Page 32 of Crossing the Lines for Love

She shook her head before saying, “If I’m paying, I’m picking the restaurant. Let’s go back to Soulful Diner. The food was great, and maybe we’ll get the handsome server from before. Be nice this time if we do.”

“What? I was nice the last time.”

“Tuh. If you call that nice, I see why you’re single. Let’s go.”

As soon as I was secured in the passenger seat of my mother’s car, I texted Niko to let him know my mother and I were on our way. When he didn’t respond by the time we turned into the parking lot, I became nervous.

“Are you okay?” Ma asked.

“I’m fine. Why?”

“You’ve been fidgeting for the past few minutes.”

“Oh, I’m fine.”

As if Niko and I were magnetically linked, our eyes zeroed in on each other as soon as I entered the restaurant. His eyes brightened, and his smile widened, and although I couldn’t see my face, I knew I mirrored his actions.

“There he is. Look at the way he’s smiling at you.”

I smacked my lips, trying to play it off. “I think you’re seeing things, Ma.”

The hostess arrived to seat us before she could respond. Just my luck, she sat us in Niko’s section. Shortly after the hostess disappeared, he appeared, holding two glasses of water.

“It’s nice to have you back.” His eyes bounced between me and my mother. “Is it just you two today?”

“Yes. My husband had to work late. I can’t believe you remember us.”

“I’ve never seen two more beautiful women. You’re kinda hard to forget.”

“Aww, you probably say that to all the ladies,” Ma cooed.

“I assure you, I don’t. Can I get you something to drink besides water?”

We ordered drinks, and he left us alone to review the menu.

“Randi, you’d better get that boy’s number before we leave. Too bad I’m not single and a few years younger, I’d?—”

“Eww, Ma. Don’t.”

“What? I’m just saying.”

“I know. Please stop.”

“You don’t think he’s handsome?”

“I do, but I don’t talk to every handsome man I see.”

“He’s just?—”

“Here are your drinks. Are you ready to order?” Niko’s arrival interrupted my mother’s response.

“Thank you. I think we’re ready.”

My mother eyed me over the menu, but I ignored her. After we placed our order, Niko disappeared again. About a minute later, I received a text from him.

Risky Business:

Meet me by the bathrooms.

---