“I wanted to apologize for the other night. I was not at my best.”
A snarky comment was on my tongue, but I had to swallow it. He noticed when he grinned showing those damn dimples.
“You came here to see me?”
“You mentioned how much you loved this place so I took a gamble that you would be here.”
I wasn’t sure what to say to that but I didn’t have to reply because he continued on.
“You looked beautiful, by the way. I should have said that, but I felt a bit off balance, hence the incessant talk about actuary science.”
I made him feel off balance. I didn’t think I had ever made anyone feel off balance, well at least not in a really long time.
“Can I be honest with you?” he asked.
“You seem to be doing that already.”
He smiled, this time so his perfect straight white teeth showed. “I think you’re lovely, but I had hoped when Kimber approached that…”
He wanted Kimber, most guys did. Funny, I hadn’t wanted to see him again and now that he was being charming he was interested in my friend. Some people just walked in the light. I was not one of them.
“Ask her, no better yet, tell her she is joining you for dinner.”
His eyebrow rose just slightly. “Seriously?”
“Yep.”
“And you would be okay with that?”
“It was just dinner. You didn’t give me a ring, we didn’t declare our undying love, and frankly I can see the two of you together more so than the two of us.”
This time there was something wicked in the way he smiled. “I think I will take your suggestion. I really am sorry about the other night.”
“Silver lining, you’ve got me thinking more responsibly about my eating habits.”
“Nonsense. There is nothing wrong with them,” he said, as he looked me from head to toe. “And you can sure as hell pull off two desserts.”
Such a different man from the one I dined with. Charming even. “Good luck with Kimber. I think you will find you and she are more suited than us. Though she is a big sweets fan too so you might want to hold off on your…” I waved my hand since I wasn’t really sure how to word his harsh opinion on desserts since I didn’t share it.
“I should have gotten you four desserts, two to take home. You’re a beautiful woman and I was being a thoughtless ass.”
“At least you see that now.”
He laughed out loud then pressed a kiss on my cheek. “See you around, Thea.”
“Later.”
I watched as he walked out and knew I should give Kimber a heads up that he would be calling, but I didn’t. I headed for the counter. Ryder was grinning at me.
“What was that all about?”
“Kimber.”
“Oh. Oh...”
“Yeah, he’s telling her she is dining with him.”
“And you aren’t going to warn her he’s calling.”
“Nope. Payback is a bitch.”
“Truer words. What can I get you?”
“The most fattening thing you’re offering.”
I stared at the words on the paper. I had thought briefly that I should stop the letters, but he was still the first person with whom I wanted to share my day. Every happy moment and every heartbreak, it was Damian I wanted to tell.
Dear Damian,
Anton took me to a fancy French restaurant and he insisted I try the escargot. Don’t let Anton talk you into ever trying them. They were horrid. Not even the garlic sauce cut the flavor. He took me to our favorite pizzeria after as an apology. We got pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms, your favorite.
Mom has been threatening to dye her hair that ombré look. She’s thinking blonde and blue. I’m doing my best to talk her down, but she’s having a midlife thing. I suppose for a midlife crisis, that’s not so bad. If it were me, I’d buy a sports car...something sexy and fast.
I had a dream the other night. You knocked on my front door, took my hand as soon as I opened it and slid a ring on my finger. It was one of those dreams that felt so real that when I woke I actually cried when I realized I had only imagined it. Every time I watch a scary movie, I think of you. Every time I eat pecan pie, I think of you. When the first sprouts of spring grass break through the earth, I think of you. I miss you, every day. I pray for your safety every night. I hope you found what you were looking for. I hope you’re happy.
We were young, but I still hope one day you come home...to me. I wish for that every day too. I probably shouldn’t. I should let you go like you asked me to, like you have, but you’re more than just my first love. I’ll never love anyone like I love you. I’ve come to accept that and so what’s the harm in wishing for the happily ever after with you.