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)
“It’s 7:45; I guess we do need to get going.” The restaurant was only a couple of blocks away, but I didn’t want to be late.
Sterling was quiet as I drove, which rattled my nerves. I wanted to apologize for moving too quickly, but if he didn’t realize I was trying to kiss him, I didn’t want to embarrass him by bringing it up.
I pulled into the parking lot of Bocca Felice only a few minutes later, and hustled around to open Sterling’s door for him. Once he was out, I retrieved Cooper from the back and handed over his leash as Sterling thanked me with a smile.
Everything felt okay between us, but I didn’t want to upset him in any way, so I asked to be sure, “May I hold your hand?”
His brows raised above his shades, which he had replaced. While I loved being able to see his eyes, I only wanted his comfort. “You better hold my hand,” he snapped playfully, “I don’t want anyone thinking you’re available and trying to steal you from me.”
I laughed as I tangled our fingers together, and all of my anxiety vanished. “No one could tear me away from you.”
“Well if they try, I’ll sic Cooper on them.” I laughed again; sweet Cooper wouldn’t hurt a fly, but I appreciated Sterling’s enthusiasm.
We entered the restaurant and Sterling took a big sniff. “Oh, it smells amazing in here.” I inhaled as well, picking up notes of garlic and freshly baked bread. “I’ve never eaten here; I’ve only had them deliver food to my place.”
“I like the atmosphere here,” I replied, then described what I saw as I looked around. “All of the tables are covered in white linens and have a candle burning in the center. The walls are exposed brick and there are a few glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.”
“Ooh la la,” Sterling replied, bouncing his brows. “It sounds like you brought me somewhere extra fancy.”
“You deserve the best,” I insisted, and he beamed just as the hostess reached her stand.
“Good evening, do you have a reservation?”
“Yes, two for Rice,” I replied.
The lady checked her book and nodded her head. “Right this way, please.” After she grabbed two menus, she stepped out from behind the stand, pausing when she saw Cooper. She looked unsure of the dog until she glanced up at Sterling and apparently realized that Cooper was a guide dog and not just a pet we were trying to smuggle in. Then she smiled at the pup and said, “I guess this little cutie makes it a party of three.”
I chuckled and followed her through the restaurant. As we walked past tables, I noticed several people smiling down at Cooper, or overheard them remarking how pretty he was. One diner didn’t seem impressed; he gave a snooty eye roll when he saw the animal, so I gave him a death glare right back. I don’t think he even saw me, but it made me feel better.
The hostess led us to a table which was butted up against the brick wall, and had four chairs around it. “Would it be okay for me to remove this chair by the wall and have your dog rest there?” She asked. “That way we can keep the aisle clear. I wouldn’t want anyone stepping on his tail.”
“Yes, of course,” Sterling replied with a nod. “Thank you.”
“Thank you,” she insisted before taking the chair away. “Your server will be right with you.” I smiled at the respectful way she handled the situation, and once she stepped away, I helped guide Cooper to the empty spot beneath the table, and pulled out Sterling’s chair for him. Once he was seated, I settled in across from him.
Just then, a man wearing a white dress shirt and black tie stepped to the end of our table. He looked to be about Sterling’s age, and had dark skin and a bright smile. “Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Marco and I’ll be taking care of you. Can I start you off with something to drink?”
“I’ll have a Coke please,” Sterling replied.
I joined in with, “For me as well.”
“Great. If you want to look over the menu, I’ll get your drinks and be right back.”
Marco left and I opened my menu, glancing over it and trying to decide what sounded good. It took a minute before I noticed Sterling sitting across from me with his closed menu on the table, and I suddenly felt like an ass. It was all too easy to take simple things for granted. “Would you like me to read the options?” I asked, but he just smiled and shook his head.
“Thanks, but I’m good.” I was a bit confused, but he explained, “I have a tablet at home that reads websites aloud. Before I go somewhere new or order food, I’ll do a voice search on the tablet and listen to the options. Plus, I’ve had their chicken fettuccini before and know it’s delicious, so that’s what I’m getting.”