Page 2 of Under The Cherry Blossoms
SKYE:Yep. How was yourday?
Riveting, I know. Have I mentioned I’m out ofpractice?
BEN:Good, busy. One of the systems crashed so we spent the day trying to clean up that shit storm. I hope yours wasbetter?
SKYE:I’m not even going to pretend to understand the computer stuff lol but it sounds like a rough day, so I’m sorry. I almost feel bad telling you that I had a fantastic day, I got apromotion!
As happy as I was about the promotion, it was bittersweet. My boss, Juliet, had informed me that she wanted to take a step back from running Books & Beans, the bookstore slash coffee shop that she owned. So, she was promoting me to manager, and while I was incredibly excited about the chance to have more responsibility, and my mind was bursting with ideas, I was also slightly terrified at the prospect offailing.
BEN:That’s incredible news! We have to celebrate. What about dinner on Fridaynight?
My hand freezes over the phone keyboard. I’m not ready for this, it’s too soon. I mean, I know that realistically it stopped being too soon about two weeks ago (according to Cassidy “Bow Chika Wow Wow” Jensen, anyway) but I’m not sure I’m ready to take that next step yet. My phone vibrates in my hand, bringing my gaze back to thescreen.
BEN:Baby, I’m sorry, I have to go, work just called and they need me back there. I’ll make some reservations for Friday and get back to you, okay? I’m really happy foryou.
Well shit. I guess I’m meetingBen.
The week spedpast in a blur of chaos. There was so much to do at B & B to ensure everything was ready for Juliet to leave, and I was still struggling with the idea of losing the safety net I had with her presence. While I adored her, and was so excited for this next stage of her life, I was terrified of letting her down and destroying all that she had built. Juliet, however, had no suchqualms.
“My sweet Skylah, you will be fine. You need to stop worrying. You know everything there is to know,” she huffed exasperatedly. It is Friday afternoon and it would seem that my third confirmation of the bakery delivery times has used up the last of Juliet’s usually limitless patience. Considering I have met the delivery truck every morning for the last three years, I am prepared to admit she has apoint.
“Don’t you have a date tonight? Why don’t you head home early, my love?” I glance over and take in Juliet’s soft smile. This woman has been like a second mother to me and I don’t know how I’m going to get along without seeing her every day. Straightening my back, I return hersmile.
“Fine. I can take a hint, I’ll get out of your hair and give you some peace.” I listen as she chuckles softly and waves me out thedoor.
“Go! Call that crazy Cassidy. Maybe she can calm those nerves that I know you’re trying to hide.” I roll my eyes but I can’t deny her claim and she knowsit.
“CJ is at the spa with Mom today, it’s her birthday,” Layla, Cassidy’s little sister who works part time at Books & Beans, informs me as she walks over to joinus.
“Oh, that’s right, I remember her mentioning it to me earlier this week. That’s probably better anyway, I think she’d just wind me up more rather than calm me down.” Layla giggles out an adorable snort of agreement as I give both her and Juliet a kiss on the cheek before grabbing my purse from under the counter and heading for thedoor.
“Have a great night, ladies. Wish me luck, and I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow, ‘kay?Bye!”
As I stroll home the nerves hit me full force. As stressful as this week has been, it has also offered a good distraction. Ben has also been busy at work, the system crash on Monday had proved to be more serious than anyone had expected, so our messages had been brief and fewer than either of us would have liked. Now, however, I have nothing to divert my thoughts from my upcoming date with a guy who could quite possibly make my life very difficult. My chest tightens as I think about coming face to face with Ben. I really don’t want to mess this up. Our online relationship has been uncomplicated so far, but in reality, I’m quite a shy person and I dread the idea that things could feel awkward and forced. I pick up the pace, eager to get home, sink into a hot bath and hopefully relax a bit. Tonight will be fine. No, better than fine, it’s going to be amazing. I inhale and exhale that mantra all the wayhome.
Three hours later, I step out of the Uber and try to calm my nerves. Looking up at the elegant sign above the door, I confirm that this is indeedPetite Assiette d’Amour. Taking a deep breath, I straighten my spine, stand tall and head into the little restaurant Ben has chosen for our date, trying to convey a confidence I don’t particularly feel. Inside is cosy and immediately envelopes you in a warm atmosphere that invites comfort and intimacy. Another tick for Ben. As I walk up to the hostess station I’m greeted by a stunning blonde who throws me a welcomingsmile.
“Good evening, what name was your reservation under?” sheasks.
“Uh, it should be under Mackinnon, thank you,” I reply as I smooth down the skirt of my red dress. It flares out and hits me mid-thigh, showing off a healthy amount of leg. Standing at 5’2” my legs may not be the longest, but years of walking around NYC has kept them slim and toned, and I can appreciate the stares theygarner.
“Right this way, Mr. Mackinnon is already seated.” I follow behind and as I glance ahead and spot Ben’s chiselled profile, my anxiety peaks. I’m suddenly comparing myself to the hostess’ made-up perfection. I rarely wear much makeup, just a dab of mascara and eyeliner to bring out the green of my eyes and a slick of gloss on my full lips. But suddenly, I feel lacking. You can do this,I tell myself firmly.You are going to have a great time tonight. He will have a great time tonight. And. You. Will. Not. Throw. Up.I almost snort out loud as this thought runs through my head, and I wonder if Ben is experiencing the same kind of nerves. Although, from where I’m standing, it doesn’t look like it. Okay, a tick in the minus box forBen.
As we approach, I practically drink Ben in from across the room. He has his phone out and is examining it with a serious expression on his face until his lips quirk with a small smirk that brings out a mischievous gleam in his dark brown eyes. It’s noticeable even from this distance. His carelessly tousled brown hair, paired with the dark denim jeans and black dress shirt he’s wearing is the perfect combination of casual and care. When we near the table, Ben notices us approach and unfolds his six-foot-plus frame out of his chair and with a grin spreading across his gorgeous face, he reaches out to greet me, seeming to not even notice the blonde beauty beside me, and pulls me into a warmhug.
“Finally.”
I laugh lightly, acknowledging my reluctance to meet in person, while subtly breathing in the scent of his cologne which manages to be both spicy and sweet at the sametime.
“It’s great to finally meet you too. This place seems wonderful, you didgood!”
“Thanks. I have to admit, my friend Mason recommended it, but it really is perfect, isn’t it?” Ben smiles as though recollecting something. “He’s a total workaholic, but it means he knows all the best restaurants from all his business meetings, so I keep himaround.”
A laugh escapes me as I settle back into my chair and we sit staring at each other. The air is suddenly tinged with self-consciousness and we both seem to be at a loss as to what to say, so the silence stretches. Dread settles in my stomach as all my fears seem to be coming tofruition.
We both speak simultaneously. “I hope you didn’t have trouble finding theplace.”
“So, were you able to sort out the issues atwork?”
