Kaleb hopped out of the car, and I glanced at the restaurant. I took a deep breath in trying to harden my nerves. The door opened, and Kaleb offered me his hand out of the car. I took it, and we headed inside.
West Point was a beautiful restaurant with large gold chandeliers and a grand piano in the middle of the entire space. Someone was always playing on it, the music echoing around the building.
You could hear low chatter as couples talked together happily. The space was dimmed, leaving the place in a romantic setting.
“We have a reservation,” Kaleb said to the gal running the front. She gave us a tight smile, her eyes landing on me a second longer than Kaleb’s. I could instantly read what was going through her face. Why was he with me?
Kaleb placed his hand in the middle of my back as she pointed us to join her. Kaleb and I followed her, and I could see everyone was looking our way. Couples would stop their conversation and look at us. The woman’s eyes grew wide with wonderment while the man looked utterly confused.
I felt my stomach twist up. I should have expected people would question it rather than just accept it. I was an outcast while Kaleb was beloved by many. I should have known people were going to look at us and talk about how weird it was.
I watched a group of women pause their meal and whisper to one another, no doubt about us. My fingers tightened on my purse, and I suddenly felt like the young teen everyone stared at.
“Here you go,” the gal pointed to a small table that was just a few feet away from the piano. We were practically sitting in the middle of the restaurant. So much for a dark corner where no one could see us.
Kaleb pulled my chair out and pushed me in after I sat down. I looked around, taking in the music and the quiet of the space. “It’s nice in here.”
“It is.” Kaleb sat down, smiling at me.
I could still feel the eyes on me, and I felt my fingers shake as I reached for the menu. Kaleb reached a hand over, placing his on top of mine. “Just ignore everyone else.”
“Easy for you to say, you aren’t the one they are staring at.”
“They are just jealous, remember, we look good.”
I snorted. “You know that isn’t true.”
“Are you sure?” He leaned forward. “Because I see a gorgeous woman with a soft heart for animals. A cranky side when not fed, but a strong heart.”
I blushed.
“And you see a handsome man with bulging biceps and stunningly good looks.”
I started to laugh, a real laugh. I couldn’t help it. Kaleb always had a way of helping me relax, even when I didn’t think it was possible.
“You’re terrible.”
“It helped you relax, and that is all that matters.”
“Hi, I’m Jill. I’ll be your waiter today.” A young woman stopped at our table, giving us a smile. “What can I get you guys to drink tonight?”
“Water,” I said.
“Same,” Kaleb said. “I don’t know about you, Nora, but they make an amazing salmon with a ravioli pasta.”
“That sounds amazing.”
Kaleb looked at the gal. “Two of those.”
The woman smiled before she turned and walked away. Kaleb turned his attention back to me. “So, what shall we discuss?” I smirked.
Kaleb and I talked through the entire meal. I laughed at his jokes, and Kaleb listened when I talked. I remembered why I liked him so much to begin with. He was nice and charming. Kaleb never made me feel bad, even when I was embarrassed.He always gave me that sweet smile. He was understanding, and by the end of the meal, I felt my heart skipping a beat.
We laughed as we drove, and I almost forgot we were going to the bar as we pulled up. Just like at West Point, there was hardly any parking, so we parked down the block. Kaleb had his arm wrapped around my middle, and I tried to act like it was normal.
“Jesus, it’s cold out here,” he said, shivering.
I chuckled, grateful I had put on some insulated tights to match the dress. “Winter is right around the corner.”
