"Let's go before you get all wet and I have to take off my shirt again."
I wouldn't mind seeing you shirtless.
He intertwined his fingers with hers, guiding her to his car, and for the third time, he held her hand as if it had always belonged there.
During the whole ride to dinner, Skylar's lips were curved into a smile. The sun was descending, streaking between the clouds with hues of violet. With the breathtaking view and Mason by her side, she was as giddy as a schoolgirl. Taking in the moment that she was actually on a date with him, she wanted to freeze time.
They drove up to the valet parking at an Italian bistro called Bella Amore. Situated on the other side of town, it was a decent-sized restaurant, but clearly cozy and elegant. Looking at Mason and herself, Skylar wondered if they were underdressed. When they entered, the aroma jolted her hunger pangs again, making her think of nothing but food. As if he owned the place, he held Skylar's hand and passed by the hostess.
"May I help you, sir?" the hostess asked, dressed all in black and looking stunning.
Mason stopped in his tracks and looked up.
"Oh, Mr. Grand," the hostess said and froze with a look on her face as though she had messed up. The hostess continued, "I didn't recognize you. You're not dressed-I mean, you aren't in your usual attire." Her words were cautious, obviously not wanting to offend him.
Mason looked at his clothing. "Sorry. We just got back from camping and we're very hungry." He smiled, shrugging his shoulders.
"Oh, no need to apologize, Mr. Grand. Your table is ready." She gestured her hand for them to proceed.
Skylar assumed they would be sitting at a regular table, but they walked into a private room instead. A table for two was nestled in the center. Classy simple white plates and cutlery had already been arranged on the table. To give it a romantic feel, light from a small candle danced to the instrumental background music.
After leading Skylar to her seat, Mason pulled out her chair. With a smile she sat and he placed the cream-colored fabric napkin on her lap.
"Thank you," Skylar said, gazing at the oil painting of a vineyard hanging on the wall.
With a nod and a smile, he sat across from her.
"Mr. Grand, are you ready to order?" the waitress asked sweetly.
"Yes. Please give me a second." He turned to Skylar. "Is there anything particular you would like to eat?"
She was starving beyond words so she didn't care. "Anything is fine. I like everything."
"We'll start with the house salad and a cup of minestrone soup. For our meal, we'll do family style: seafood linguine, mushroom ravioli, and roasted chicken. And don't forget, two glasses of water."
With a smile, the waitress left. Skylar looked at Mason with wide eyes.
"I'm hungry and I know you are too. I like girls that eat. And I know you can eat."
Skylar giggled. "Do you own this restaurant?"
"Yes, it's one of many Nick, Everett, Amanda, and I own. We have managers to handle the business so we can kick back and enjoy."
"That's great." Skylar wanted to kick herself for giving him a stupid response. "So your cousin Amanda too?"
"Amanda is not really our cousin. We rescued her from the vultures a couple of years ago, around the time our moms were taken from us, but we were unable to save her mom. We settled her in a home nearby. We just tell everyone she's our cousin because she suddenly appeared in our lives, not that we have so many friends. She also stays overnight when she feels unsafe by herself. We don't want people talking and spreading rumors, but don't tell her I told you that. She doesn't like people knowing her story."
"I won't say anything. I don't think she likes me anyway."
"That's not true. She sounds and seems tough, but deep inside, underneath that wall of hers, she's really sweet and caring. She has a big heart, but only when she wants to show it."
Ironically, that was how Skylar would have described Mason. "I'm sure she does. So, do you come here often?"
"Not when I want to see you. And only when I want to hear you say the word ‘so' before each of your questions."
"Umm, okay." She blushed and shot her eyes to the empty plate in front of her, wondering how many dates he'd brought there.
Soon after, the waitress entered. She placed the salads, the cups of soup, and glasses of water on the table and left. As carefully and ladylike as possible, Skylar slurped her soup with the spoon.
