Chapter 14
Magnolia
“You look perfect!” Lexie shrieked. “And just in time!”
I had been sitting here for the better part of two hours while she plucked, polished, and curled what seemed to be every part of my body.
“Did you shave your legs?”
“Lex, I’m going to dinner; I’m not sleeping with the man.”
“That didn’t answer my question. Did you shave your legs?”
“Yes…” The doorbell interrupted us, and I quickly glanced at the clock. Lance was twenty-five minutes early.
“Well, eager beaver, is he? I picked out a dress for you, it’s on your bed. I’ll answer the door while you get changed.”
Lex left the room, and I looked over at the bed, finding a little black dress. It was shorter than I would have liked, but now I understood why she asked if I shaved my legs. It went mid-thigh, had spaghetti straps with a heart-shaped neckline, and the back didn’t dip very low, so I knew I would be comfortable. I guess Lex wanted me to show off my tattoo, which started mid-thigh and wrapped around my back. I usually tried to keep hidden. Not that I was ashamed of it, but because it was big, and everyone always asked me the meaning behind it and I never wanted to share.
After pulling the dress on, I checked myself out in the mirror. You could only see the beginnings of the tattoo, and the dress fit like a glove. My tan that was still hanging on from summer complimented the black dress. Lexie had done a good job making my makeup look natural, but added a nice smokey eye, and my hair fell mid-back in loose waves. I glanced down at my tattoo that was peeking out underneath the hem and frowned. It was so personal that I was thinking I should change, regardless of how good I looked.
I heard the voices downstairs and since Lance was early, I had no time to accommodate an outfit change. Making the decision to just see how the night went, I left the dress on and made my way downstairs.
“Where are you taking her, and what time will you be home?”
“I didn’t know Magnolia had a keeper.” Lance chortled out. I could tell by the expression on his face that he thought he was being funny, and by the scrunched-up look on Lexie’s face, I knew she did not find it amusing.
“Lex…” I warned.
“There she is!” Lance stalked toward me, no longer paying Lexie any mind.
He scooped me up in a hug.
Seriously, the town should come with a warning. “Rockland: where everyone hugs.”
It took me more than a few seconds to relax in his embrace, and if he noticed, it didn’t deter him one bit. He put me down and spun me around while taking me in.
“You look wonderful, Magnolia.” I saw his eyes skirt down toward the tattoo on my thigh, and I saw the heat flare in his eyes. Feel free to look, big guy, because that’s all you’re getting tonight. As if Lexie knew exactly what I was thinking, she gave me a half smirk, but it wasn’t in full Lexie fashion. She chose that moment to exit and give Lance and me some privacy. However, I stored that little flash of an uncomfortable smile away to ask her about later.
“Why thank you, Lance. Would you like a tour of the house before we go?”
“Why don’t we take off and then you can give me a tour after dinner? I wouldn’t say no to being invited in for a night cap.” He was fast; he snaked his arm around my waist, pulled me in, and kissed the top of my head. I did my best not to cringe, but he caught it and must have realized his forwardness was not doing it for me. I’m all about honesty, but this was a lot.
“Sorry if I’m coming on too strong, Magnolia. I’ve just been waiting all week to take you out, and I’m being a little impatient.” He at least had the decency to look a little embarrassed.
“It’s really okay, Lance,” I offered. “I’ve been looking forward to tonight, too. Let’s just start fresh.” I backed away then turned to look at him and raised my hand for a handshake.
“Hi, Lance, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Magnolia.”
His chest rumbled with barely contained laughter. “Hi, Magnolia. I’m Lance, and I’d love to take you to dinner.”
“Now works for me.”
He was still smiling as he made his way back to my front door and opened it. He stood out of the way so he could hold it open for me. Nice. I smiled at him.
Maybe this would still be a good night.
Lance took us to a seafood and steakhouse in town on the main drag. Even though Rockland was small, there was never a shortage of good food—which was one of the benefits of being on the coast. It was cozy, and they had an outside patio area with a stone fireplace that was just positively dreamy. Twinkly lights adorned the wire fence that blocked the restaurant from the sidewalk, which just added to the charm of it all. I looked around for the name of the place and found it in an elegant scrawl over a beautifully lit awning. “ Yulania’s. ”
“This place is amazing,” I whispered, and Lance smiled back at me.
“Glad you like it. I hope the food is to your liking as well.”
The hostess led us to the perfect spot outside with a great view of the fireplace. The outside tables were placed far enough apart that you had privacy, and the overstuffed comfy chairs were close enough that it created an intimate environment. As far as venues go for a first date, I was impressed.
“Here is the dinner menu and drink menu. The soups of the day are a lobster bisque and a creamy chowder. Your server will be with you in just a few minutes.” The hostess dropped them in a neat pile in front of us and strode off toward the host stand, leaving us alone. The ride to the restaurant was relatively quick and a little quiet as Lance had to take a quick work call.
“I’m glad you decided to have dinner with me, Magnolia. I realized I hardly know anything about you, other than that you want to hire me to fix up that gorgeous house you call home.” His eyes were looking down at the menu while he spoke.
