Page 17 of Bold Encounter
Genevieve leaned against the wooden bar."I'll have Purple Haze.I like fruit beers."
Abe ordered a dark lager called Voodoo and her beer.The bartender was speedy delivering them.Abe guided her past the other customers and found a seat where they could sip their drinks.
The place was already loud with customers drinking and laughing.Plus, there was a singer on stage warming up.Abe watched Genevieve savor her beer.She drank it like wine, one tiny sip at a time.
Abe took a big swig of his lager.It really hit the spot.Talking was at a minimum, since it was difficult to hear each other.But he discovered it was pleasurable just to sit with her.He didn't feel the urge to fill every moment with conversation.
It wouldn't take much for him to fall for Genevieve.She touched his heart, but more than that, he liked her.That was something special.Friendship was underrated, and he felt like they were friends, although he hoped for more.
While drinking her beer, Genevieve smiled at Abe.He was glad to see her happy and intended to make that a regular occurrence.He wondered if that was a sign that he was falling for her, but brushed that thought aside.
Genevieve held up her empty glass and rubbed her stomach.She said, exaggerating her pronunciation, "I'mstarving."
Abe couldn't hear her very well but could read her lips.He downed his last drop and stood to offer his arm.She grinned and linked her arm with his.
Nola's was close by.Genevieve hummed as she made her way down the street by his side."Are you enjoying yourself?"
Abe hadn't thought about it, but he was."Is it that obvious?"
Genevieve laughed then took his hand and pulled him through the entrance of Nola's to a table in the main dining room.It was a casual place with self-seating.The aroma of spices enveloped him.
He sat across from her, noticing that she was staring at him."What?"
"Nothing," she said."It's just that you look good in street clothes.I mean…I've mostly seen you in your uniform."
"We'll have to change that," Abe said, not even sure what he meant by that.
Chapter 4
Genevieve breathed in the rich aroma of garlic, onions, and spices that filled Nola's.The restaurant buzzed with conversation and the clatter of silverware, but she found herself focused entirely on the man sitting across from her.
Abe looked relaxed in his dark blue shirt with his sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms.When he smiled at something she said about the menu, her stomach fluttered in a way that had nothing to do with hunger.
This felt like a real date, and the thought thrilled her.
"The jambalaya here is excellent," Abe said, scanning his menu."And the gumbo is worth trying if you haven't had it before."
"I'll go with the jambalaya, then."Genevieve closed her menu and looked around the restaurant.Couples sat at intimate tables, families gathered around larger ones, and the warm lighting cast everything in a golden glow."It's nice to go out like this.I'd almost forgotten what it felt like."
Abe's eyebrows rose slightly."You don't date much?"
"I have dated."Genevieve traced the rim of her water glass with her finger."But it never seems to work out.Either the guy wants me to tone down my career, or he can't handle the music industry lifestyle with all the late nights, travel, the whole scene."
The waitress approached and took their orders.After she left, Abe leaned back in his chair, studying Genevieve with those lovely eyes that seemed to see right through her.
"What do you mean by 'tone down your career'?"
Genevieve sighed."You know, make it a hobby instead of a profession.Find something more stable, more normal.Date number three usually includes the suggestion that I could always sing at weddings on weekends."
"That's ridiculous."
"Is it, though?"The question slipped out before she could stop it."Sometimes I wonder if I'm just not built for serious relationships.My career always comes first.Maybe that makes me selfish."
Abe was quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful."Can I tell you something about my marriage?"
Genevieve nodded.
"Corina was right to leave me."His voice was matter-of-fact, but she noticed the underlying pain."I was completely consumed by police work.She had to deal with my long hours, dangerous situations, and cases that followed me home in my head.She needed a husband who could be present, who could give her stability and attention.I couldn't do that."
