Starting Over.

Chapter 12 - Playing Hooky.

“You’re doing so well! Tomorrow you can probably do this on your own.” Angela said and I looked at her.

“Really!?” I said excited.

“Yes. Everything I’ve shown you, you’ve picked up on so quickly. I’m sure if you have questions you could ask me.” Angela smiled while looking through the papers. She suddenly stopped and looked spaced out.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Huh? Oh! I’m going to head to the bathroom. You can head to lunch. I’ll meet up with you.” Angela set the papers down and hurried off. I watched her and then started to finish up the last of the paper I was working on.

“There you are!” I heard and turned. David stood there with his hands in his pockets.

“Were you looking for me?” I asked.

“Kinda. It’s more of hey I found you!” David looked over at the flowers.

“Oh! Thank you so much for the flowers. You’re too kind.” I looked back and smiled shyly.

“Im glad you like them.” There was a pause while it seemed he mustered the strength for his next question. “Come with me to lunch?” He asked.

“I would love to!” I said standing up. David had some kind of sigh of relief. I stood up and started to walk.

“Your coat?” David grabbed it and held it out.

“Oh we’re leaving? Okay.” I said putting it on.

“Did you want to go to the cafeteria?” David asked and I thought for a moment.

“Probably not the best idea once everyone else breaks for lunch.” I said looking at him. He reached over and grabbed my hand. I smiled at him and he started to walk. I felt awkward holding his in the office. We walked out through the main hall. I noticed people turning and looking as we made our way out the door. He walked me to his car.

“We’re driving?” I asked.

“Yes, I told Audra we were playing hooky for the rest of the day.” David said as he helped me in. I buckled up as he got in.

“For the rest of the day?” I said shocked as he buckled himself.

“Well yes.” He gave me a quick smile while he started the car. I felt worried as we started to pull out of the parking lot.

“Where are we going?” I asked looking out the window.

“I know this nice little bistro just outside the city.” David said and I stared at him.

“The city? Seattle? That’s like a hour away!” I said and he laughed.

“It’s not that far. Maybe forty five.” He said and I looked out the window. I was going to be stuck alone for god knows how long with my boss. “Are you worried?” I heard and looked over. David was paying attention to the road.

“I’m not going to lie, sort of.” I said and he looked at me quickly. He looked back out to the road.

“Why?” He asked.

“Well first it’s only my second day and I’m taking the rest of the day off.” I said.

“Don’t worry about that! I’m the boss and I heard you’re training was going amazingly well.” David said and I folded my hands together.

“I guess it’s ok.” I said I felt his hand on my knee and I quickly looked at it.

“Really, don’t worry about it.” He said before removing his hand back to the steering wheel. The drive didn’t feel that long as we made ideal chit chat most the car ride. We pulled up to a cute diner. There wasn’t a ton of people inside but it looked slightly busy. I heard his door shut and looked over. He opened up my door and I took his hand as I got out. He held my hand as we walked inside. A few people stared at us and I could only assume it was David’s good looks attracting attention.

“Sit anywhere, we’ll be with you shortly!” A woman with her hands full yelled to us.

“Come, we’ll sit where there isn’t many people.” David said as we walked to the back corner. David finally released my hand and we sat down.

“This place is cute!” I said smiling and looking around.

“I’m glad you like it.” David said happily.

“Hopefully they see us back here.” I said looking at the front.

“I’m sure they won’t forget.” I looked at David who was staring at me.

“Did you see the way most people stared when we walked in?” I asked and he looked around.

“No? Did most people stare?” David asked.

“I feel like lots of people have been staring at me recently.” I said and he looked back.

“Oh I can take this a few different ways.” David’s face curled into a smile.

“How so?” I smiled back at his infectious grin.

“I can be cheesy and say they were distracted by your beauty.” He said and I laughed. “Or! I can make a joke about you being paranoid.” David said and I stopped laughing.

“I’m not paranoid!” I said and he started to laugh.

“You’re right, I apologize.” He said when a waitress came up.

“Here are some menus, drinks?” She looked between us.

“Coffee?” I asked and she nodded writing down on a pad.

“Same!” David said and she looked between us.

“Cream and sugar?” She asked and I nodded.

“Definitely.” David said and the waitress smiled.

“I’ll be back to take your orders.” She said smiling at us and walking away.

“So I’ve told you a lot about me. What about you?” I asked and he stared.

“What about me?” He asked.

“You told me you had siblings. Are you guys close? Are you close with your parents?” I asked.

“My brother William and I are very close. My brother George is close to William. Him and I have our disagreements. Luckily I only have to see him when I absolutely have to.” He said before looking at the menu.

“What about your parents?” I asked picking up my menu.

“I see my dad weekly. We have a typical relationship. My mother has passed on.” David flipped the menu over. I put my menu down surprised. David didn’t even look up. “Don’t be alarmed. It was a long time ago.” He said.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t want to make this uncomfortable and I did.” I said feeling bad asking.

“Oh please don’t, It’s not a big deal. It happen about ten years ago. Do you know what you want?” He looked up and I nodded. “Great! I know I’m going light with a soup and salad.” He said and set the menu to the side.

“Sounds good!” I said a little too excitingly.