Page 16 of A Beginner's Guide to Forever
I nod.
He leads the way, opening the door for me, and we head off into the night.
The restaurant is gorgeous, almost everything inside is dark—rich mahogany floors, wood-paneled walls, navy upholstered chairs, and banquettes. It’s dimly lit with huge crystal chandeliers suspended above us. It’s extremely romantic—an odd choice if this is a business dinner.
We’re led to a private table in the back, and Hart pulls out my chair before sitting down across from me.
“Is this okay?”
I nod, taking in his appearance. The confident, boyish charm that radiates off him.
“It’s perfect.”
“Should I ask for a wine list? I recall you liking cabernet.”
“Sure. I’m surprised you remember.”
“I remember everything about the night we met.”
“Everything?”
But he’s spared from answering when the middle-aged server appears to greet us and fill our water glasses. Hart asks if he has a recommendation for a cabernet.
“Sure.” He straightens his posture, folding a white cloth napkin over his forearm. “We have two that are quite nice. One from California and another from Italy.”
“Italy,” Hart and I say at the same time, sharing a conspiring look.
“Very good. Two glasses?”
We nod and the server bustles away.
Hart looks at me,reallylooks at me like he’s captivated by a priceless piece of art. “So, Alessia, what do you do when you’re not saving the world?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“Yes, I would.”
“You are amusing, Hartford ...” I pause, realizing I don’t know his middle name.
“Fitzgerald,” he says with a chuckle.
“Hartford Fitzgerald Winthrop.” It’s a bit of a mouthful.
“I’m named after my great-great-grandfather.”
It’s a fussy, stuffy name, but the man in front of me is none of those things. He’s warm and open and friendly.
“Why do I amuse you?” he asks.
Rather than answer him, I revisit his original question. “What do you want to know?”
“Let’s start with why you’re still single.”
Still.How is it that one innocuous word can make me feel ancient?
“Next question,” I grumble.
He chuckles. “I want to know everything. Your hobbies. Interests. Secret fantasies.”
