“That would be perfect, Marita,” he replies. “Oh…” He turns to me with a sweeping motion of his hand. “I’d like to introduce youto Madison. She’s looking forward to finding out why I love this place so much.”
“Nice to meet you,” Marita says warmly as she shakes my hand. And then she adds, “I think you’re in for a real treat. If you like Mexican food, don’t worry. You will be happy.”
“I love it,” I reply, since I do. “I can’t wait. Oh, and it’s nice to meet you too.”
Marita leads us to a corner booth in the back of the restaurant, one with a big window on both sides, offering a great view of the desert landscape.
As Lennox and I take our seats opposite each other, Marita hands us menus.
I peruse mine, noting that much of the food has photos accompanying the absolutely scrumptious descriptions, which I love.
As I take everything in, I remark to Lennox, “All these dishes sound and look so good. I don’t know what to choose.”
He assures me, “You can’t go wrong with anything, really,” and then he goes over a few of his personal favorites.
I ultimately decide on the carne asada—his top favorite—as does Lennox. We also opt to start off with homemade tortilla soup.
When the soups arrive and I take my first taste, I know Lennox was absolutely correct about this place.
“Wow,” I gush, pointing my spoon down at the bowl. “I think this is the best tortilla soup I’ve ever had.”
Smiling triumphantly, he replies, “I told you. Just wait until the entrées get here.”
I nod excitedly and tell him, “Hey, I believe you. I’m excited.”
We enjoy our soups, and after Marita takes away our empty bowls, I lean back in the booth and say, “I’m having a really nice time today. The ride out here, this food… I’m glad we came out.”
“I am too,” Lennox says. “I’ve been wanting to take you out on a real date for a while now.”
I feel my cheeks warm, because this really is like a date. And I’m not stressing. I’m actually having an amazing time.
I know it’s not just the ride out here, or the excellent food—it’s the fact that I’m with Lennox.
Suddenly, like a lightning bolt striking me from the sky, I realize I want to date him, like officially. I want something I haven’t wanted from a man in a long, long time—I want him to be my boyfriend.
But after my “no relationships” lecture, how do I tell him that?
Damn, I should’ve kept my big mouth shut.
Our date at the Mexican restaurant was fantastic. Madison was so impressed with everything, especially the wonderful food. But there was a point, after we finished our soups and before the carne asada dishes arrived, that she seemed a bit distracted.
Unfortunately, just as I was about to ask her what was on her mind, our meals came.
That put an end to that.
Until now, seeing as that blip in our otherwise perfect day is back onmymind.
I have an opportunity to raise the subject once we’re on the road heading back to Phoenix.
I’ve decided to take all the lonely back roads since it’s more low-key. Truthfully, though, I really just want to prolong my time with Madison.
To add to our relaxing trek home, I have the car stereo on low.
Turning the volume down even more, I say to Madison, “Hey, can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” I glance over, and she’s smiling at me.Damn, she’s so fucking pretty.“You can ask me anything, Lennox.”
Hmm, I hope that’s true, ’cause here goes nothing.
