“That’s great,” I say, because it is, but I’m also mentally figuring out how much money I have in the bank.
“Hi there,” our server greets happily, setting our drinks on the table. “I’m Emma, and I’ll be your server tonight. Have you decided on what to have yet?”
I look up to Greyston and close my menu. “I have, if you have.”
He nods. “I have. Go ahead.”
I shift my gaze back to Emma and place my order. “I’ll have the lemon roasted garlic chicken, please.”
Emma jots it down on her notepad and then turns to Greyston. He reaches across and takes my menu, handing them back to our server. “And I’ll have the filet mignon, please.”
Offering us another smile, Emma heads off to put our orders in, leaving Greyston and me alone with the beautiful view. “This is amazing,” I repeat. “I know the night’s only started, but you should know that no one’s ever taken me anywhere like this before.”
He doesn’t seem too surprised by my confession, but he inquires further, anyway. “So Ben never…?”
My laugh fills the restaurant, gaining a little attention from the neighboring tables. “No. Ben never did anything unless there was some kind of direct payoff for him in the end. And taking me out for a thirty-dollar dinner would mean he was spending his precious money on someone other than himself.” I pause, feeling my blush deepen.
“So, uh, how was your day?” I ask, sitting back and trying to change the subject.
Greyston takes a drink of his wine before answering. “Good. Callie came over and we talked about Xander flying in next week.” The expression on his face changes instantly. He almost looks guilty and apologetic. “Actually, I needed to talk to you about something that Callie mentioned today.”
“Oh?” There’s no denying how nervous I am based on his expression and tone.
“I have to fly out to Chicago.”
While I’m a little sad by this news, I have to wonder if he’s expecting a more extreme reaction. All he’ll get is my support. “When?”
“Not until next Wednesday,” he rushes to explain. “I’ll only be gone a couple of days.” He pauses, waiting for my spirits to lift, most likely. “Actually, while I’m away, why don’t you see about getting us in for paintballing that weekend?”
I don’t know if he thought this would cheer me up, but it definitely did. “Yeah?” I am definitely excited. “For how many?”
“Let me talk to Callie and see if that’s something she would be open to.”
“Okay,” I reply, feeling my sadness fading. “So that would give us an uneven number—you, Toby, Callie, Xander, and then me…” I pause for a moment, hesitant as an idea comes to mind. “Would you be opposed to me inviting Daphne along if that’s the case? To make the teams fair, of course.”
“Sure, why not? I don’t see that being a problem.”
My mood lifts, excited for this outing together. Soon our conversation slowly segues to dinner with our parents this Sunday. I’m definitely nervous about meeting Greyston’s folks, but I know it can’t be avoided forever.
“What if they don’t like me?” I inquire nervously.
Smiling, Greyston takes my hand across the table. Like always, the feeling of his thumb running over the back of it relaxes me. “They’re going to love you.”
“And if they don’t? Then what?”
He laughs. “Well, then I suppose my relationship with them is over.” I know he’s joking, so I force a light laugh.
“I’m serious.”
“They’ll love you because—” He stops suddenly. “Because you’re amazing and funny and bright.”
I can’t stop myself from blushing when he says the things he says. I can only shake my head and smile through it. “You’ve really got flattery down pat, huh?”
With a shrug, he says, “I like to think of it as one of my stronger traits.”
“I bet it works on all the girls.”
“Only one that matters,” he quickly adds.
“I rest my case,” I say with another laugh. I love how happy he makes me. It’s definitely not something I’m used to experiencing so regularly in a relationship, which I suppose is a good sign for us. “How is it you’re not taken?”
Greyston smirks. “Oh, I’m quite taken with one girl in particular.”
“I’m serious,” I retort with a playful giggle. “How were you single when we met?”
The air shifts to one a little more serious—but only a little. “I’m a very busy man,” he explains. “Some women can’t handle how often my job takes me away. While it’s been less lately, it’s still more than most women sign up for when they get involved with me.