Brian is easily noticeable. He stands from the booth, giving me an awkward wave. He has pitch-black hair and deep brown eyes. He’s around my age, and I try not to let that bum me out. All I can think about is Mr. Wrong Number.
How laughable.
I don’t even know his name, and I’m obsessed with him.
Brian is wearing a leather jacket, and when I take a step closer, I’m hit with the smell of cigarette smoke wafting from him.
I hate that smell.
“Your waiter will be over soon to take your orders,” the hostess says, flashing another million-dollar smile.
No, don’t leave me alone.
“Thank you so much,” I reply.
Brian and I stand in front of each other for a few awkward seconds before we both laugh.
“Hi, I’m Olivia.”
“Hi, Olivia. I’m Brian.” He swoops in, leaning down for a hug, and I have to hold my breath.
He reeks of smoke.
“It’s nice to finally meet you.” I slip into the booth and my grin falters when I see four empty glasses.
My gin and tonic is gone.
“Sorry about that. I needed to curb the nerves, you know?”
The waiter chooses that time to come back with more drinks, sitting a fresh drink down in front of me, then Brian.
Brian reaches over to snag my glass, sliding it across the table to his side, leaving me with no drink. “Sorry, I ordered two for me. Can you bring the lady another?”
My brows rise and I turn to stare at the waiter who gives me a tight-lipped smile. “Make it a double, please,” I say as nicely as I can.
He nods, a small tilt of a smile threatening to curve his lips. “Of course. It will only be a few moments. Can I get your orders in?”
“I already ordered for us,” Brian interjects. “I’m really good at ordering for people.” He takes a swig of one of the drinks, the ice clinking against the sides of the glass.
“What if I had allergies?” I ask, annoyed by how this is going already.
“I’ll be right back with your order.” The waiter leaves, rushing away as if his ass is on fire.
“More for me, I guess.” Brian finds himself hilarious, his loud boisterous laugh hanging over the murmur of everyone else, causing a few heads to turn our way.
I could always leave. Is that rude to do? I’ve never been in this position before, and I don’t know when enough is enough. Clearly, Brian isn’t what I’m looking for in a partner.
“So, Olivia. Your profile says you’re an assistant to the chief of surgery at Warrick General? What’s that like? What do you expect to do after that?” He drains the first glass and heads to the second.
I narrow my eyes, dropping my hands to my lap. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I’m assuming being an assistant isn’t what you want to do for the rest of your life.”
“I love my job and where I work. My boss is fantastic and I probably get paid more than you, with amazing benefits. I can live a comfortable life doing what I do. So…no. I don’t have plans for anything else.”
“Oh.” He clicks his tongue. “That’s disappointing. You have no dreams?”
“And what are your dreams, Brian?”
