Page 50 of Perfect Date
“Par for the course around here.”
“Well, I guess I’m glad I could entertain everyone. Give them something new to talk about.”
“So generous of you,” he teases.
A clicking sound echoes in the truck as he signals to turn right. We pull into a park entrance that has a sign that reads, “Rolling Rebel Park.”
As he makes his way down the long, winding road, I gaze in awe at the many trees that line the pathway, the green that goes on as far as the eye can see, and the many flowers that are blooming all around us.
He pulls into a parking lot and I can see the many open areas of green grass on one side. On another there’s a splash pad and playground for kids with nearby sand boxes.
There’s a body of water that seems to make up the center of the park, with a walking path all around it. Various benches invite visitors for a rest along the path; rocks appear to have been artfully arranged in the water and catch my eye, as does a gorgeous waterfall on one end. Ducks and swans float on the water and there’s even a few fun looking paddle boats docked on an edge.
Once Justin parks, he walks to my side of the truck and assists me out. Then he reaches into the back and takes out a cooler and blanket.
“Ready?” He asks me and lifts an eyebrow.
“Ready,” I nod.
“I was thinking we could go sit by the water. I brought a citronella candle we can light as needed to keep the bugs away.”
“Sounds perfect,” I nod feeling excited, but a little nervous at the same time.
Once we find the perfect spot, Justin spreads the blanket out and we take a seat. He immediately begins pulling items out of the cooler. There’s more than enough for two people. Among the items, he’s brought a carafe full of lemonade, sandwiches with chicken breast, pesto, sundried tomatoes and cheese that look divine. He has grapes, strawberries and cheese, and of course, “Deviled eggs,” he says smiling as he takes the top off and pops one in his mouth, then holds the container out to me.
I take one but before I give in and taste it, I can’t help but tease, “Didn’t you say something about making the best deviled eggs ever?”
“You’re about to find out.”
With that, I imitate him and pop the whole thing in my mouth chewing thoughtfully. He watches me, a smirk on his lips, waiting for my judgement.
“Well, it’s pretty damn delicious,” I admit.
“Told you,” he smiles.
We eat happily, making small talk all the while. We comment on the various people out and about, the families spending time together, the wildlife that surrounds us. The candle secured in a metal-like container he lit sits in the grass and seems to be working because we aren’t being bothered by any pests.
When we finish eating, I can’t help but lie down on my back rubbing my full belly, “You outdid yourself. Everything was delicious.”
“I’m glad you liked it,” he says, pleasure evident in his tone.
As I’m staring at the sky, an airplane flies above us, its powerful engine making its presence known. “Where do you think they’re headed?” I ask dreamily.
“Hmm, maybe Bora, Bora or Tahiti?”
Turning to him, my eyes wide, “You remembered.”
“Of course I did.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
I see him nod out of the corner of my eye as he says, “Yes.” Turning my head to face him, I ask, “Did you eavesdrop on every date I was on?”
He only smiles. That’s answer enough.
“Where would you want to be if you could be anywhere but here?”
He turns to look at me, “I don’twantto be anywhere but here,” he says and I stare into his eyes.
