"My Isabella — she's a good girl. Capisce?" Big G said, grasping Jack firmly by the shoulder.
The look in his eye said he knew exactly what was on Jack's mind every time he looked at Bella.
Aha. Am I that obvious?“Roger that.”
“Good, good. So, Calloway? Any relation to the golf clubs?”
“No relation sir.”
“Oh, that’s too bad.”
Chapter 10
Bella’s mind was a jumble of thoughts as she rode in the back of the Uber to Al Biernat's, in the Oak Lawn area of Dallas. Mindful of the hot night - it was normal for temperatures to stay in the high 90’s in the summer, even after the sun went down - she’d chosen a white linen Max Mara dress, with a brown leather belt to cinch in the waist, and a pair of nude Valentino Rockstud wedge espadrilles. She loved her high heels but after wearing them all day she preferred something with a bit more comfort. She'd been using Bella Pelle's sunless tanning drops, and her skin had a lovely natural golden hue as a result. Before leaving she'd given a light spritz of Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille — unisex in theory, leaning more masculine in practice, but she'd loved it for years regardless.
Known for their steaks, Al Biernat's also had an excellent seafood menu—and if anyone were vegetarian, the sides alone could constitute a meal. Entering the restaurant, the maître d' escorted Bella back to the private room, where everyone else had already arrived, and she could see there was only one open seat at the table. Next to Jack.Damn, I should have rethought wearing white. Good thing I don’t drink red wine; no doubt I’d spill it all over me, ha ha.
Jack stood and pulled the chair out for Bella to sit, and as she slid in next to him, she could smell his cologne - warm, spicy, and intoxicating. “Captain, are you wearing Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille?”
“I am, it’s one of my favorites.”
“Mine too - I’m wearing it tonight as well.”
Jack leaned in and caught it immediately. Tobacco Vanille. His cologne. On her. “So you are.” He quickly glanced around the table and hoped no one had noticed — especially Mike. He’d never live it down.
“Would you like a drink? We’ve already ordered but I can call the waiter back over if you like?”
“Yes please - I’d like the Spiced Lychee. “
Her drink arrived, and Bella took a sip, then licked her lips. “Delicious.”
I should have sat next to Mike,Jack thought.
The group made short work of the appetizers, and while they waited for their main courses, Bella looked around the table. Everyone seemed to be having a fun time, and the conversation flowed freely.
“Margie, tell us how it feels to be the first woman who will walk on the moon?” Carrie asked.
“It’s a pretty mind-blowing, scary thought all at the same time, to be honest,” Margie replied.
“How does NASA decide who gets to walk on the surface?”
“Well, I’m a geologist - I study rocks. And since the moon is essentially a big rock it was logical they’d pick me.”
“Geologist? Rocks?” piped up Jerome. “Tell me more.” Margie eagerly dived into the subject, with Jerome looking on inrapture as she spoke. Bella caught Carrie's eye across the table, and they shared an amused smile.
“Is that an Omega Speedmaster you’re wearing?” Jack asked, gesturing to the watch on Bella’s wrist. He'd clocked it the moment they met.
“It is - it’s my favorite watch. There's something about the weight and look of a man's watch I've always loved. I noticed you wear the Breitling Cosmonaute — beautiful watch.”
“So — we wear the same cologne, and we both appreciate a good watch. I wonder what else we have in common.” She said nothing but took a sip of her drink.Maybe I’d like to find out.
Bella noticed throughout dinner that none of the astronauts had more than a drink each, she supposed that they were very disciplined, even when off duty. After finishing dinner and offers of dessert declined, someone asked about any nightclubs they could go to, not wanting to end the night just yet.
“Let me make a call,” said Carrie, stepping outside.
“Is this something that’s allowed?” Bella asked Jack.
“Yes, we don’t do it often but every once in a while, is okay. No one is going to get blotto drunk, but it’s nice to unwind. They are working hard; a little fun won’t hurt.”
