He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
“Easy, I messaged first thing this morning that we’d be here at eleven,” Reign explained.
“Wow, planning ahead. I like that.”
He winked as he pulled out my chair, then scooted it in before taking his.
“Your waitress will be right with you,” the hostess said.
“Thanks, Cleo.”
She nodded, then walked off.
“You must come here a lot if you know them by name and they know you,” I remarked.
“I’m here somewhat frequently. It’s a favorite place of mine. Ah, here is our waitress.”
Over the next several minutes, we gave our drink and food orders.
Once we were alone again, I looked around. It was a more modern place, sort of like his penthouse. The restaurant had lots of windows, black metal, and medium-stained maple wood. It was very busy, and the chatter of voices filled the place. Strategically placed here and there, greenery livened it up.
“I like the vibe. If the food is as good, then I’ll be back,” I told him.
“The food is even better. Anytime you want to come, we will. You should get your mom to come with us next time. I think she’ll love it. Speaking of her, how did she sound when you spoke to her this morning?”
Before we left the apartment, I called to see how Mom was doing.
“Overall, I thought she sounded good. She’s still getting used to being alone. I offered to come over and stay with her, but she refused. Said we need time together, since we work so many hours apart. She’s taken on more clients, so she’s been busier, which she claims is good,” I told him.
“Who is watching her today? Does she know?”
“Chad is, she said. Mom wanted me to mention that she wants to pay for their time. I told her I’d tell you, but I doubted it would work.”
“You’re right, it won’t. First of all, I can afford it. Secondly, Iker offers me the friends-and-family discount. He’s done this kind of thing for others in our friend group. If your mom tries to pay him, he’ll say no.”
“Well, I sorta thought as much, and I told her that. Mom said if no one will let her pay, then she needs to have everyone over for dinner, including whoever is actually guarding her and me. She asked if you could speak with Iker and see when that would be doable. Oh, and she said if you don’t help her facilitate it, she’ll have to reconsider if you’re good enough for me.”
I grinned at him, so he knew Mom had been teasing about the last part. Reign’s head went back, and he barked out a laugh.
“I swear, I don’t know how your dad kept her suppressed all these years. I see where you get your fiery side from. Are your sisters anything like you?”
I rolled my eyes. “Please, they were fully indoctrinated by the age of three, I think. They’ve always done exactly what Dad wanted. They did the extracurricular activities, took the classes, and wore the clothing he said they should. They went to college and got an associate’s degree only to attract husbands Dad approved of. I feel sorry for my nieces, Anaya and Ishani. They’ll grow up to be the same. My nephews Shanu and Jatin will be like Arish and Dad. And if I had been stupid enough to marrySam and have children, my kids would be doing the same.” I shuddered.
“Hey, no negative thoughts. We’re not doing it today. Let’s talk about something else.”
Time flew as we talked, ate, and planned our week. By the time we left, I was stuffed and happy that there was a walk back to the penthouse. I needed to walk off my food coma. We detoured to go to Centennial Park. It was so lovely there.
We made it back to the apartment over an hour later. As the front door opened to the lobby, allowing a couple to exit, I don’t know what made me look to the left, but I did. And standing two buildings down, staring right at us, was Sam. I inhaled loudly.
“What’s wrong?” Reign asked.
“We’re being watched. Look left,” I whispered.
Although I don't know why I did, it wasn’t as if Sam could hear me. Reign didn’t turn his head. Instead, he shifted his eyes. He had his sunglasses on, just like I did. A growl broke from him.
“What the fuck is he doing here?”
“Do you think he followed us or was hanging around here until we came home?” I asked.
