Page 16 of Lovestruck at Sundown
“Well, maybe you can suggest the bestthing on the menu?”
“Nonono,” William interjected. “My friend sent me the menu. I already know what I’ll be ordering for us.” I kicked his shoe and widened my eyes.Jesus. “But we are open to suggestions.” He rolled his eyes at me and pinched my waist.
“Ow!” I laughed and slapped his hand away. “Aaron, pleeease.”
“I’m already headed that way, Miss.”
Yes!
We arrived at Awni’s within a few minutes. This part of town was incredible. The architecture, the vibe, it felt … old. In a good way. The stores, restaurants, and cafés seemed to respect the area’s original architecture, consisting of short buildings made of mostly sand-colored stones and arched ceilings. The smell of meat and spices filling the air made my stomach rumble.
Aaron argued with a man when he parked right in front of the restaurant. The streets weren’t wide, so I understood the predicament. But he slipped him a bill and finally “convinced him” to let us park on the curb.
To our left was a simple counter with a couple of rotating vertical spits roasting stacked meat. It smelled delicious, and I was ready to order and devour whatever William would place in front of me. The restaurant was only half full, but the energy was vibrant.
William, who wore a baseball cap and sunglasses, asked Aaron a few questions as he looked at the menu. David stood next to me and inspected the place with curiosity.
“Can’t say your job is boring,” I teased. “Who would’ve thought we’d be standing here today? Eating shawarma in Jaffa.”
David offered a genuine smile and said, “Not boring in the slightest.”
I bit my lower lip and adjusted my bag’s strap around my shoulder. “Are you mad at me? About, well … all of this.”
He snorted a weak laugh and said, “Miss Murphy, I live for the drama.”
Laughing, I glanced at William, who was now asking questions to the guy behind the counter. He seemed to speak English, but Aaron still translated some of the things said between them.
“Your job is safe,” I whispered to David. “I’ll make sure of it. The DSS will be eager to find something new for you if I’m able to convince my father about not having security anymore, you’ll see.”
“Miss Murphy …” He closed his eyes for a few seconds and shook his head. “There’s no need. I actually wanted to talk to you about something.”
“David!” Aaron waved him over, so we both approached the counter.
To be continued.
Aaron asked David if he had any preference regarding the menu, but he said he would try anything Aaron suggested. I knew I didn’t have a say in what to order. William was such a foodie, and I had to make peace with the fact that from now on, I was going to have to let him decide my meals for me. For the most part.
William took care of the check, and we sat at a table waiting for our order. Aaron and David idled near the entrance.
“I’m sure it’s safe for you to take off your sunglasses.” I leaned in and gently pulled them off his face. Everyone seemed to be minding their own business.
“I just want you to enjoy your meal in peace.” He grabbed his cap and placed it backward. I almost melted in my seat. His bright blue eyes scanned my face.
“You being who you are is not a nuisance.” I grabbed his hand and held it between mine. “I love you. All of you.”
“I loveallof you too.” His hand moved to my ass and squeezed it.
“William!” I laughed, looking around. But we were invisible. No one had recognized him yet, and it seemed to me like it would remain that way for the entire duration of our stay at the simple and cozy restaurant.
Our number was called, or Aaron told us so since they said it in Hebrew. William stood and walked back with a tray. Aaron and David’s food was packed to go.
“Aaron insisted they would eat on the plane.” He shrugged, placing the tray on the table and unloading our plates and David and Aaron’s doggie bags. “I told him they should eat right now. But he declined. Not gonna argue with that guy anymore. It’s exhausting.”
I looked over my shoulder and saw them keeping watch at the entrance. It felt so unnecessary now, ridiculous even, considering what I knew now and how little danger my life posed.
“I’ll be right back.”
I got up from my seat and walked over to them.
