He looked out toward the window and then back at her again.
“There are positive things about this town, and this area.”
“Like what?” she asked.
“Like you,” he said, just as Debbi approached with their drinks.
“Okay, I have a club soda with lemon and a root beer for you,” Debbi said and then placed the drinks down onto the table. There was an odd feeling in the air. As confused and uncertain as Mariah felt, she also sensed desperation. She hadn’t gotten involved with anyone in Italy. Not even Gustavo who continued to call her. She only had eyes for Quentin, Axel, Deacon, and L.T., but after last night, she was beginning to think that they would never let down their guard and let her in. Maybe the attraction beyond the physical wasn’t there for them like it was for her? That just made her see red and sent crazy thoughts through her head. Her temper flared. I can’t go on like this. I just can’t.
She looked at Randy. He was definitely a good-looking man. The gun, the badge was a definite appeal. She would worry about him though, if he were her boyfriend. Could they just be lovers? Maybe she trusted him enough to give up her virginity. After Quentin’s kissing and fondling, she felt about ready to pop, anyway. She took a deep breath and released it.
They got me all fucked up. I’m desperate to do something drastic. Calm down. I need to calm down.
Randy was talking to her about the department, and a new case he was working on. He was enthusiastic about it. His smile reached his eyes. She liked that. The other guys’ smiles never reached their eyes. She always thought it was because they were never really happy. Forget about them. They aren’t interested. They aren’t right for me.
Could she really date someone like Randy? Could he make her forget about the guys?
“Are you two about ready to order? I can tell you about the specials?”
“Sure. What are they?” Mariah asked, pulling her hand from Randy’s. Even while Debbi told them the specials, Randy kept his eyes on her. She locked gazes with him and smiled, as Debbi stood there waiting.
“I’ll have the grilled chicken over salad with the balsamic vinaigrette, please,” Mariah stated.
“I’ll have the same, but could you throw in some breadsticks on the side?”
“Sure thing. I’ll get that out to you both in no time,” Debbi said and then walked away.
Mariah reached for her glass of club soda.
“What was your favorite part about Italy?” he asked her.
“Oh, I loved it there. The scenery was gorgeous, the people amazing, and the food and wine sensational. I spent a lot of time at my friend’s villa. It helped to keep me focused and not get distracted by the busier cities and towns.”
“You’re doing well then, with work and all?”
“Yes. Definitely.”
“I wasn’t sure if things were working out there for you because of the move back here.”
“Well, I was offered a few positions in Italy, but also in New York and in Texas. I have some interviews coming up.”
“Sounds like you don’t know if you’re planning on sticking around here.”
“I don’t know if I want to,” she said as she lowered her eyes.
“Is it too hard after losing Michael?” he asked, and then took her hand into his again. She looked up at him. The truth was that Texas, anywhere around here, made her think of things she could never have.
“It would be so much easier to start over.”
“Start over and leave your good friends and Jeb behind?”
“I was gone for two years. It didn’t seem to upset anyone.”
He squeezed her hand and then caressed his thumb along the top of it.
“I missed you. As soon as I heard that you were coming back to town I couldn’t wait to see you, Mariah.” She smiled at him.
“That’s real sweet of you, Randy.”