Page 12 of Koda's Love

“You didn’t have to do that, Koda,” she said as she picked up the menu.

“I know, but I wanted you to be comfortable. I wanted the opportunity for us to get to know each other without anyone bothering us.”

“Well, that was nice of you. I appreciate that.”

The waitress for the night came over and took our order before I responded to Avalon.

“Hello, and welcome. Can I start you guys off with any drinks?”

I nodded toward Avalon so she could order first, then I did. She settled on an apple Martini, while I got a vodka soda with lime. I wasn’t trying to drink anything too strong.

“I’ll put those in for you, and I’ll be back to take your food orders.”

“Thank you, Kristen.”

She nodded and walked away from the table.

“Have you eaten up here before?”

“No, and I’ve been at this hotel multiple times.”

Somberness laced her voice, but she still smiled when she looked at me.

“My next question was going to be did you come to the hotel often. I have to ask, though, what brought you here this time?”

Avalon glanced down at the menu, but I could tell she wasn’t reading it.

“You don’t have to answer that if you are uncomfortable.”

“I’d rather not say right now.”

I nodded. I wasn’t an inconsiderate person, so I didn’t push her.

“That’s fine. In the meantime, tell me more about you.”

It didn’t take long for Kristen to return with our drinks, then she took our food orders. Once she walked away, our conversation resumed.

“Um, let’s see. I was born and raised here in Sunrise Valley. I’m an only child, but my cousin is like my sister. I’m an event planner. I have to have peanut butter and apples before bed.” She giggled, then took a sip of her drink. “Mm. This is good.” She took another sip, then put the glass down. “What about you?”

Avalon being an event planner was perfect, and I would ask her if she could help with the anniversary party.

“Born and raised here as well. I am a middle child. One other older brother and a younger sister. I also own and run this hotel.”

“I knew that already.” She smirked. “I read about you in an article before. Tell me something most people don’t know about you.”

“I like to read and listen to books, and yes, audiobooks count as reading. I’m not sure why people don’t think it does. To me, if I can retain the information or tell you what the story was about, then I read it. I also like to collect knives.”

I refused to tell her that I hadn’t been in a relationship or the pressure I felt in finding one now that my mom was in my ear all the time. I didn’t want to scare her off before things could develop between us.

“A man that reads, that’s sexy. What types of books do you typically read?”

I told her the title of the latest book I was reading, as well as some other ones that I’d read over the last few weeks and enjoyed. I told her about how everyone in my family wore glasses besides my mom. I shared my love of watching anime.

“A fun fact about me is my birthday. It only comes every four years.”

“Koda, stop lying!” Her voice rose a few octaves as her eyes widened.

“Not lying.”