Reclaimed

“I’m in real estate. I acquire and sell a variety of land and structures spread throughout the world. I either sell the properties after extensive remodeling, or I rent them out. Quite boring, compared to your occupation.”

“No, it sounds interesting,” she assured.

“No, it really isn’t.” Isaac laughed, and she joined in. “Any siblings?”

&nb

sp; “Yes, one. Her name is Marie. She’s married, and has a daughter named Samantha. Her husband’s a lawyer, and they’re expecting a boy in February. They live in San Clemente, California.” A pang of homesickness came over her as she thought of Marie. She missed her laugh and her smile.

“Are you from there?”

She tore herself from her inner thoughts and responded, “Yes. And you? Siblings?”

Isaac tensed, and his eyes hardened almost undiscernibly. Why did the mere mention of siblings cause him to close up in such a visible way? Maybe there was a rift between them?

He hesitated before answering. “Yes, a brother. We’re not close, though.” He gave a sharp wave of his hand, as if to wave away the awkwardness of the current thread of conversation. He obviously didn’t want to talk about his estranged brother.

“No? I’m sorry,” she said. She couldn’t imagine her life without Marie.

“It’s okay. Do your parents also live in California?” Isaac asked.

“No, they died. I only have Marie. Yours?”

“With yours.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“And I yours,” he returned.

Dinner arrived and interrupted their conversation. When she caught sight of Isaac’s entree, she got immediately taken aback at how bloody he’d ordered his steak.

“Wow. It looks like that should still be mooing. Is it done enough for you?” she babbled. Sabrina checked her steak to see if it appeared done enough. It did.

She returned her gaze to his and saw him regarding her with amusement.

“Yes, this is how I like it. I know, it’s not healthy, but it is so worth the risk. Just try a bite, you’ll see.” She watched with a marked lack of enthusiasm as he cut a bite off of his steak, holding it out to her. He unleashed both dimples upon her before pleading. “Please? For me?”

Next thing she knew, she chewed it, and she struggled to remember having agreed to try a bite.

Unfair.

Surprisingly enough, he spoke true. She closed her eyes and chewed on the tender meat, groaning in pure culinary delight.

“Oh my God, you’re right! I would never have thought it could be so good. It’s moist, and tender, and, and, and…delectable.” She gazed from her steak to his and fought down disappointment. What had once appeared perfect now seemed overcooked and bland.

Isaac laughed and casually flicked his wrist. Immediately, the waiter arrived by his side. “Please, I must have made an error. Can we have another steak, done rare as well? The lady will eat mine, as we wait.” He handed off her previous order before she had a chance to object and placed his plate in front of her. “Now, please do enjoy.”

“Oh, no. I can’t. You just gave me your dinner, the least I can do is wait. You didn’t have to do that!” she exclaimed. Her face heated as she realized what she’d just done. She’d just stolen his dinner.

Good first-date move, Sabrina.

Yet even as she protested, she stole a peek out of the corner of her eye at the plate before her. It looked irresistible. She fleetingly wondered if they’d drugged it. The waiter returned inexplicably fast, holding another plate.

“Here you are, sir. Sorry about the wait.” He observed Isaac for approval before refilling their wine glasses and leaving.

“Here, give me yours,” Isaac murmured as he reached across the table. He snatched up her plate before she could as much as blink in surprise, switching them yet again.

“Isaac, please.” She moaned. “You’re killing me here.” She dropped her head to her hands in embarrassment.