“That would be her. She’s always been the type to do whatever she wants, and doesn’t care if it hurts any feelings.”
His face lights up when he talks about his big sister. I can see how much love and pride he has for her. Does Daniela look at me the same way? Or does everything I’ve done for the family ever cross her mind? Hopefully she notices how much of myself I’ve given away in order to make sure our parents have any, and all, support they need. I honestly think my parents wanted me to move back home because they knew I’d help them. I don’t blame them, but it sucks all the same.
“She was so freaking sweet.” Daniela takes a bite of her food. “Most flower shops in the city would have pushed their thoughts on us, or rushed us along. Paula took her time, gave input when we asked, and made the process so enjoyable. I can see why the flower shop has such amazing reviews.”
“We like to go at a slower pace. Besides, what’s the point of forcing something your client doesn’t want. It makes zero sense.”
My sister beams at him. I can already tell he’s won her over. And if she likes him, Jacob will too.
I try to pull my hand from Parker’s so he can eat, but he holds it firmly in place. “I can eat my wings with one hand.”
“Okay.” There’s a part of me that’s glad he wouldn’t let my hand go. The other part is telling me not to get too close. We’ve already established this is fake. There’s no reason to get cozy. It’s nice though. To have someone want to be close to you without wanting anything else. Well, technically since we’re both getting something out of pretending to date. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like his hand in mine.
“How far is the winery from here? We are thinking of reaching out to this place to cater the food and drinks that aren’t wine.” Jacob says after finishing his food. “I’d like to keep everything as local as possible. The prices are better, and I want to make sure the community is benefiting from our business.”
Jacob is the only person I know who thinks like this. It’s not all for show either. He makes a point of eating locally to our neighborhoods. I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen him and my sister eat at a chain restaurant. I guess it comes from the fact his mom owns a boutique.
Parker shrugs. “Maybe fifteen minutes. And you won’t go wrong with any business you choose to have cater the wedding. There’s also a really good Mexican restaurant down the road. I spend most of my time between here and there when I want something to eat.”
“Perfect. We’ll have to check that place out next.” Jacob beams. Yep, Parker has him hook, line, and sinker. I think that’s how the saying goes.
“Y’all can come by the winery before you head back home. I’m sure you’re curious about the location.”
“Daniela showed me pictures, but I’d love to see it in person. Maybe have a couple of glasses of wine while we’re there.”
The server, Lisa, comes by to see if we need refills on our drinks.
“I think we’re good,” Jacob says. “Can we get the check?”
“Oh, it’s already been taken care of.” Lisa nods to Parker.
“You didn’t have to do that.” My voice is barely above a whisper, but I know he heard me.
“It’s not a problem. Besides, I get a discount.” To the rest of the table he beams. “Let me know when you’re ready to head out. You can follow me over.”
“I’m ready.” Both Daniela and Jacob announce at the same time. Why are they so in sync with each other? If it wasn’t so cute, it’d be annoying.
He pulls his hand from mine to wipe off the wing sauce. Then he stands and waits for me to leave my chair before taking my hand again. “Are you riding with your sister? Or, do you want to ride with me?”
“She’s riding with you.” Daniela doesn’t give me a chance to answer.
“I guess I’m with you. Lead the way.” I motion to the door. He grabs a bag from Lisa on the way out. This is about to be the longest fifteen minutes of my life.
Ten minutes into the drive and the silence is killing me. Well, not complete silence. There’s music on the radio but it’s at such a low volume it might as well be silent. I have to say something.
“You laid on the Southern charm a little thick back there.” Shit, that sounds defensive.
He tilts his head to the side like a confused puppy, and it’s adorable. No. Stop thinking like that. This isn’t real.
“What do you mean?”
“Buying lunch, inviting them to the winery. It was a lot.” Plus, I’ve rarely had a guy offer to buy my food when on a date. We usually split the bill, or pay for ourselves. Maybe I’m digging to see if this is how he normally operates.
He glances over at me. I guess he’s trying to gauge where I’m coming from. “I’ve bought many people lunch. But you’re supposed to be my girlfriend. If I didn’t at least pay for your food, your sister probably would have swung at me.”
Oh, she definitely would have. Daniela is used to being treated like a princess, especially from Jacob. “You’re not wrong. It was just unexpected for you to pay for everyone.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to Lisa about before I came to your table, and I slipped her my card.” He takes a deep breath. “And paying for everyone was easier. As for the winery stop, I figured Jacob would like to see it. He seemed pretty interested in the business operations. I can give y’all a behind the scenes tour.”
