Page 34 of Love Resurrected
“Where are you going?”
“I don’t know. He’s supposed to text me the address, but he hasn’t yet.”
We strategize about different outfits, depending on the place we go. By the time I’m pulling into my driveway, I have two different outfits in mind to wear.
“Send me a pic when you’re all done up,” Sadie says. “I have to live vicariously through you as I sit on my couch like a fat sloth, and mainline popsicles since it’s so damn hot out.”
“Will do. Love you.”
“Love you back.”
“Tenley out.”
I hang up as I’m getting out of my car.
I bought a house here not too long ago. It’s got the best of what San Soloman has to offer, set up on a hill with three-hundred-sixty-degree views. And, my favorite part: no immediate neighbors. As in, I’m the only one on the top of this hill. Everyone else has houses built into the side of the hill.
Technically, I suppose it’s a subdivision, but the lots are large, and they’ve kept the rustic feel with only one road in or out. Meaning no one drives by my house unless they mean to come up my driveway. That’s definitely my favorite thing about it.
I take my time getting ready, pumping myself up about my date. Neil seems like a fun and charming guy, and I don’t mind if this doesn’t turn into anything. I’m just happy for a night out and maybe after this, I’ll have someone else to call a friend in this little coastal town. Not that the friends I have aren’t enough, but I’d like to branch out a bit. Get away from the nepotism in our little group, for lack of a better word. And maybe it only feels that way because they are so close to one another. Which, I’m sure, results from Kat’s death. They pulled inward after that happened and hung on tight.
* * *
I looked up the restaurant online when Neil texted me the address. It’s a small unassuming place called Adams Avenue Grill. Except it’s not on Adams Avenue, which I think is funny. Based on the pictures online, it looks cozy and welcoming. Given the temperature today, I hope that also means they have A/C.
I choose the in-between outfit Sadie and I picked out. I’m going through a romper phase, so I have quite a few of them right now. But they’re perfect for casual dates in a coastal town. The one we decide on is white with a black floral pattern, loose off-the-shoulder top, with long billowy sleeves, and baggy shorts styled to look more like a short skirt. I pair it with black, patent leather open-toed wedge-heeled sandals and a bright red clutch purse. My hair is up in a loose bun, with tendrils escaping all around my face. I’ve gone sans eye makeup and a bright lipstick.
I get to the restaurant right on time. From the outside, it looks exactly like the pictures online. The entire front is made up of windows with a bar on the left-hand side, behind which I’m sure is the kitchen, and general seating throughout the middle and right side of the building. I’m guessing it holds about forty-five to fifty people at maximum capacity. I don’t see Neil anywhere, so I take a seat at the bar and order a vodka soda with lime while I wait.
I see him walking up about five minutes later, looking around, checking his watch, and muttering to himself. He’s carrying a single red rose in one of those little plastic containers that clip to the end of the stem. Like what you would buy at a small market or corner flower stand. I wave my hand to get his attention, and he smiles big when he sees me, making me instantly happy I said yes.
He comes in the restaurant and over to the bar, looking effortlessly handsome in worn jeans, an untucked short-sleeve shirt, and leather biker type boots. His shirt pulls against his chest and arms in a way that exemplifies his muscle. His hair is still slightly wet, as though he’s just gotten out of the shower, with the front falling over his forehead in a casual way.
I stand to greet him. He smells good, and familiar. Like I should know the name of the cologne.
“Wow, you look incredible,” he says, pulling me in for a hug and a kiss on the cheek before taking a step back to look me up and down. “I will be the envy of every man here tonight.” I blush at his compliment as he hands me the rose. “For you, my lady.”
I hold it to my nose and breath deep. It smells amazing. “Thank you so much. That was very thoughtful. You look nice.”
He smiles, then turns to nod to the hostess, holding out his arm to me. “Shall we?”
I let him lead me to our table and pull out my chair for me. The hostess finds a small vase for my rose and we place it in the center of the table between us. Neil orders a beer and I sip my cocktail while we peruse the menu.
“Have you been here before?” I ask.
He nods. “I have. I live within walking distance, it’s one of my favorite places to eat.”
“Bring all your dates here?” I tease.
Now it’s his turn to blush. “Not as many as you would think.”
“Twenty? Thirty?” I smile so he knows I’m kidding.
“You’re the second.”
“No way.” If he’s telling the truth, knowing that warms my belly a bit.
“Truth.” He holds three fingers up. “Scout’s honor.”
