11
Reyes
Before leaving the fundraiser, Jake and I’d agreed to meet for a late lunch at Five Leagues Under around two the following afternoon. I’d seen the diner-bar combo when I was wandering around town and had been intrigued by its submarine-inspired design. As soon as I entered, my steps faltered. Isaac was at the bar, wiping it down with a rag. He gave me a knowing look as he waved, then pointed across the room to where Jake sat at a table. He was studying the menu but flashed me a smile when I sat across from him.
“Hey!”
His joy was contagious, making my own lips turn up in a grin. A waitress, who looked to be about seven or eight months pregnant, came over to take our order. She had a tattoo on her arm that caught my attention.
“Indigo Rose fan, huh?” I said.
She glanced at it and smiled. “You could say that. My brother’s in the band.”
My eyes went wide. “Really?”
She nodded. “What can I get you two to drink?”
Soon after she left, Jake shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I think my ass hurts more from our match yesterday than it did after our first date.”
I snorted. “That’s because when it comes to soccer, you kinda suck.”
He tossed a napkin at me. “Shut up. I thought I was in shape, but man, I’m sore all over.”
Even though his eyes danced with amusement, I could tell he really was sore. I just hoped it wasn’t too bad, since we were supposed to practice after lunch.
Jake and I fell into easy conversation as if we had been old friends. There was such comfort in his presence. He calmed me in a way I couldn’t explain, like he carried some of my stress without even knowing what my worries were.
Midway through the meal, Jake’s phone rang and he quickly silenced it.
“Uh-oh, boyfriend?” I teased.
He gave me a look. “My mom.”
“Oh? Don’t get along with her?” I guessed.
He shook his head. “No, we get along fine. She’s just… concerned, I guess you could say, about me moving to a new town. She’s better than she was a few weeks ago, but she still calls me almost every day.”
I chuckled. “Oh, I know how that is, trust me.”
“Yeah, you’ve mentioned your family can be a bit obtrusive.”
I looked away, trying to decide how to respond. “They just want answers and I don’t have any for them,” I offered.
Jake was confused by my response, but I was saved from answering when the waitress appeared with our food. The moment she walked away, Isaac took her place. It wasn’t at all quiet for a Friday afternoon, so I knew he was just looking for an excuse to come talk to us. I didn’t miss the obvious approval in his eyes as he looked Jake over or when he did the same to me.
“Can I get you two a beer or something?” he asked hopefully.
“I’m fine with water for now, but thanks.”
Isaac turned to Jake, determined to serve at least one of us, but Jake politely declined as well.
“Aw, come on. I want to give yousomethinggood tonight,” he pleaded unapologetically. I couldn’t hold back my laugh. The man wasn’t shy; I’d give him that. Jake was just as playful in return but was also careful not to give Isaac any mixed signals. His attention remained entirely on me.
“You two planning to go to the club again anytime soon?” he asked.
Jake and I shared a look before I answered, “Not sure. Work has been keeping both of us pretty busy right now.”
He nodded. “Well, if you do,pleasecall me. I’d love to dance with you guys again.”
