Starting Over.

Chapter 7 - Grabbing a bite.

“Here we are! My favorite local diner.” David held the door open for me. I noticed people stop eating and stare at me until they saw David. They all started to avert their gaze. I couldn’t help but feel like everyone was talking about me. David walked to the cashier.

“David! I didn’t expect you today.” The older man said and then looked at me. “A newbie?” He looked back to David.

“A new accountant. Treating her to dinner.” David smiled. They stared at each other and I looked between them. I started to feel uncomfortable when the older man almost looked shocked.

“Your usual?” He asked.

“A burger is ok for you?” David asked looking at me.

“Yes.” I said smiling.

“Make that two.” David smiled as the older man nodded. David ushered me towards the back where not many people were.

“Thank you for the meal.” I said as nicely as I could.

“Anytime.” David said smiling.

“So how long have you lived here?” I made ideal chit chat knowing the answer was probably forever.

“My entire life. I studied business in Seattle. I often visit the headquarters there. Every Friday mostly.” He said.

“So you decided to go a day early?” I asked as yesterday was Thursday.

“I did go early. My dad wanted to discuss something and I’m going to refer to running into you as a happy accident!” David smiled and I felt myself blush. The older man came and placed our food down.

“Congratulations.” He smiled at me.

“For the job he means.” David somewhat growled almost towards him.

“Of course! Congratulations for… the job!” The man looked between us. I looked at David as he glared until the older man was gone. He looked at me and his expression softened.

“Apologies, Charlie is old. Forgetful.” David said.

“What did he forget?” I asked eating a fry. David was quiet and I could tell he was thinking. I covered my mouth and started to giggle. David smiled watching me. “You’re kinda awkward.” I said bluntly and the shock spread across my face. David started to laugh.

“Am I?” He chuckled.

“No I’m sorry! I didn’t mean that!” I said quickly.

“It’s ok, I enjoy the honesty.” David said grabbing some fries and eating them. “So since you’re decision was so quick, I’m guessing you have no boyfriend or kids running around.” David said casually.

“No. Recently, very recently actually, my last relationship ended. No kids either.” I said quickly taking a bite. What weird conversation. It was like date conversation and not tour guide conversation. Then I wondered what your guide conversation was? What did I expect.

“That’s a shame. How recent is recent?” David asked with a curios look.

“Um… he moved out a couple days ago.” I said wiping my mouth.

“Oh wow! That is recent.” David said watching me eat, which was making me uncomfortable.

“Yeah, it was over a little while before that.” I said and David nodded slowly.

“If it was over then why did you stay?” David’s question made me choke on my fries a little.

“Um… um because the place I was working was going out of business and I needed to get bills paid.” I never felt more shallow answering a question before.

“You say um a lot.” David pointed out and my face flushed.

“Yes it’s the worst habit I have.” I answered and he started chuckling.

“If that’s your worst habit, that’s nothing. I’ve been told mine is wearing socks everywhere. To bed or with my sandals. It upsets people for some reason.” David said with a quick smile. I started to giggle and his smile grew. Finally he stopped asking questions and started eating. We were in silence for a bit. I finished first and sat back, I pulled out my phone and saw a missed call from my mother. I signed and stuffed my phone back in my pocket.

“What is it?” David asked.

“My mom called.” I said and David stared for a moment.

“Do you need to call her back or?” David watched me quizzically.

“No.” I smiled and he stared at me. “We just, don’t get along very well.” I said and he nodded.

“I understand how that goes.” He said standing up. “Shall we?” He asked.

“Yes!” I said happily and stood. We walked out into the night air. It was cold as most spring times were. I shivered as a cold breeze blew over us.

“Are you cold? Here.” He took off his suit jacket and put it around me.

“Oh, thank you.” I said clutching it. It smelled so good, almost like wood chips and musk. A warmth started to pool in me and I tried to look as calm as ever. David stopped and looked back. He smiled and I stood there. “What?” I asked and he shook his head.

“Come on, let’s get you home.” He said as we started to walk the short distance to the townhomes. I tried not to feel awkward but it was weird walking with a stranger in a town where I knew no one.

“What are you thinking about?” David said and I looked at him.

“Oh, I just thought about how I really don’t know anyone here.” I said looking around.

“I’m sure in due time you’ll come to know them. Until then, I’m fine being your only friend.” David said nudging me. I smiled and looked at him. We approached my new home and I stopped staring at the key pad. He reached over and put the numbers in. I opened the door and stopped.

“Oh! Your coat!” I pulled it off and held it out to David.

“Thank you.” He reached up and took it. While he did. He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips, softly planting a kiss on it. Tingles shot up my arm and I suddenly got goosebumps. He smiled again and I smiled back at him before retracting my hand.

“Good night!” I said.

“See you tomorrow Ryan.” David said as I closed the door.