Page 4 of Mine to Claim

“Can you not talk right now? I’ve really got to take this and I’m already multi-tasking. I can’t drive, text, and figure out what you’re on about. Just give me a minute.” My jaw dropped at his sharp tone.Strike two. Someone’s got him riled up and he’s lashing out at me.Taking a deep breath, I exhaled slowly and faced the front. “A minute” turns into several and by the time he was done, we’d arrived.

He was still on his phone as the valet came to his car. I grabbed the ticket and thanked them before waiting for Parker to get out. Shaking my head, I walked to the entrance and the doors opened. I pulled out my ID and handed it to the security guard. We took the elevator in silence and when we stepped off, I gasped. The first thing I saw was the night sky and moonlight lighting Mount Rainier. We walked until we hit the bar and on our right was a smiling waitress.

“Good evening! Can I get the name under the reservation?” She was a brunette with pale skin who was dressed professionally. And she was all smiles even though my date wasn’t dressed how he should be.

“Lila,” I said as I straightened. She checked her screen and nodded before looking up.

“Perfect. Please follow me.” As she led us into the main area, I couldn’t help but be flabbergasted. The oversized windows revealed a breathtaking view–city lights twinkling below, and in the distance, Mount Rainier towered over the landscape. The treetops made it feel like we were nestled in the woods rather than in the middle of a city. My boyfriend slumped in his seat, staring at his phone, so I pulled mine out too.Dani’s a bad influence.I’m having expectations I’ve never had before. The restaurant waseverything I thought it would be and his inability to be present became harder to ignore. Cute little bronze lights that looked like mushrooms decorated the table. I didn’t bother picking up the menu—I knew what I wanted.

“Can I get you anything to drink while you decide on what you’d like to eat?” she asked.

“Yes, can I get a latte, please?” She nodded.

“It comes with cookies. Do you want that with the latte, or would you prefer I deliver it after your meal?”Her customer service is amazing.

“At the same time. Thank you. And water for him.”

“Sounds good! I’ll–”

“Did I say I wanted water? Give me a coke.” Parker demanded. The waitress looked surprised for a second and then fixed her features.

“I’ll get this started for you and your waiter will be with you shortly.” She turned on her heel and disappeared.

“Do you have to be so rude?” I whispered.

“This was your idea. I didn’t want to be here.” His comments caught me off guard.

“Don’t direct your anger at me.” Before he could say a word, I turned away. Staring out the window, I sighed.The man was an ass, but if I told myself the pretty view and the smell of good food made it bearable enough times, I’d believe it.

A male waiter returned with our drinks and a platter of treats.

“Mm. Thanks so much! I’m ready to order.” I was so excited I felt like doing a little dance, but I knew Parker hated it when I did that.

“Whenever you’re ready,” he said.

“I’d like to start with your french onion soup and for my entree, I’d like a potato wrapped Alaskan halibut. I know it comes with creamed leeks, but can you add baked asparagus? For dessert, I’d like the chocolate decadence, please!”

“Sounds good. And for you, sir?” The tanned skinned waiter with brown hair asked as he turned to Parker. But he was back on his phone.

“He’ll get the Filet Mignon. Thank you.”

Parker hates fish, and funnily enough, the Filet Mignon was the cheapest steak on the menu. I saved for this date and I’m going to enjoy my food.Before the waiter left, I requested that he bring everything out together. As he walked away I realized that I’d talked to a stranger more than my boyfriend tonight. I sipped my latte and grabbed one of the cookies on the platter in front of me. When I bit into the chocolate goodness, I moaned.So. good.Finally, he set down his phone, and looked at me for what felt like the first time since he picked me up.

Blue eyes filled with irritation and boredom cut through me. Clenching my jaw to stop the tremble I feel setting in, I hardened my heart and waited for him to go in on me. His gaze lowered and his eyebrow arched as if I’d somehow caught him off guard. Pathetic hope bloomed and I was disgusted with myself for how desperate I’d become for any ounce of his attention. When his focus returned to my face, I knew he could see my nerves, but made no attempt to comfort me.

“You look good, doll. I’m managing a project and can’t get the team to get along.” Finally, he looked around before glancing at the time on his phone.

“Thanks,” I mumbled. He sighed impatiently as I took another sip.

“What’s taking them so long? We’ve been waiting.” Lowering my cup, I held in the retort that’s dying to get out.I’m the one who has been waiting.As if the waiter heard my inner turmoil, he appeared out of thin air with our food. There was so much that the waitress from earlier was assisting him. When everything was placed in front of us, my mouth was officially watering.

“Thanks so much,” I groaned.

“I’d like—”

“Of course, Hun. Let me know if you need anything else,” he said, cutting off Parker.You know it’s bad when the waiter comes to your defense.

“What was that about?” my date scoffed. Flushed, I picked up my spoon and brought the cheesy goodness from the onion soup to my mouth.There’s a wooden mini-stand with a fluffy loaf that’s calling my name.Ripping off a piece, I swiped some of the whipped cream looking butter and spread it on before dipping it into the soup.

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