I watch her weave through to the back, where the restaurant separates from the pub. It’s still early, so the place isn’t overly busy.
I watch as Iris talks to the host. She looks over her shoulder and waves me over.
When I get to her, I place my hand on her lower back.
“Our table is ready,” she tells me quietly.
The host leads us to a little booth in the corner.
“Someone will be right over,” the host says before walking away.
I scoot between our table and the one next to us after Iris sits down.
“The only thing I don’t like is how the tables are all on top of each other,” she says quietly.
“It’s a small place. Besides, I think it adds to the family feel,” I tell her.
She snorts. “You don’t even like people.”
She’s right. I don’t, but this place is different. It feels like it is more than a restaurant. It feels like home in a way.
“I don’t usually, but this place is different. It holds fond memories for me.” I keep my tone soft.
Her face beams at my words as she picks at her silverware. She doesn’t say a word, but she doesn’t need to.
Neither of us picks up a menu. We’ve been here so many times that we just know what we will get. I’ll order the lamb, and she will get the beef. Then when we get it, we will give each other some of the other’s dish.
Something I would never think about doing if she were anyone else. Sharing food is too intimate. I won’t even do it with my friends, but Iris is different. She always has been.
She leans forward, her elbow on the table, and rests her chin in her hand.
God, she’s beautiful. Sometimes looking at her, it’s hard to breathe.
“You’re staring,” she murmurs.
“I can’t help it.”
She rolls her eyes, likely thinking I’m teasing when I’m not.
“So how have you been?” I ask as I blow out a breath.
“We have spent the last week and a half traveling together. You know how I’ve been,” she tells me.
“I know how work has gone, but it doesn’t tell me how you are personally. We haven’t had a mental check-in this trip. How are you holding up?” I ask.
“Good. Tired but good. I swear work never slows down.” She sighs.
“Your boss is a dick for working you so hard,” I say, poking fun at myself.
“He really is. I would think he was doing it to get back at me for something, but I know he works just as hard as I do,” she quips, making me chuckle.
“I guess it’s a good thing that you are taking a few days and staying here. You’ll have some time for yourself,” I tell her, knowing I would love to stay, but that she also deserves some time alone.
Something I can’t name flashes across her face, but she quickly masks it. It has me curious, but I don’t push. I never push when it comes to her.
“True. Thank you for that.” She smiles, but it doesn’t feel real.
“Have anything fun planned?” I keep my tone light.
