Chapter 9 #2
Serena turns toward me and her cheeks are a rosy shade of red.
She gestures toward me and says, "This is my friend, Bentley.
" I don't miss the way she emphasizes friend. I have a new goal, now. Make her refer to me as more than a friend by the end of today. It won’t be easy, but I’ve never been one to back down from a task.
“Hi, Marie. I’m Bentley.” I hold out my hand to shake hers.
She waves me off and wraps her arms around me. “Around here, we hug. Especially when it’s a friend,” she rolls her eyes at the word, “of one of our favorite people.”
“You remind me a lot of my mom.” That slipped out of my mouth without my permission.
That’s a great way to portray myself…as a mama’s boy.
“She’s a hugger, too.” Maybe that will explain it away.
But she reminds me of Mom. She’s so welcoming and gives people chances over and over again.
She sees the good in everyone, even if they aren’t all that great.
“I like you already.” She points toward the dining area, “Sit anywhere you want Rena. We don’t have many other guests and we’re light on staff today. One of the girl’s had a birthday party last night, and I think half the crew went. Needless to say, they’re all feeling pretty horrible today.”
“Thank you, Marie.” Serena turns toward the tables set off to the side and doesn’t wait to see if I follow her.
I’m happy she picked this place. Even though it doesn’t look like much from the outside, it has the same vibe as some of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Austin.
You feel like you’re at home amongst family.
A part of me wonders if I’ll ever be allowed to call the woman in front of me “Rena”.
It seems like a name she only lets a select few call her.
I don’t even think Hazel calls her by that name.
At least she didn’t the few times I’ve seen them around each other.
Serena picks a table next to a window, and it’s refreshing being able to sit out in the open without worrying about photos being taken, or people interrupting our lunch. I should have put more trust in Serena before making an ass of myself.
Marie comes over as soon as we are situated, “What would you like to drink?” Serena orders a coke and I ask for water. While I’m a huge binge snacker in the off season, I’m relatively healthy when I know I have to be out on the court.
As soon as Marie leaves the table, Serena is my only focus. “How long have you been coming here to gain such an adorable nickname? Did you used to live here, or something?”
She scrunches her nose at my questions, but doesn’t answer them right away.
Maybe this is too personal for her and she doesn’t want me to know.
Marie comes back with our drinks and sets them on the table, winking at me before she returns to her tasks.
Serena takes a sip of her coke and finally answers me.
“She is the only person who calls me that. I’m not a big fan of nicknames and the only reason she gets away with it is because she’s the sweetest woman I know.
” Grabbing the napkin from the edge of the table, she tears small pieces off.
I make her nervous. “And I’ve never lived here, but when I first became a flight attendant, I flew into Chicago, a lot.
I found this place one time when I got lost and I come here anytime I’m in the area. ”
“So, you’re practically family now?”
She jerks her head back. “How do you know that?”
“If she’s anything like my mom, she never meets a stranger, and feels like it’s her job to mother anyone she comes into contact with.”
“I think I’d like your mom.” She picks up her glass to take a drink.
“You could have a chance to meet her,” I wink.
Her eyes go wide and she almost spits out her coke.
“Woah. That’s a little fast.” She picks up the napkin she was ripping to shreds and pats her mouth.
“You’re assuming we’ll make it past this date.
” Marie comes back with a pizza, even though we haven’t ordered yet.
Serena must see the confusion on my face because as soon as Marie leaves, she says, “It’s the only thing I ever order. ”
It’s a pretty big pizza for two people, but I’m starving and know I’ll be able to put a sizeable dent in it. “By the way, I don’t have to assume about another date. I know there will be a next one.”
“Someone is full of themselves.” She gets up to talk to Marie and comes back with two plates. “No more talking. It’s time to eat.” She grabs a slice of pizza and sets it on her plate. “Trust me, you’ll want to eat more than talk once you’ve had your first bite.”
I grab a slice and take a bite before it ever hits my plate. I wonder how many types of cheese Marie used because the flavor explodes in my mouth. The pepperoni is crisp, yet soft, and a moan slips from me. Serena giggles, “Told you.”
And just like that, our conversation has come to a standstill. By the time I’m on my third slice, I’m full. But Serena…she eats without a care in the world. As much as I don’t do relationships, this woman was made for me.