Page 231 of One More Kiss

“Bailey, would you like to start?”

“I’ll take the eight-ounce house sirloin, medium-rare, and side salad please.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the waitress said with a smile before turning to Brett.

“I’ll have the Tuscan vegetarian pasta.” Bailey looked at him curiously. “You may not be a vegetarian, but I am.” He smiled and reached across the table to touch her hand. “I won’t hold it against you though.”

“Good to know.”

“So, tell me about you.”

“What do you want to know?” She tried to hide her disappointment. She was all about people having their own choices in life. After all, that was the best part about being human. Yet, she wasn’t sure she could date someone who judged her for what she ate. Even though he said he wouldn’t hold it against her, she hadn’t missed the twinge of disappointment on his face when she’d ordered steak.

“Where did you grow up?”

“A small town about an hour and a half north of here.”

“What brought you to Dallas?”

“My friends and I all went our separate ways when we went to college, but after graduation, we all moved here. What about you?”

He leaned back in his seat. “Born and raised here. After my mother died, my father married Gertrude. Needless to say, I travel a lot.”

Bailey laughed. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Please.” He leaned across the table. “It’s just us. You can admit it, she’s a nightmare.”

“She’s”—Bailey was not one to ever talk ill of a client, at least not to anyone but her closest friends, so she offered Brett a smile—“particular.”

He eyed her, amused, and then nodded. “Yeah, I suppose that would be a good word for it.”

“What do you do when you travel?” Bailey asked after taking a sip of wine.

“Lots of things. I volunteer in communities all over the world, bringing them food and bottled water. War has destroyed so much of the world it’s disgusting.”

Bailey was surprised by the level of anger on his face and tried to hide the irritation on her own. Did she agree with every single political decision ever made in the history of the United States? Absolutely not. In fact, she would classify some of them as ‘disgusting,’ but if he started bashing the soldiers themselves, they would have a problem.

“War is rarely attractive,” she commented.

“Enough political talk.” He smiled. “Had you always wanted to be just a designer?”

Well, he’s getting less and less attractive every time he opens his mouth. “I don’t see myself as just a designer. I work hard to beautify spaces and bring my clients’ visions to life. It’s nice to feel like I’m helping people’s dreams come true.”

“I get that, and what you do is great, honestly.” He reached across the table and touched her hand. “Is it what you always want though? Have you thought about traveling? About a family?”

She pulled out her phone and sent a plea text to Brooklyn. Here’s hoping she gets it in time. “Eventually, but I’m doing exactly what I want right now.”

The food arrived just as Bailey’s phone rang. “Excuse me, I have to take this.” She lifted the phone to her ear, “Hello?” Bailey feigned shock on her face, “Oh my gosh, I will be right there.” She stood quickly and grabbed her purse, Brett stood as well, and Bailey held up her hand, “I’m so sorry, Brett, but I have to cut our wonderful date short. A friend of mine needs me.”

“Is everything alright?”

“I hope so. I need to go.”

“I can drive you.”

She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “That’s not necessary, truly. But thank you. I’ll call you as soon as I know more.”

She left the restaurant and stepped out to see an Uber already waiting for her. “Thank you, Brooklyn.” She muttered and climbed inside.

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