“No. He’s just a friend. I would love to spend time with someone closer in age to me.”
The waiter chuckles. “Once you’re done with your meal, we can meet up behind the restaurant. My shift is over soon. I’m Marco.”
“How funny. His name is Marco too. I’m Ciara.” I shake hands with the waiter Marco. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
“You too.” His smile creates dimples in his chin. He really is cute. Shame he’s not my husband. Waiter Marco walks away after taking our orders.
“What are you doing?” Marco asks in a flat voice once we’re alone.
“What am I doing?” I ask innocently.
“It sounds like you’re flirting with that waiter. But why is the question? I told you last night that you’re mine, Ciara. I don’t like you flirting with other men.”
That’s exactly why I’m doing this. Just to get a rise out of him. But Marco doesn’t need to know that. “You don’t flirt with me. Maybe if you did, then I wouldn’t have to flirt with other men.”
“I don’t trust you.”
“That makes two of us,” I snap back.
Waiter Marco brings our food out to us. I flash him another smile as he hands me a napkin. “My number,” he explains.
“Thank you. I’ll cherish it.”
That makes him chuckle before he walks away to another table.
“You need to be careful,” Marco warns. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Ciara.”
“What game am I playing? I’m just being nice to our waiter.”
“By getting his number?”
“Precisely. What’s so wrong with that?”
Marco and I eat our lunch in silence. Once we’re done, Marco heads for the front door while I head towards the back of the restaurant.
“What are you doing?” Marco asks, grabbing my arm.
“Going out back to meet the other Marco. He invited me. We’re going out to do something together.”
“I told you that you’re not allowed to see other men.”
“Well, maybe if you treated me like you’re actual wife, then I wouldn’t need to see other men.” I rip my arm away from him. “And you don’t get to treat me like I’m your property. I am my own person.” I can feel Marco’s eyes on me as I walk to the back of the restaurant.
After going out the back door, I find myself in a tight alleyway, waiting for Waiter Marco to arrive. I really didn’t plan on going on a date with another man but if it gets Marco’s attention, then so be it. I’ll do anything at this point to not be alone.
Waiter Marco joins me after a few minutes. “Hey. Ready to go?”
“Where are we going?”
“There’s this really nice bar we can go to. Get a drink. Talk some more.”
“I would love that.” I run my hand down his arm. “You’re really cute, you know that?”
He blushes. “Thanks. And you’re really cute too.” He grabs my hand, pulling me in closer. “I’ve never met a more beautiful girl.”
“I’m sure you say that to all the girls you meet.”
“No. Just you.” He tucks my hair behind my ear. I know I’m taking this too far but Marco wants nothing to do with me. What am I supposed to do about that?
