“Is that a good thing?”
“Definitely a good thing. You’re more confident, more yourself. Mature. Smarter.”
“You say that like you’re my grandma.”
She barks out a laugh. “I’d make the best cookies.”
“Somehow, I think that’s a crock of shit.”
She laughs again. I love how quickly we were able to fall back into being ourselves together. Gia has always had her other friends too, but she and I were the closest. It’s nice to know I wasn’t replaced, even though I would have deserved it. I did herwrong, and even after apologizing, I still feel bad. We chat for another minute or two, then get off the phone.
“We will arrive in four minutes, Miss Sinclair.”
“Thank you, Garrett.”
It’s quiet for the rest of the trip, and when he pulls up the restaurant, he hurries out with an umbrella then assists me out of the car. He walks with me, holding the umbrella above us with a hand on my back to ensure we stick side by side and don’t fall out from under the umbrella’s protection. I feel like royalty or something. The guy who brings me to and from work regularly doesn’t act like this. Not that I’m complaining.
“Enjoy your evening, Miss Sinclair,” Garret says with a wink once I’m inside.
“Thank you for getting me here safely.”
“Any time.”
With one last smile, he steps back into the rain and hurries to the car. He turns into a blur after just a few feet, the rain coming down hard now.
I reach the podium and give the hostess my name, letting her know I’m here to meet Harrison Caldwell.
“Ah, yes. He arrived a few moments ago. Follow me; I’ll take you to him.”
The restaurant has a charming, retro vibe but in a classy way. The decor is inspired by old-fashioned ceramic teapots, and you can’t miss the whimsical, pastel colors on the walls—mint greens, soft blues, and pale yellows. There are vintage teapots displayed on shelves, all unique, like a quirky collection fromsomeone’s grandmother’s attic. Each table even has its own little teapot centerpiece with fresh flowers or a candle.
The chairs have this curved, almost delicate design, reminding me of tea cup handles, and the velvet cushions give it a cozy feel. The lighting is warm and soft, coming from hanging lamps shaped like teapots. It borders cheesy and gaudy, resting on the line just enough to be considered high-end. I’ll admit, I do find the place adorable, though their food menu isn’t the best. Still, I didn’t want to argue with Harrison about where to go, so when he suggested this place, I just went with it.
“Here you are, Miss.”
Harrison gets up, kissing each of my cheeks before pulling out the chair for me to sit.
“How was the drive?” he asks, getting back to his seat.
“Not so bad,” I say, picking up the menu. “The driver was nice.”
“You’re getting spoiled working with my father.”
I look up at him, hoping to see some humor in his eyes, but it looks more like annoyance.
“How else did you expect me to get here, Harrison? Walk?”
He looks at me as if he’s shocked by my response. “I offered to pick you up.”
“And I told you I couldn’t leave work early.”
“Youcouldhave, you just didn’t want to.”
I carefully let out a breath, trying to stay calm, and bring my attention back to the menu. It’s short and simple, withonly three appetizers to choose from and five main meals. Their breakfast options are much better.
When the waitress comes to take our order, I opt for the grilled lemon herb chicken. It comes on a bed of wild rice with roasted vegetables.
Harrison orders the filet mignon and a beer. When I mention I’m fine with only water, Harrison gives me another look of shock.
