Page 35 of Playboy

“A Chardonnay and Yuengling. I’ll be right back with those.”

They both looked over the menu and when the waiter returned with their drinks, they placed their food order.

When the waiter left, Playboy leaned forward.

“So,” he began, “we’ve known each other for a while, but I feel like there’s still so much I don’t know about you. What do you do when you’re not saving the day with the Coast Guard?”

Gabby smiled, taking a sip of her wine. “Well, I love cooking. It’s a passion of mine. I find it really therapeutic. I also enjoy reading, especially mystery novels, and I try to stay active.”

“Cooking, huh? What’s your favorite dish?” Playboy asked, genuinely curious.

“Don’t laugh, but I like to make sandwiches. I like taking a simple hot sandwich and dressing it up,” she said with a laugh. “What about you? What do you like to do when you’re not, umm…traveling around the world?”

Playboy chuckled as he leaned back, thinking for a moment. “I love being outdoors. It clears my head. And I like to spend time with my mom and aunt when I can.”

Gabby’s eyes lit up. “Do your mom and aunt live close by?”

“They are a few hours from here, in North Carolina.”

“That’s great you’re able to see them when you can.”

“It is. After my dad died, my mom struggled, but thankfully, my crazy but amazing Aunt Lisa helped her get through the dark days. They actually live together now.”

Gabby smiled. “I think that’s wonderful that they live together and can keep each other company. And I’m glad that your mom had her sister there to support her.”

“How about you? Do you have any siblings?” He asked, taking a sip of his beer.

“I have a brother, Will. He’s also in the Coast Guard. He and his wife Marnie live in Islamorada.”

Playboy’s eyes widened. “That must be nice, living down in the Florida Keys. It’s beautiful down there.”

Gabby nodded. “It is beautiful. He lucked out when he put in for that Station. Marnie is already talking about looking for a house there to settle down after Will retires.”

“I can’t blame her,” Playboy said, smiling. “So, what’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the chance to yet?”

Gabby looked thoughtful as she leaned back in her chair. “That’s a tough one. There are so many things. But if I had to choose one, I think it would be to see the Northern Lights. Like really see them.”

Playboy was surprised to hear that she hadn’t ever seen the Northern Lights, considering she’d traveled all over the world at her job with the MSRT.

“They are beautiful to witness. I’m surprised you’ve never seen them with all the traveling you've done.”

“Bad timing,” she stated with a shrug.

Playboy nodded. “Well, maybe someday you’ll get to see them,” he suggested. He would love to take her to the Aroura Borealis Observatory in Norway. He felt a spark of excitement at the thought.Whoa…slow down. It’s only the first date.

Their food arrived, and they continued their conversation between bites, learning more about each other’s backgrounds, dreams, and fears. The more they talked, the more Playboy felt a deep connection forming. Gabby was not only beautiful but also smart, kind, and resilient.

Playboy leaned back in his chair, grinning as he watched Gabby laugh across the table. Their date so far had been nothing short of perfect. But when she shot him a mischievous look, he knew something was coming.

“So, I have to ask,” Gabby said, leaning forward. “What’s your real name? I’m not going to walk around calling my boyfriend ‘Playboy’ forever.”

Playboy chuckled, shaking his head. “Fair enough. It’s Tanner.”

Gabby’s smile widened. “Tanner. See? That’s much better suited for you.”

They both laughed until she hit him with the follow-up question.

“Alright, Tanner. How on earth did you get the call sign Playboy? You don’t exactly strike me as someHugh Hefnertype.”

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