I cleared my throat. “Yeah, my dad passed away a few months ago. He didn’t want a funeral, so I didn’t have to make it back right away. I’m back to settle his estate, and the house is part of that.”
The server appeared before I could continue. She was a cute, button-nose blonde with a Southern drawl.
“Hi, my name is Remi, and I’ll be….” She looked up from her pad, taking us in, and her lips pursed so hard, I was worried they would bruise. She was looking directly at Lance, and luckily, as her eyes slid to mine, she regained her composure. “I’ll be your server this evening. Can I start you off with something to drink?” Her tone was far more clipped and less carefree than it had been just a few seconds ago. I diverted my eyes to Lance, who seemed just as cool as a cucumber would be.
“Uh…” I was unsure of what was happening, but I could feel the tension or possibly anger radiating from this poor woman.
“I’ll have a glass of pinot noir, whatever is most recommended.” Lance handed her the menu without giving her a glance and kept his gaze firmly planted on mine.
“That sounds fine.” I really didn’t love red wine, but at this point, I would do anything to ask Lance if he was catching on to the open hostility pouring out of Remi in his general direction.
Remi stalked off, though she had remained professional in her responses and demeanor toward us, which I could tell was the last thing she wanted to do.
“Are you going to explain that, or should I just guess?”
Lance sighed and it raised a red flag in my brain—it was clearly a sign of annoyance. Was it because I was questioning him? Or was it because of Remi?
“She’s just someone from my past.” He clearly wasn’t going to offer anything more than that.
“Did you know she worked here?”
“She used to work here part-time, and I didn’t know she’d be here tonight, let alone our server. Can we move on please?” He pouted, and I had to say it was very unattractive . It would be rude to get up and leave; plus, he was my ride. Ubers weren’t a thing here, and I really didn’t want to call Lexie to come pick me up. Lance must have realized he was losing my interest because he leaned over the table and took my hand.
“Look, I’m sorry, Magnolia. In all honesty, we dated a long time ago, for a very short period. This is the best date night spot I could think of. It didn’t even cross my mind that she might be here when I booked the reservations. If you want, we can go.” He started to look around for someone, I’m guessing for the check.
I squeezed his hand to grab his attention.
“Look, it’s fine. Is it ideal? Not at all. Let’s just try to enjoy a meal and get to know each other before you come look at the house.” I didn’t have much hope for a romantic relationship with Lance after this. Something felt a little off about this whole encounter, and I wasn’t thrilled with his response to it all. My walls were already iron clad, and unfortunately, he might have just ruined any chance of breaking them down.
A new server came with our glasses of wine and told us she would be taking over our table for the rest of the evening. We placed our food orders; I stayed true with seafood and got the crab cakes and fries, while Lance got a large steak.
“So, in all the chaos that seems to have followed us, I never did find out what it is you do for a living?” Lance asked in between all the small talk and good food.
“Oh, I can’t believe it hasn’t come up yet. I’m a veterinarian.”
“Holy shit, you’re a doctor?” He stared at me open-mouthed.
“Uh, yeah.” I felt a little silly at his reaction. Why wouldn’t I be a doctor?
“But you’re so young, and well…hot.” His eyebrows furrowed.
Okay, that was a little offensive. I was flattered as well as pissed.
“I fail to see your point.”
“Shit, that didn’t come out right. You’re just are a total knockout. Usually, a girl who looks like you doesn’t come with half a brain.” He laughed, as if that made it okay. Now I could understand Remi’s anger at seeing him.
“I worked hard all my life to accomplish what I have. I love being a veterinarian. In fact, I’ll open my own clinic one day.”
He huffed. “Don’t you want kids?”
“I fail to see what that has to do with my career?”
“Raising kids is a full-time job, so you wouldn’t be able to have both,” he stated matter of fact. “Someone as good-looking as you should be barefoot and pregnant, in the kitchen, while her husband brings home the bacon, if you catch my drift.”
How dare he.
“You…you overgrown man-child .” If the food wasn’t so good, I would highly consider throwing it in his face.
“Excuse me?” His face was a shade of red, like he couldn’t believe I insulted him.
“How dare you say I should be some kept housewife? While I have no problem if that’s something someone wants. You brought me to a restaurant your ex works at, you insulted my intelligence, and now you insulted me.” I threw my napkin down, looking longingly at my crab cakes, wishing Lance wasn’t such a grade-A asshole so I could continue to eat them. Instead, I decided to high tail it out of there, Ubers or not. I’ll wait outside for Lexie. I stalked off, grabbing my phone from my clutch, getting ready to dial her number.
“Magnolia?” I turned around, and of course, of course, there was Sloan and his parents sitting at a table inside.
I was a raging mad storm, and this was going to send me over the edge.
“Not right now, Sloan. I don’t have the energy to fake it right now.”
I stalked off toward the front and decided to just keep walking until I heard Lexie’s whistle as she pulled up beside me.
“Been on a lot of bad dates, babes, but none of them have ever made me walk home.”
I turned and glared at her while she leaned over and opened the passenger side door.
“Well, that was fucking terrible.” I slammed the door behind me.
“I guess we need a new contractor.” She laughed and started the drive home,
Damn.