Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
"There's an opening at Bocca Felice tomorrow night at eight," I told him. It was later than my old ass was used to eating, but I'd take anything I could get. "It's a nice Italian restaurant in town. Have you ever eaten there?" I loved it and thought that Sterling would too.
Instead of answering my question, he gave me another smirk. "Tomorrow night, huh? It sounds like someone is excited to see me again."
"Damn straight I am."
His smirk twisted into a full fledged grin. "Tomorrow sounds great. And I've eaten take out from Bocca Felice before; it's delicious."
"Perfect." It was more than perfect. Butterflies were tap dancing with giddiness in my stomach. "Would it be okay if I pick you up at your place? Or would you rather meet at the restaurant?" I wanted to be a gentleman, but I also wanted him to be comfortable.
"I'd love to ride together if it's no trouble."
Is he serious? "Trust me, it's the opposite of trouble." Sterling told me his address and I typed it into the notepad on my phone. "I drive a sedan, so Cooper will have plenty of room in the backseat."
Sterling's eyebrows raised above his shades. "You don't mind if he comes along?"
"Of course I don't mind." I was happy to have him along, and I was also a little confused; I assumed that the dog accompanied Sterling everywhere.
Without me having to voice my thoughts, he explained, "If I'm with someone who can guide me, sometimes I go out without him. But to be honest, he always seems a bit sad when he's left out. And maybe it sounds silly, but I enjoy his company."
"It doesn't sound silly at all." I had dogs before, so I knew the joy they brought. Plus, Sterling had a very close relationship with Cooper; it made sense that he was most comfortable when they were together.
Sterling smiled and ate the last bite of his sandwich. When he was finished, he nervously tapped his fingers on his knee before clearing his throat. "Since the reservation isn't until eight, would you want to see a movie beforehand? I've heard ads for a new comedy that's out and it sounds pretty good." He wants the date to be longer? My butterflies broke out into a full can-can.
Before I could give an excited agreement, Sterling added, speaking quickly, "There's a theater on Vine Street that's close to the restaurant. It plays certain films with audio description, which helps describe the story to visually impaired people. They're going to offer the description service on the comedy this weekend. I was going to go by myself, but it'd be nice to go together." His fingers drummed faster. "Unless you don't want to; I understand if the voice-over would get on your nerves. Or we could go to a regular screening if you'd prefer."
I slid my hand onto his, calming his tapping and drawing a quiet gasp from his lips. I took a moment to judge his comfort and when he didn't pull away, I figured I just surprised him. "Sterling, I'd love to go to the movies with you. I didn't know they offered audio description; I may not know about things you enjoy or need, but please don't feel uncomfortable telling me about them. I want to explore these things with you. I just want you to be happy and enjoy the film or anything else we do together."
He was silent for a long pause, and I worried I said something wrong until he put his other hand on top of mine and gave it a gentle squeeze before saying, "Thank you."
The thanks wasn't necessary; things were a little different in his world, but that didn't mean they were wrong or "less than". I wanted to learn everything, and hoped he would let me stick around to explore with him.
"Besides," I bumped my shoulder into his and added to lighten the mood, "You're forgetting that I'm an old fart, so some assistance is probably a good thing for me."
Sterling laughed as he shook his head. I squeezed his hand again before regretfully letting it go to allow him to finish his lunch. I dug in as well, and by the time I took my last bite, my watch beeped, signaling the end of my break.
"I know what that sound means," Sterling said, his mouth pulled down into a frown. While I missed his smile, I couldn't help but enjoy the fact that he was saddened by my leaving.
"Yeah, unfortunately I have to get back to work. But I'm looking forward to our date tomorrow. Would it be okay to pick you up at 5:30?" That would give us time to get to the theater and enjoy the movie before dinner.
"That sounds great." He tapped his knee again. "I feel like I should shake your hand or something, but that also feels kind of dumb." I chuckled before leaning in and wrapping him in a hug. "Oh, this is much better," he said into my ear, making me laugh again. I loved his candor, and his awkward streak.