10. Black Cat Fight
Courtney
We sit in silence inside his well-kept sedan. I recognize it as the same car that I had seen parked in Agnes’ driveway weeks prior and I question if his eyes were the ones I had seen watching me from her window. A part of me knows it must have been him but why had he been watching me? Did it have to do with how he knew about the leak? Or how Micah knew about me before meeting me? Are we ever going to discuss our moment in the orchard? I have so many questions that I’m dying to berate Finn with, the silence between us is now grinding against my will to stay quiet.
The fact that Havenwood is a comparatively microscopic town works in my favor, the drive from my house to the restaurant clocks in in under seven minutes. I manage to keep all my probing questions inside my head until we arrive at the restaurant. My rampant thoughts had kept me preoccupied during the short ride but why had Finn been so silent? Is he nervous about this not-date, or is he trying to prevent himself from saying something he shouldn’t?
“This place is locally owned, just like most businesses in Havenwood,” Finn remarks as we pull into a parking spot beside the restaurant. I glance up at the sleek sign adorning the building, the stylish writing reading, La Trattoria.
“The owners are close friends.”
I nod in response as I take note of the several other cars parked out front, silently cursing Havenwood for its lack of inconspicuous chain restaurants. God, I would kill for a desolate McDonald’s right now, where I wouldn’t run the risk of running into the town’s entire population. Like I said before, being seen at dinner with Finn definitely isn’t the worst thing in the world, but knowing how rumors swell in small towns like this, I don’t want any witness rewriting tonight’s narrative. This is a not-date and I don’t want anyone thinking differently.
Finn steps out first, making sure to open the passenger door for me just as he had when we entered the SUV. The more time I spend with Finn Abernathy, the more I learn that chivalry is a turn-on for me, or maybe he’s just a turn-on for me. Finn holds open the door to the restaurant and we enter the establishment as a pair, immediately earning me a look from the blonde hostess. Envy flashes across her thin face before she corrects it, greeting Finn with a toothy smile.
“Mayor, it’s so great to see you.” The slender hostess steps out from behind her stand, placing a slow kiss on either of Finn’s sharp cheeks in a traditional la bise, her eyes remain fixed on me as she does. Her stare sends jealousy rising inside me like bile.
“Hi, Danielle. This is Courtney, Havenwood’s newest transplant.” A small blush has risen to the surface of Finn’s pale face, a blush I selfishly want as my own. Why hadn’t I taken the opportunity to kiss his cheek when he brought me those flowers?
“Temporary transplant,” I correct, smiling politely at him. Danielle gives me a curt nod before flicking her warm honey-colored eyes back to my not-date.
“How’s your little one?” Finn asks her, a genuine smile gracing his lips as he buries his hands in his pockets. How did he personally know everyone in this town and how did they know him? Hell, I can’t even tell you what gender the mayor of Los Angeles is.
“He’s great.” Danielle coos as she gathers two menus. “I’m giving you our best table, as always.” She shoots him a flirtatious wink before beckoning us to follow her. I do so with an eye roll as we are led to the back of the restaurant to a secluded table beside the glowing fireplace. The flames lick up the sides of the stone hearth, casting a romantic light onto the space. We take our seats on either side of the table’s corner, and I waste no time perusing the menu, mostly in an attempt to keep my eyes off Finn. He already looks delicious but bathed in the fire’s light he looks next to Godly. So I force my eyes to blaze through the menu instead of him.
“Enjoy,” Danielle remarks coquettishly before making herself scarce.
“So you’re a screenwriter? Admittedly, I don’t know much about that.” Finn lowers his dark eyebrows as he asks, his long fingers fidgeting with the precursory glass of water left atop the moody golden tablecloth. I observe the motion, wondering how a man can be so gentle and sensitive yet secretly so sexy and domineering.
“Well, I wrote-“ I pause, mentally slapping myself on the wrist. “I write scripts for television shows mostly but occasionally movies or podcasts,” I explain. I am still a screenwriter. Carter might have driven me out of L.A. and shattered my confidence, but he can’t take that from me.
“That’s extraordinary,” Finn regards me with a look of newfound admiration as if I’d just told him I’d discovered the cure for cancer or something.
“You can work and write remotely from here?”
I shake my head, tucking a strand of brown behind my ear. Why’s it so difficult to get my words out around him? It’s probably because I hand-select each one before letting it pass my lips, afraid to somehow ruin this moment with him.
“As I mentioned earlier, my writing guild is on strike right now due to conflicts over our pay, so I’m not working right now, unfortunately.” Finn’s eyes reflect sympathy as he studies me for a beat.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Writing is an art and deserves to be paid justly. Are you doing okay without a source of income?”
“Well, actually,” I didn’t plan on revealing my next move yet, certainly not to Finn, but I’m so excited I can’t keep it in. “I’m going to be temporarily opening up a bookshop in Havenwood. So that will be my job until our union can negotiate a fair deal. I noticed an empty storefront downtown and called the owner; he was willing to rent it to me on a short-term lease.” Finn beams as I tell him the news, excitement evident in his expression just as I’m sure it is evident in mine.
“The old flower shop? That’s amazing, I’m so happy for you.” His hand darts out, eclipsing my own as he rests his on top. I instantly love the sensation of his warm, inviting touch on my skin. Realizing his forwardness he pulls his hand back, an apologetic and shocked look on his face. I say nothing, afraid to encourage him yet also afraid to discourage him; I attempt to keep my face as neutral as possible. A waiter passes by our table and Finn politely flags him down.
