His Gift 2(18)

“I’ll keep this lovely lady company until you’re back.”

“Don’t let him steal you away,” Jake said to me, coming around behind my chair. He kissed my shoulder and I felt a twinge of embarrassment at the public display of affection. “He’s a rogue in sheep’s clothing.”

“I wouldn’t dare take away one of your toys,” Lucas said, leaning back in the chair. “You’d pitch a fit.”

Jake lifted one finger in warning and stepped away from the table. When he was gone, Lucas grinned at me.

“Is that what I am?” I asked. “A toy?”

“Hasn’t he played with you?” he asked.

I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks.

“That’s personal.”

“I’m sorry. Really, I am. Now that you’re blushing, though, I can see why Jake is attracted to you.”

“Oh?”

“You seemed older before. Now, you look perfectly innocent.”

My eyes flashed up to Lucas.

“Is that what he likes?”

“He likes… well, I’ll let him tell you what he likes. He won’t hold back, of that much I’m certain.”

A boat went by, its motor humming, and we both watched as it went by.

“He hasn’t told me much about himself,” I said cautiously, after the boat had gone. “About his family or anything.”

“His family?”

“Yes.”

“Then you don’t know—”

Lucas cut himself off and leaned over the table.

“What do you know about Jake Carville?” he asked.

“Nothing,” I said, mystified at his reaction. “I just told you. We’re just getting to know each other better. But he doesn’t give too many answers to my questions.”

“Well, here’s one piece of advice. Don’t ask about his family.”

“Why not?”

“He doesn’t have one. He’s the Carville kid. Don’t you remember?”

I shook my head. The phrase was familiar, somehow, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

“Anyway, it’s a sore spot. He’ll tell you about it, I’m sure. If he keeps you for a while.”

I frowned. I hated how he spoke about me, as though I was an object to be picked up and then discarded.

“I can only hope he treats his toys well,” I said, seething between my teeth. “I’m sure you treat all your gifts as nicely as you hope to be treated.”

Lucas opened his mouth as though he was about to answer, but just then Jake returned from the bathroom. He’d been quick, and I didn’t know whether it was because he didn’t want to leave me alone with Lucas, or because he didn’t want Lucas revealing any of his family secrets. Either way, Lucas stood up from the table.

“Sorry to leave you so soon,” Lucas said. “Your lovely companion reminded me that I have somewhere to be.”

“Such a shame you can’t join us,” Jake said teasingly. “We would have had such a romantic dinner, the three of us.”

“Maybe some other time,” Lucas said, winking at me. He stood up from the table and pushed the seat in behind Jake. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Same,” I said, reminding myself to ask Jake about his family later.





Chapter Eight



I didn’t want to sour the mood, so I avoided the topic of Jake’s family. It wasn’t hard. He asked me about my favorite artists, and he was surprisingly knowledgeable about contemporary art and the influences that had brought me all the way to New York City. I found myself nodding and leaning forward, anxious to hear what he thought about the newest installations in the contemporary art museum.

Silly. It was almost like we were on a date.

A waiter came by with a huge piece of meat skewered on a metal rod. He waited for me to speak, his eyebrows raised.

“Rump roast,” the waiter prodded.

“Uh. Oh.” I didn’t know what to say.

“Yes, a few slices for the lady,” Jake said. The waiter nodded and set the rod on the table. He deftly sliced through the meat. The juicy slices peeled off onto my plate, the meaty aroma wafting to my nostrils. My stomach gurgled.

After the waiter had served Jake, I whispered to him.

“What’s that all about?”

“It’s a churrascaria,” Jake said.

“A chur-what?”

“A churascaria,” he repeated. “They bring the meats out to your table and slice them fresh. You can have whichever ones you like.”

“As much as I want?”

“Of course.”

“Can I have one of all of them?”

Jake laughed.

“You might get stuffed before you know it. There’ll be tri-tip and rack of lamb and duck and probably ten different kinds of pork.”