“And you don’t like this guy she’s with?”
I nod. “Exactly. She can do better.”
She sighs. “Wow. Okay, follow me.”
She grabs a menu and a roll of silverware. I follow her through the cozy, dimly lit room with candlelight and tasteful vintage decor on the dark walls. I hate how the ambience is romantic and appealing.
The girl looks back at me, her voice still low. “Are you in love with her?”
The question catches me off guard, but I shake my head. She looks disappointed by the answer. I see Dolly up ahead, sitting across from dickface in a half-circle booth.
The girl sits me in the booth right beside theirs. I take the seat facing Dolly. He doesn’t see me.
The hostess leaves my menu and silverware and mumbles, “Let me know if you needanything.”
I tip my cowboy hat at her. Her fingers brush across the table as she walks back to the host stand.
I meet Dolly’s eyes, which are narrowed on the hostess as they follow her until she’s back at the front. The waitress stops at my table, blocking my view. She’s young. Her wild, curly blond hair is tied back in a low ponytail.
“Hey, hon. You waiting on someone?”
I shake my head. “Just me. I’ll take a tall Miller.”
She nods. “Bread? We have cinnamon butter.”
“Sure.” I nod.
She moves past me, finally revealing Dolly’s eyes again. She’s focused on something Ben is saying. My fingers drum across the table. I can only make out every few words that he says.
“… because you’re just that pretty. It’s blinding to look at you sometimes.”
Dolly blushes. I unroll the two forks and the steak knife, palming it to see how it feels in my hand. It feels good, but I’m pretty effective with just my fists when I need to be.
“Tall Miller and some fresh bread. Can’t help but wonder what the story is here, hon.” The waitress blocks my view again. She deposits my drink and bread on the table.
I take a long drag of the beer, but it doesn’t settle my stomach. “How’s that?”
“You’re too young and handsome for this bachelor-eating-a-steak-dinner-alone routine.”
“Maybe I like steak and being alone.”
She purses her lips. “All righty then, whatever you say.”
She moves away again. Dolly comes back into my line of vision.
I do like being alone. And a good steak makes everything better.
“… very protective. Which I completely get, but … glad you got away tonight.” Ben’s voice reaches my ears again.
“There’s been a development … in our family. My brother did something to protect me a few years ago, and now someone wants revenge. It’s all very James Bond and revenge-plot nastiness.”
I sit up straighter, giving her a look. She shakes her head, as if to tell me to chill out.
Great. Brilliant idea. Tell him everything.
Ben leans forward, grabbing her hand with his. The imaginary vision of my steak knife embedded in his hand brings a smile to my lips.
“Wow, that’s so … scary. I’m sorry. I …” His voice trails off as he leans closer to her.
