Walking into the restaurant, I’m still reeling over the fact that I wanted this date to be with Tenn. I mean maybe I’m missing something here? Although, right now it doesn’t matter because Tony is my date for tonight. I lightly shake my head, clearing it of all thoughts Tenn and tell the hostess who I’m meeting. She tells me he hasn’t arrived yet and shows me to my table.
I look around the restaurant and feel a bit of excitement I haven’t felt in a long time. It has such a romantic vibe to it and all the couples around add to it. The waitress comes over and lights the small candle on the table and asks what I’d like to drink. I order a glass of wine. I want to check out the menu, but I don’t want Tony thinking I’m some fat ass who couldn’t wait for him to arrive to dive into the food. Although, the smell of sauce, garlic, and basil is making it really difficult.
Checking my phone I notice that he is five minutes late, but I just got here so I can’t fault him for that. I continue to people watch as my wine is delivered.
“Do you know what you’d like, ma’am?” the waitress asks.
“I’m waiting for someone,” I say with a smile.
“No problem. I’ll be back once your guest has arrived,” she says and goes to her next table.
I notice a couple to my right who are holding hands and lightly laughing. They are so into each other, and I can’t pull my eyes away. He is watching her like she is the only woman in the room, like she is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. It makes me want that. That undivided attention. Being made to feel like I’m the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on. Hanging on my every word, just waiting for the opportunity to kiss me.
“Ma’am, would you like another glass of wine?” the waitress asks, and I notice I’ve finished the whole thing.
I place my hand over the top and shake my head. “No thank you. I’ll wait until my date gets here.”
Reaching for my phone, I check it and notice that he is now a half hour late. Yikes, a half hour. I glance around the restaurant again and that’s when I notice it. I’m the only one here alone. Each table either has a couple or a group, and I’m sitting here alone. Crap.
I decide to visit the restroom and hope that when I get back Tony will be there. I take my time, ten minutes to be exact, before walking back to my table. My heels seem to echo bringing every eye in the place to look at me. I feel my face heating from embarrassment as I sit back down, alone. When exactly do you call it stood up? An hour? Less? More?
I have no idea, but I do know that not only are people starting to stare, but they are giving me pity smiles. The waitress comes back over and gives me the same smile, handing me a glass of wine.
“On the house,” she says.
Oh my God. I’m the desperate woman in the most romantic restaurant in town. I’m pathetic sitting here waiting on a guy that I know nothing about. I look down at my phone one more time and see he’s an hour late, and I know for sure I’ve been stood up.
I’m not an emotional person. Most things I just laugh off or want to bang my head against the wall. I don’t cry often, so when I do it’s ugly. I can feel the tears building, and I need to get the hell out of here. I flag down the waitress and ask for the bill. She rushes to her station, probably noticing my glistening eyes, and drops it right off. I drop a twenty and get the hell out of there.
I hold back the tears until I get home and walk through the front door. Moving to the couch, I sit down and drop my head into my hands as the tears fall. I was so excited for tonight, to try that restaurant, show off how great I thought I looked and have a good time. Instead, I was stood up and humiliated. I cry harder, considering the disaster the evening turned out to be, and I wonder if dating is even worth it at this point. None of these dates have worked out. Although none were as hurtful as this one. My pride is hurt, and that’s something I don’t deal with well. I lay down and cradle my legs against my chest, pulling the throw down from the back of the couch. I tuck it beneath my chin, and when I inhale through the tears, I realize it’s covered in Tenn’s scent. Like the levee was broken free, I sob even harder and cry myself to sleep.
“Regan?” I faintly hear and try to blink open my eyes. Unfortunately, my tears seemed to have formed some sort of super glue, and I can’t manage it. “Regan, hey.”
Using all my eyelid strength, which surprisingly is more than I thought, I break the bond and crack open my eyes. Tenn’s green eyes search mine before taking in my entire face. He snaps his eyes to mine again and touches my cheek.
“Hey,” I whisper, feeling the damn tears building again.
“Holy shit, what the fuck happened?” he yells, pulling me against his chest.
That’s when I lose it. I grab ahold of his black button-down and sob into his chest. I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me, but feeling his concern for me is my breaking point. He runs his hand down my hair and onto my back, rubbing small circles. And though his affection is meant to comfort me, it only makes breaks me down even further.
“Regan, please tell me what happened. You’re scaring me,” he pleads.
I try to catch my breath and find my voice. “I was stood up,” I say around a sob.
He doesn’t say anything, just holds me closer and continues to console me while I soak his shirt with my tears. I don’t know what I’d do without him. He’s always taking care of me, even when I didn’t deserve it. He never judges me, and the only tears he’s ever caused are of laughter. I’m so thankful he’s here.
“I really wanted to eat at that restaurant,” I say after I catch my breath.
“I’m so sorry. If I knew who he was, I’d kick his fucking ass. No one makes my girl cry, ever.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’ll take you to that restaurant, Regan. All you need to do is ask. That’s all you ever need to do.”
I cling tighter to him, like he’s my lifeline, and he holds me closer. “I’d be lost without you, Tenn. Thank you for always being here for me. I’m sorry I’m ruining your shirt,” I say, not willing to lift my head.
Feeling his chest vibrate from his laugh, causes a small smile on my tear-soaked face. “Your tears could never ruin my clothes, my heart maybe, but not my clothes.”
“When’d you get so sweet,” I whisper, feeling my body being pulled back under. Damn, crying is exhausting.
“Only for you, Regan, I promise you that.”