Page 48 of Love Delayed

“I do, actually,” I admitted.

“Really? The food has to be amazing.”

“It is, but I’ll be honest. I live here on property, so everyone knows me here.”

“That’s interesting,” he said.

Just then, our server came over to take our drink orders and left as quickly as he had come.

The conversation was easy; we chatted about family and the basics, keeping the conversation light. Right after we put our dinner orders in, my phone alerted me that I had received a text message. Not wanting to be rude, I ignored it, but when it alerted me again, I picked up my cell phone from the table and read it.

Marc:Hey, beautiful. If I ever needed you in my life, I need you now. Some crazy shit went down today, and I need to talk to you, Zee.

Marc:Are you free?

I was about to reply, but the server came over to refill our water and let us know our order would be out soon. With a smile, I nodded and turned my attention back to my phone.

“That can’t wait?” he asked.

“Huh? Excuse me?” I replied, looking at him.

“I’m just asking if you plan to be on a dinner date with me or on your phone.”

I giggled lightly. I hadn’t been on a date in ages, so I guess my action could be perceived as rude, which was not my intention.

Smiling, I said, “My apologies. A good friend needs me, and I was going to send them a short reply if you don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t, but I’d like your undivided attention,” he returned.

Something inside me wanted to say something smart in response because I didn’t like to be talked to as if I were a child.

Instead, I smiled and told him, “I got you. Give me a second.”

Me:Out to dinner. Is everything okay?

After hitting send, I put my phone in my purse.

“Now, you were telling me about your new puppy. What is that like? I mean, I love animals but have never had one.”

“Well, he is a handful, very rambunctious. To be honest, I think I’m in over my head,” he said with a light laugh.

My phone went off again, and I knew he could hear it, too.

“I’m so sorry,” I said, reaching for it in my purse.

Marc:Headed to the hotel in a few. I’ll be waiting for you when you get in.

My eyes almost jumped out of my head, and I tried to play it cool while gulping my wine. Why did I feel nervous? It’s not like I was out cheating on Marcus. But why were my palms sweating if I didn’t feel I was doing anything wrong?

“Is everything okay, Zamora?”

“Huh? Oh, yes. Yes, everything is fine. You were saying your puppy is giving you hell?”

As Jayden continued to share stories about himself and his four-legged friend, my mind drifted to Marcus. I wished it was him sitting across from me instead. With every swig of wine I took, I silently prayed Marcus would walk in and save me from this date. The more Jayden talked, the more wine I needed. He was nothing like Marcus. Jayden lacked personality, was cocky, had no sense of humor, and seemed to be narcissistic, centering the conversation around himself. He certainly wasn’t the same man I met at the bar that night. No, this Jayden was an asshole.

“Ms. Zamora, your food is almost ready. Is there anything I can get for you in the meantime?” our server asked after approaching our table.

“Another glass of Cabernet, please, Nick,” I quickly replied.