We manage to all fit in the back seat, Tianna wedged between us.
“Where are we going for dinner?” she asks as we pull away from the curb. Ruiz in the passenger seat.
“Doris Metropolitan,” Erik answers.
“Oh, I’ve never been there, but have wanted to go.” She smiles. “Does this mean I’m forgiven for last night?”
“There is nothing to forgive, we just want to make sure you're safe and know we'll support you,” I reassure, giving her hand a warm squeeze.
She leans her head against my shoulder and whispers, “I was scared, but I need to know I can stand up for myself.”
Erik raises her other hand and gives it a gentle kiss. “We support you. You realized you needed more help, hence Ruiz. That was decisive and smart.”
Chapter one hundred three
Christianna
Erik’s hand at my lower back burns through my blouse as we step into the elegant restaurant. My other hand is still laced with Remy’s, and I’m grateful it isn’t sweating, given how fast my heart is racing.
We wind our way to a four-top in the courtyard, Ruiz settling at a small table just behind us. We’re tucked into a corner, warmth spilling from the heaters, the fronds of potted palms shifting gently overhead.
Erik pulls out my chair, and I take in the table, already set with a charcuterie board.
Remy’s eyes crinkle as he smiles at me from the seat beside mine. “I wanted you to have something, since you were starving.”
I blink rapidly, caught off guard by the simple thoughtfulness of it.
I focus on the meat and cheeses in front of me and pick up a small square to nibble on. The sharp flavor bursts across mytaste buds, and I laugh, a little giddy from the attention and the simple fact that I feel relaxed.
“I want to thank you both,” I say, my gaze swiveling as I take everything in. “This has been a wonderful night.” I smile. “A perfect first date.”
“It’s just starting,” Remy says. “It gets better from here.”
“I wouldn’t know,” I admit. “I haven’t really been on a date before.”
“You’re in good company, then,” Erik says, glancing at the menu. “I’ve never been on one either.”
We all settle back into our chairs.
Remy orders a Cab Franc for the table, and I feel water pool in my mouth. He notices everything, right down to my wine preference.
I sigh and shift slightly in my chair, the realization warming something low and unfamiliar.
I'm pulled from my thoughts when Remy speaks again, just after the waiter leaves
Conversation flows with surprising ease. Erik updates me on how the musical is coming along. He has the first two acts written, and while I’ve heard most of the music already, I’m still amazed at how he managed it.
“I’m still in awe that you were able to put voice to the songs the Dark Angel played for you,” I tell him.
His eyes meet mine. “It has been the easiest musical I’ve ever written. Your music is passionate and full of emotion. I only put words to it, and the story followed. I plan on giving you credit, of course.”
I choke on my wine. “Oh no, that’s not necessary.”
He holds my gaze until I stop spluttering, then deliberately sets his knife and fork aside and wipes his mouth with his napkin.
“It is your music,” he says calmly. “You deserve credit. It’s earned, not gifted. Had it not been for you, I would still be circling ideas instead of writing.”
He ignores my shaking head.