"How's the soup?"
"It's delicious, thank you." She took another sip. After the starters, the main dishes were served. While they ate, Mason asked her about her parents, school, and how she liked working at the diner. The conversation was mostly focused around Skylar, but when she asked questions concerning him, his answers were short and to the point. He would quickly redirect the questions back to her. Then the conversation became serious.
Mason leaned closer. "I know it's difficult to accept who you are, but you have to face reality. We don't know when these vultures will attack. We don't even know who or what is after you, or why they want you dead. Until we figure out the reasons, you must never go anywhere alone. It's imperative that you listen to what I'm asking you to do, no matter how much you may disagree. I will be there for you as much as I can, but I need you to help me help you."
"Okay." Skylar nodded, returning to reality. But it was difficult to grasp a reality that was meant to be written in a book or seen on a TV show, or in a movie. "I don't go out much. I'm usually with Kayla. We're at home or at work, or out shopping or hanging out with you and Nick."
"Good. Just stay low. Watch your back. Mind who is around you and never go anywhere by yourself, especially the movie theater restroom."
Though the incident at the theater was anything but funny, they busted out laughing. After a good round of hysteria, it got quiet.
"Eat. Your food will get cold," Mason directed.
After taking several more bites, she realized her plate was just about empty. Dinner being almost over, she felt the need to ask as many questions as possible while he was willing to speak. "Do you miss your mom? Do you think of her often?" After she asked, she realized she'd hit a sore subject. Being around him made her so nervous, asking questions was the only way she could put herself at ease.
"Yes, I do. She was the best mom anyone could ask for, but I'm sure you'd say the same thing about your mom." He grinned. Then he grew serious. "I wish I'd known who I was and the capabilities I had sooner. Then maybe I could have saved her." He looked tormented and guilt was written all over his face.
"I'm sorry," Skylar said sympathetically. "I don't know what I would do if I ever lost my mom."
"Losing a loved one is torture, especially for those left behind. They say time heals all wounds. It doesn't. It just patches a broken heart. It doesn't get any easier over time. You just learn to live with the pain."
Skylar breathed in a deep sigh. It was exactly how she felt about her dad leaving her. She understood Mason's pain and felt as if his pain were hers. Wanting to reach out and hold him in her arms to comfort him, she stood up.
Looking both alarmed and perplexed, Mason stood up too. "Why are you standing? Are you okay?"
"I . . . it's just . . . I mean . . ." she started to explain, but words failed to escape her mouth.
Guiding her back to her seat, Mason placed his hands on her shoulders until her bottom touched the cushion. "I see how this is affecting you. Let's change the subject." He jiggled, tugged, and pulled a bone from the piece of chicken on his plate. "Here. It's a wishbone. The winner gets to make a wish."
"Really? I've never heard of that before."
"Where have you been? Did you live under a rock?" He chuckled.
"Maybe. Pretty much."
"Here," Mason said and placed it in front of her. "Pull."
Skylar took hold of the other side and did as instructed. Upon pulling she broke it, but not in her favor. She frowned. "What are you going to wish for?"
"Wait. You didn't give me time." Mason closed his eyes. "Don't stare at me," he muttered with his eyes still closed.
Skylar laughed, thinking how adorable he was. "I wasn't staring."
Mason opened them. "Done. Oh, yes you were."
"Fine," she surrendered. "What did you wish for?"
"I can't tell you. Then it won't come true."
"All right, but when it comes true, you'll have to let me know."
"Deal." He winked, placing the wishbone back on the plate.
The waitress came back several times asking if they needed anything. Skylar couldn't believe how attentive she was; but then again, she would be too if she were serving her boss. After dinner, they agreed to skip dessert and headed home. The drive home was a different view. The stars were out, dotting the sky with twinkling lights while the moon cast a golden hue. Skylar stared out, thinking how wonderful dinner had been, how memorable that night's date was, and how perfect Mason was.