Chapter Four
Honey strode up the sidewalk, her anklets and bracelets chiming, and her skirt floating out behind her with each brisk step. If she didn’t hurry, she was going to be late. Not good. She rounded the last corner and saw Ira up ahead. He leaned against a tan Jeep outside Tuscan Garden’s black cinderblock entry, just outside of the shade of its red and white striped awning. The outside of the restaurant’s plain façade gave away nothing to indicate the amazingly delicious taste delights to be found inside, reminding her of the old adage, it’s what’s inside that counts. In this case, the saying was true to the letter.
The frown on Ira’s face was disconcerting. She checked her watch, nope. Not late. Right on time. She’d cut it fine. She’d been caught up in a chat room conversation and didn’t want to leave while her new contact was freely sharing information. She’d made copious notes on the conversation, and would have to write her report later. If the man she’d been milking for information hadn’t signed off, she’d still be online. She would never risk losing the contact for a date, even if it meant losing the chance to date Ira. It had been too long since a man caught her attention. Still, her work was important. She was paid big money for what she did. It was of national, maybe international, importance.
“Ira,” she greeted him. “Sorry I’m running behind. I got caught up in my work. I hope I’m not too late.”
Like it had in the café earlier, his serious expression morphed into a sunny smile. “Not at all. You look lovely tonight.”
It was nice that he noticed the effort she’d put in. She’d showered and styled her hair right after work. Her blonde ringlets didn’t take any real effort. Ten minutes of flipping through her closet had led her to a floaty chiffon skirt in a bright teal and matching sparkly t-shirt. She knew the look perfectly straddled the line between casual and formal. She wanted to look like she’d made the effort to look nice, but not overdo it. Add in a lacy shawl and she was all set for an evening out.
“Thank you.” She smiled at his compliment. “You look great. Very handsome.” Handsome was an understatement. This was the first time she’d seen him out of fatigue style clothing. He wore black jeans, cowboy boots, and a neatly pressed shirt. “You’re starting to look like a rancher.”
“As opposed to…”
“I don’t know, a military man. Your short hair and beard and your usual clothing always made me think of the military. What did you do before coming to town?”
His deep laugh rang out, stealing her breath. He should laugh more often.
“I was a soldier. Canadian Armed Forces, most recently part of Operation CALUMET in the Sinai Peninsula. Good guess. And what do you do on the side, you mentioned extra work?”
“Nothing important. I get paid to do research on the internet. Business stuff. It’s dead boring.” Most of the time, her research was boring. Occasionally, like today, she hit on information which might be important to the Canadian government who paid her. When she got home, she’d do a bit of follow up on a couple potential leads. “Shall we go in?” She waved toward the door. “I’m starved. I forgot to eat lunch.”
Ira had made a reservation and they were quickly seated at a secluded table for two in the back. Honey loved eating here. Tuscan Gardens was designed to resemble an Italian garden with light grey stucco walls accented with sunny yellows and golds. Terra cotta flooring and statues of ancient heroes, gods and goddesses gave a classic feel. Sold wood tables were adorned with budding flowers in small vases. The room was divided into sections separated with high walls for a private, grotto-like feel. Faux grape vines clung to the lattice roof and were accentuated with live lemon trees in the small front windows.
She slid into the chair he held out for her and sighed happily.
Ira sat down and they listened to their teenage waiter recite the specials in a bored tone. When he finished, they ordered drinks and accepted the menus he thrust at them.
“I love this place,” Honey exclaimed. “The ambiance, the food, the staff, though that young man seemed distracted. I come here as often as I can. I’m glad you suggested it. Some day, I want to go to Italy. Actually, I want to tour Europe.”
“All of Europe? That’s a big dream.” He grinned.
“Okay, maybe not all at once. But Greece and Italy for sure. I haven’t seen much of the world beyond Canada and the United States. I want to see it all. England, Scotland, Mexico, Africa. Oh! Russia. I’d love to go there.” She sighed again. “Some day, when I have more time and money. You must have seen a lot of the world as a soldier.”
“Not me. I went where I was sent. Very little time for tourism in Afghanistan or Egypt. I would like to travel as a civilian.”
“What’s first on your list?”
He looked thoughtful. “Bora Bora. Those little huts on the water look incredible. I’m a decent swimmer and I’d love to explore.”
“That would be amazing. Except, I don’t swim. I never learned.”
“Well, if we ever decide to go, you can take lessons first.”
We? That was one big slip. “Smart.” She offered the one-word response rather than analyze what was probably nothing more than a slip of the tongue. They didn’t even know each other, so he definitely wasn’t thinking of traveling together. Her mind was leaping ahead to places it shouldn’t go. This wasn’t like her. She was solid and logical, not some romance crazy woman with her head stuck in romance land. Still, she couldn’t stop herself from ticking off ‘wants to travel’ from her perfect man checklist, along with outgoing, friendly, and attractive.
Before she had seen Ira for the first time, she wasn’t much on beards, but sitting here she decided she could definitely get used to his. Short and neatly trimmed, it gave him a rugged appeal while still being well groomed. She wondered how it would feel against her fingers, or her lips when they kissed.
Whoa! You’re getting way ahead of yourself, girl.
She snatched up the menu she had long ago committed to memory. “What are you going to have?” she blurted.
If Ira noticed the abrupt change of subject, he didn’t mention it. “I’m not sure. I’ve only been here once. It’s not exactly the type of place you visit alone. It’s more a date place. If you know what I mean.”
Honey laughed. “I do. Sometimes I come here with Lacy, from work, since neither of us is in a serious relationship right now. How about you? Married? Engaged? Dating?” She wanted to snatch the words back as soon as she uttered them.
His menu thumped down on the table and he stared at her. “Do you actually believe I’d ask you on a date if I were in a relationship?”