“May we please order a bottle of the French Chestnut Wine?” he requests. The young waiter nods, scampering off to retrieve the bottle. Finn turns his attention back to me, nervously kneading his hands. “I-“.
“Did you just order nut wine?” I change the subject and interrupt the unnecessary apology he’s about to give me. I want to tell him that I love how his touch feels and that he certainly does not need to apologize for it but of course, I say nothing.
He sputters out a laugh, running a large hand through his dark locks.
“I suppose I did but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it,” he chuckles, pointing a warning finger jokingly.
“Yes, Mr. Mayor.” I giggle back, taking a sip from my glass of water. Our eyes meet over the brim, and for a moment, I swear I can see that same fiery desire gleaming below his icy pools. Just as I think nothing can ruin this blissful moment between us, clouds of thunder and lightning settle in above us or, should I say, beside us.
I track Finn’s eyes as they drift beside me, a displeased look spanning his face before he quickly neutralizes it. I turn and find Soul and Starr standing beside us, the fire’s light reflected in their glare. Soul tosses a strand of dark purple hair over her shoulder, not blinking once as she attempts to intimidate me.
“Hi Finn, I haven’t seen you in a while,” Starr greets in a luscious voice, shooting Finn the most sarcastic smile I’d ever seen. “When was the last time? Hmm, let me think… after apple picking, right?”
Was that why he had left so abruptly, not bothering to join the rest of us at the bakery? I feel my blood boil, but I know that’s exactly what Starr wants. Instead of giving her the satisfaction of a reaction, I sit up straight and veer onto the high road.
“Hi Starr, great to officially meet you. I’m Courtney, I’m sorry I ran into the two of you the other day.” I ignore Finn as he turns a questioning glance at me, keeping my eyes set on Starr’s, unwilling to be the first to look away. I don’t bother offering her my hand to shake, and it’s a good thing I don’t because based on the look of pure disgust she’s giving me right now, she would have reacted to my hand as if it were a viper showing its teeth. Though I think we’re both well aware of who the snake is in this situation.
“Aw,” Starr tisks, reverting her gaze to Finn. Her eyes soften from the daggers they were only seconds ago as she looks at him. She twirls a strand of inky reddish black hair around her finger.
“Finn, you’re so sweet to feed the unemployed town newbie.”
That’s it, I’m done playing nice. I’ve been in one too many catfights in seedy Hollywood bars with women a lot more intimidating than her to deal with her level of disrespect. As if sensing that I’m about to do something irrational, Finn places a steadying hand on my shoulder. My head snaps to him as soon as I feel his calming touch, his blue eyes already pinning me with a warning look. He’s right; there are two vampires and only one of me; it wouldn’t end in my favor. This is a battle that needs to be fought with words, not claws.
I let out a shrill laugh, allowing my shoulders to bounce with faux mirth.
“That’s so funny! I thought wannabe musicians were the unemployed ones but you go, girl boss.” I smirk, knowing I left no crumbs. Both women clench their fists, experiencing the same rage they instilled in me and not appreciating the taste. I enjoy my victory, sipping casually on my water as if nothing is amiss. A warm sensation on my thigh causes my eyes to saucer. Finn gives my leg an approving squeeze and then the feeling is gone, taking the warmth with it. Did he approve of me sassing Starr? And he showed his approval by touching my thigh?
Before Starr can quip back Finn cuts her off, a gentle smile tugging at the corner of his lips
“Courtney just informed me she’s opening a bookstore downtown. Seeing as Havenwood lacks proper entertainment, I’m sure she’ll be richer than all of us pretty soon.”
The waiter drops off the bottle of wine at our table, cutting the palpable tension as he comes between us and the musicians.
Starr’s sour smile returns to her face as she places a hand on the table, leaning over slightly so her cleavage is visible. I scoff at the desperate move. I make her nervous, I can see that and leopards like Starr don’t like it when you can see their spots.
“Totally, Finn, Havenwood needs more entertainment since Soul and I started touring.” Her dark eyes find mine, attempting to throw that fact in my face. It has no effect, as I know, just as anyone in Showbiz knows that touring does not equate to being successful.
“But we’re so excited to perform for you on Halloween. Who knows, maybe I’ll finally be able to convince you to come on tour with me. The nights have been long and lonely.” She flicks her tongue across her lips and winks directly at me. “But not as long as they used to be.”
Finn offers her a tight-lipped smile as the waiter finishes pouring our glasses full of reddish-brown wine.
“Havenwood is my home, Starr, you know that. I’ll never leave.” His voice lowers an octave, “and we’ve already had this discussion.”
“Things change.” Soul speaks for the first time, allowing me a look at her bifurcated tongue. The sight of her body modification is ominous, causing me to feel a little queasy.
“I’ll be seeing you later, Finn.” Starr removes her palm from the table and stands to her full height.
“Nice meeting you, Chelsea.” She wiggles her thin fingers at me in a mocking wave, their tips topped with sharp nails that resemble claws. How fitting. The two depart the restaurant, their absence soaking Finn and I into an awkward silence.
My blood boiling at the possibility of him and Starr still messing around.