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“Now?” Her fingers relax in mine.

“Yeah, now. When else?” In my excitement, I walk a little too quickly for her pace.

“Pedicures and dinner. Boy, I lucked out in the boss department, huh?”

She takes bigger steps, and I slow my speed.

“We’ve never had an employee before. Maybe we’re still learning the whole boss thing.” Especially since I just asked her out. That definitely isn’t boss-like behavior.

“You won’t hear me complain about it. I’m starving.” She leaps with a skip in her step.

“Good. I know just the place.”

Noah and I get into my truck, and I drive toward the best little seafood place on this side of Florida. Gulf Harbor is right on the water, and the sand is just feet from the tables. It’s perfect for our first date.

When we arrive, I open the truck door for Noah. Again, I take her hand, and this time, it doesn’t take her by surprise. Inside, I tip the host to give us their best table with some privacy without Noah noticing me doing so. Once we’re seated, I get a little hung up on what to do next.

“I guess I should have asked if you liked seafood.” Fuck, is there anything besides creatures from the sea on this menu?

“I do, yeah. I’ve never been to such a nice place. Just about the only seafood I’ve had came in a box from a drive-through window.”

This place is fairly casual. It’s the setting that makes it great.

“Get whatever you like.”

The waiter takes our orders and then leaves us alone. The candle on the table burns strong, and the scent coming from the breadbasket smells delicious.

“Thanks. So, tell me about you,” Noah says.

“What do you want to know?” It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to know someone new, and lately, my life hasn’t been about me. It’s as if I’ve almost forgotten how to talk about myself.

“I want to know about Brazen—the person, not the boss. Tell me whatever that is.” Her finger wipes the condensation off her water glass.

“That’s a tall order. Um, I don’t know. Let’s see. I grew up here in Bay Town with my mom. She and I are really close. I guess it’s cheesy, but she’s always been my inspiration for everything. I work hard for me, but it’s always been about her, too. It’s important for me to make her proud.”

“I don’t see how she couldn’t be proud of you. In fact, without ever having met her, I’m sure she is. Does she still live here?”

“She does, not too far from work.” It’s been a while since I’ve seen her. Well, a while for us—a few weeks. I need to remember to stop by her house. Things have just been so busy.

“That’s really nice. It must be awesome to be so close with her.” Noah picks up a piece of bread while she speaks, and steam lifts from the basket.

“Are your parents back in—”

“So, you surf, right? You must surf if you’ve lived here your whole life.”

Okay, so I guess talking about her parents is off the table.

“I surf, yeah. When I was growing up, it was pretty much part of my everyday routine. Sunday would have to pull me from the water before school to keep us from being late. Now, there is a lot less time for it, but I still get out on the water when I can.”

“Will you teach me?” The bread that she so carefully picked sits, untouched, on her plate.

“I’d love that.” The image of Noah on my board is one that I like. “What about you? What are you interested in other than art?”

“I’m still figuring that out.” She bites her lip after her shy words.

“What do you mean?”

“When I moved here, it was really the first opportunity I’d had to discover who I was outside of where I came from. I want to try new things and discover that I love them or hate them. I never want to say that I’m scared or not interested in something before I’ve had the chance to try it.”

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