“Ty can't stop talking about you,” Chase blatantly embarrasses him.
“Thank you for that unnecessary tidbit of information.” Ty snatches the menus from Chase’s hand then he pulls out my chair from a secluded table right next to a window. We really do have the best seats in the house.
“You’re welcome.” Chase grins obnoxiously. I’m a fan of his already. “The waitress will be right over to take your drink orders. I'll let Jenn know you’re here. She’s going to want to impress you.” I don't miss that Chase directs the comment solely to me.
“I look forward to it,” I respond excitedly.
Ty seems slightly uneasy sitting across from me as he reads over the menu.
“Why did you bring me here if it’s going to make you uncomfortable?”
“Because as much as Jenn dislikes me, I know she’ll love you. And I want to impress you.”
“You don't need to impress me.” I sit back and hug myself, running my hands over the soft material that clings to both my arms.
“Iwantto impress you,” Ty repeats.
“Why?”
“Because I can. And you deserve it.”
I drop my eyes for a fraction of a second.
“Ty,” I sigh.
“Simone, don't. You aren't going to scare me away. Whatever your issues are, I can handle them. Stop trying to dissuade me. It's not going to work.” He leans forward, dressed in his usual preppy attire—white, collared shirt, khaki shorts, and boat shoes—and grabs my hand.
“You’re incorrigible,” I accuse.
“I've been called worse.” He kisses my palm.
“By Jenn?” I tease.
“God, yes.” He rolls his eyes.
In unusually good spirits, I pick up my menu and start to read it over. Everything from the cold lobster cocktail to the seafood bisque to the crab and beet salad looks to die for.
“Sorry, that menu isn’t available tonight.” A small, blonde woman plucks the cardboard out of our hands.
“Jenn,” Ty begins to protest, but she silences him with a raised hand.
“Tonight, you get the chef’s menu. Is there anything you don't like or are allergic to?” she asks me.
“I don't particularly like olives, and I'm not allergic to anything,” I willingly inform her.
“Perfect.” Jenn claps. “It's nice to formally meet you. Simone, right?”
“Yes, that's me.”
“I hear Ty can’t stop talking about you.” She grins, and I mirror her expression.
“So I’ve been told.”
Ty groans under his breath.
Jenn seems to enjoy his frustration immensely. Secretly, I'm finding it entertaining myself. “Drinks are on the house. . .for you. Ty pays double,” she announces before spinning on her heel and heading back toward the kitchen. Besides her hair being a little longer and her attire much less formal, Jenn is exactly how I remember her from the fight.Feisty.
“You don't think she’ll poison your food, do you?”
