“Lena, we’re just trying to be helpful,” her mother said. “You owe Nate that album, and running off—"
“I think you’ve both done enough for one night,” I interjected, unable to take any more of their bullshit.
The table went silent as Lena’s parents glared at me.
Her father was the first to speak. “Where are you from? You look familiar.”
Our waiter approached the table before I could answer. Both Lena and I replied with a sharpnowhen he asked if we were interested in the dessert menu. Though, both of her parents grumbled over that as well.
Her father insisted on getting dessert to go for him and his wife.
“She’ll take it,” her father said, pointing in Lena’s direction when the bill came.
I handed him my credit card, noticing the look that passed between her mother and father.
Minutes later, we exited the restaurant, Lena’s hand in mine.
“I cannot believe that girl didn’t order us a car to get back home,” Lena’s mother said, upon seeing there wasn’t a car waiting for them.
“I’m sorry, Ma. I think it was simply a mistake on Demetria’s part. I’ll give her a call.” Lena pulled out her phone and dialed her assistant. At the same time, the car I’d called for us arrived.
I sensed Lena’s desire to get her parents on their way. My desire to not be in their presence was about the same as hers.
“Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson, you can take our car,” I told them, waving to our driver. I didn’t wait for them to respond. I went over to the driver and told him there was a change of plans and he would take the older couple home.
“What’s your address?” I asked Lena’s father.
“What?” her mother snapped. “We don’t know you or this driver. We’re not giving out our address.”
“You’ll both be fine,” I said with the least friendly smile on my face I could muster. “What’s your address?”
Apparently, Mr. Clarkson was more insightful than his wife because, after a short pause, he gave the driver his address.
Lena walked over to us, still on the phone with her assistant.
‘Thank you,’she mouthed to me while still on the line with Demetria. She gave her mother and father a quick hug and kiss. I noticed the way Mrs. Clarkson glared at me before she got in the car.
Whatever.
“They are rays of sunshine,” I said as soon as the car pulled off.
“Pssh, this was them on a good night. They’ve gotten better with age. Oh no, Demetria, I was talking to Gabe. Is the car on the way?” she asked. “Okay, hang on.”
Lena lowered the phone from her ear a bit. “I don’t feel like going back to the hotel yet. I need to blow off some steam after that dinner.”
I grinned. “I know a place.”
“Where?” she asked.
“Place called Skins. A former wrestling teammate of mine in college owns it. We can catch a cab.”
Lena’s eyes lit up.
“Thanks, Demetria. We won’t need that car after all,” she said. “Sorry to bother you tonight.”
She hung up, and I held up my hand for a cab. Minutes later, we were off.
Chapter 18
