize. I didn't know," he murmurs, looking down at me. "I'm so sorry, we can go somewhere else. But I do have a reservation and I've already paid for lunch … "

Dammit.

Dammit.

I know how hard it is to get a reservation here at Jade's Place, and their incredible prepaid three-course lunches are nonrefundable. It's why they're so popular, and they're one of few places that can get away with charging people ahead of time. I'd feel terrible if Jacob lost his money. It has been four years since I lost Ray, I have to face it eventually. 

My heart clenches unhappily, but I force a smile.

"Of course, no,-of course we'll stay here," I say quickly, even though it just doesn't feel right.

Jacob smiles tentatively. "Are you sure?"

Seeing the hope on his face makes me feel more confident in my decision. "Absolutely." I'll just get through this the best I can.

He reaches for my hand and takes me inside the restaurant, speaking to a waitress about our table. I'm in somewhat of a daze as I glance around the beautiful restaurant. I've forgotten how incredible it is in here, how utterly breathtaking. Wooden booths, sleek floors, big glass windows that overlook acres of trees and mountains. The smell of food trails out, and my stomach grumbles.

"This way," the waitress says leading us to a table.

As we near, my heart clenches. It can't be. How is it possible that not only would Jacob bring me to this restaurant, but we would sit at the exact table Raymond proposed to me at? This is just too much. We stop and my knees tremble a little as Jacob pulls a chair out for me.