When I pulled into the lot at the diner I’d picked, her eyes went wide.
“Have you been here before?” she asked.
“Never.”
“I believe that,” she said with a laugh. “You did good.”
Such simple praise, but I felt proud of myself for pegging the type of place she’d prefer.
We ordered burgers from a sticky menu and watched each other warily over the table between us. The booths were narrow, but I didn't think she'd appreciate me reaching over to take her hand. We weren't there yet.
“Tell me something about you I don’t know,” she said, and I raised my eyebrows. Had she Googled first date questions?
“Though I’m very close to my father now, I used to be a momma’s boy.”
Her smile faded. “I know how it feels to lose your mother.”
“What’s something about you I don’t know?” I asked, hoping to bring back some levity, but her face was entirely too serious for my liking.
“I became a doctor because I couldn't save my parents.”
My heart clenched. “Jesus, Sailor, I was hoping to start with a lighthearted conversation.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not very good at this.”
Reaching for her hand after all, I said, “Tell me something else about you.”
“I played the flute in high school.”
“Do you still play?”
She shook her head. “Not in years.”
Absently, she ran her thumb over the back of my hand. I discovered the headache was gone, and my thoughts were clear. Maybe Sailor was a balm for my chaotic mind.
“I can’t sing or play an instrument, but my sister can do both. She plays the cello and the piano.”
“That’s quite impressive.” Sailor sat back when our food was dropped off, and I was disappointed to no longer be touching her.
“She hates to perform, though, so don’t ask her about it.”
“I don’t see myself spending much time with Vicki.”
Oh, but she was wrong about that. If dear old Dad got his way, they’d be sisters-in-law very soon.
But maybe that wasn't such a bad thing after all.
Chapter Fifteen
Sailor
It was nice to spend time with Noah away from Benito. Without his father there, he was more relaxed, almost casual. A normal man, instead of one who was tied up in the life and death situations of a mafia don.
Selfishly, I’d hoped to hear some information I could pass on while we were together. Other than reporting the men in the picture, which was really not even worth mentioning, I had nothing to give to Lauder. It had become frustrating as hell. I was even prepared to tell her the reason I agreed to the date was to get closer to Noah and gain more intel on the Costas, even if it was a lie.
I agreed because I wanted to. It was that simple.
Of course, then panic had set in. I didn't know how to comport myself on a date, and I was sure I would blow it. The internet gave me some pointers, though I felt foolish for needing them. With the tentative relationship we had, I was bound to put my foot in my mouth, and I wanted to avoid that.
