Page 35 of Stick to the Plan
“Anywhere that’s not here.” He nudges my heel with his foot. “Come on, I’ll take you to dinner and you can tell me all about whatever it is that kept ye busy all afternoon.”
Muscles stiff from sitting too long, I groan as I reach for my laptop bag, throwing my items in haphazardly. Rolling my neck on my shoulders, I turn to Colin as we fall instep heading to the elevators.
“I need a tall glass of wine if I’m going to get through one more discussion on the apparent complexities of shipping and receiving.”
Colin tosses his head back with a hearty laugh as he ushers me into the elevator. “That I can arrange.”
Chapter twenty-six
Dinner for Two
Colin
As we wait in the silent elevator, I reach over and transfer the laptop bag off of Brianna’s shoulder and onto mine. She relinquishes the bag with little resistance and even smiles her appreciation up at me. I’m not sure if she is more comfortable being casual with me or if she is just distracted from the emotional day. I really hope it is the first option.
The doors open with a bing. I rest my hand on the small of her back to guide her to my rental car. Quickly moving around the car, I stow the laptops in the boot and settle myself behind the driver’s seat.
Sneaking periodic glances at Brianna, I navigate to the trendy downtown area. Sitting silently in the passenger seat, she watches the world pass by through the window, her mind seemingly elsewhere. While Brianna is often quiet, this silence hangs heavy in the air between us. Although she seems more herself, something still weighs on her mind.
Brianna lets out a soft, sad sigh and my knuckles whiten on the steering wheel. What did that bastard say to her? Who is he to be able to shake her confidence?
I am burning with questions, but don’t want to push her. She just started opening up and I want to keep it that way. I can’t quite silence the voice that says she’s already withdrawing from the connection formed this past weekend.
We still haven’t discussed that kiss Friday night. Does she regret it? Hell, does she even remember it? She flirted with me, and was more soft and open the rest of the weekend, as well. That must mean she shares at least some of the same feelings I do. Right?
Pulling into the lot, I am out of the car, and at her door before she moves. Taking my offered hand to climb out of the low sedan, she gives me a brief, sad smile. I squeeze her hand and keep it in mine as I lead us to the front doors of Pop. I only let go of her hand to open the giant double door, then move my hand to the curve of her spine.
Hopefully, a nice dinner at her friend’s restaurant will cheer her up. Her friends help her relax, and after a stressful day, some of Anna’s amazing cooking will be just the thing.
I pull Brianna closer to me, my hand sliding to her hip as I guide her through the crowded entry to the hostess stand.
The young hostess notices me first, as we approach. Her eyes scan over my suit and her eyes sparkle as she gives me a sensual smile before welcoming me to the restaurant.
“Reservation for two. Should be under McLeary.”
At the mention of two, her eyes dart to Brianna, who is still tucked to my side. The sensuality drains from her face, and possibly some of her color, as her eyes widen in recognition and some other emotion. Of course, the hostess knows her. Brianna said she eats here regularly.
The hostess rushes around the podium and approaches Brianna, looking in distress as she tugs at her tight black dress. Seems a bit of an overreaction, butOk.
“Ms. Chance. I’m so sorry, but your usual table isn’t available. We weren’t expecting you this evening and there’s a large party tonight.”
Brianna gives the poor girl a warm smile and places a reassuring hand on her arm. Ok, this is getting downright weird.
“That’s alright, Chrissy. I wasn’t expecting to come in myself. Really, any table will be fine.”
Despite the reassurance, the hostess looks unsure as she picks up the tablet again.
She chews on her lip as she reviews the available tables. “Ah, yes, McLeary.” She clicks a few times on the tablet, grabs two menus, and then looks back to Brianna. “Follow me, please.”
As we follow the hostess, I stay a step behind Brianna, taking in the surroundings as I walk.
Almost every table is full, and I can see why. This place looks amazing. Large color photographs grace silver walls in simple black frames. Small papers next to the photos give the name, artist, and advertise a selling price.
Sleek lines and modern flair dominate the space. Simple tables and chairs, featuring polished chrome legs and covered in black linens, sit throughout the venue. The vibrant art and plates of food pop against the austere surroundings.
On the far side of the restaurant sits a bar and sunken lounge. The lighting is dimmer in that area, the majority of the glow coming from LEDs around the bar shelves, which slowly change color and provide ambiance. A neon sign behind the bar boasts the restaurant’s logo - a champagne bottle, cork flying out with bubbles and sparkles near the bottle mouth, and the word pop in all caps.
Chrissy sits us at a small, round booth at the rear corner of the restaurant. It is an intimate table, but provides an excellent view of the rest of therestaurant. The hostess wishes us a good dinner before scurrying back to the podium as a large party walks in.
