Blind Date (A Why Choose Romance)

The Ugly Duckling was fairly busy with people sitting at tables and tucking into food when we arrived: the sign of an excellent venue to eat lunch. A couple of cops stood at the bar talking to the manager-MC from the other night, Gill. We didn’t stop to say hello, because we spotted what was probably the only empty table in the place and nabbed it.

We’d shared delicious fatty bar snacks previously, but I noticed the lunch menu was all lean-this and low-calorie that and with vegan and keto-friendly options. Good enough for us. As pro sports players, we had to watch what we ate and drank most of the time.

“Do you think it might be the same crew working here today as was here the other night?” Lewis said in a hushed tone when a totally unfamiliar waiter took our order: two light beers, and two chicken salads.

“You spotted the MC over at the bar?” I said.

“Yeah, Gill, I saw her talking to the cops.”

“And you wondered about the hot woman who cooked the food?”

He grinned. “And don’t tell me you didn’t.”

I held up my hands. “I’m guilty.”

While we waited for our order, we pulled out our new purchases to examine our toys. It seemed Lewis really did want a watch. The man loved his new, brilliant orange Breitling. I was equally pleased with my more staid Tag Heuer with its blue and orange face and strap.

And then she appeared.

Carrying out food for another table.

We both stared.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

LEWIS ROLLINS

Watch me while I eat lunch.

“You know, we should apologize for the last time we were here. Our whole nonsense,” Jake said without taking his eyes off the kitchen-wench as she delivered food to a neighboring table.

I’d tried to put the name out of my head, thinking she’d never give us the time of day, but I didn’t forget her name. Kayla.

“True. We’ll do it when she comes over,” I agreed. Harassing her was bad enough and even worse while she was working. We get shit at work, but it doesn’t give us the right to dole it out to others.

But another lady brought out our food, and we said nothing.

We ate slowly. I’d never taken so long over a salad. While we ate, we discussed watches and looked at them online on our phones. “The thing is, I think I need a whole new outfit now to show off my stylish timepiece,” I said.

“More shopping; I’m up for that after this.” Jake forked the last of his chicken into his mouth.

“I don’t know about that,” I said. “I’m all for sitting here, having another drink, and shopping online.”

“Ha.” Jake gave me a knowing look before picking up his phone, presumably ready to join me in online shopping. “If we sit here long enough, we might get a chance to make our apologies,” he said as if to himself.

We spent quite a while lost in our shopping world and discussing the best shirts that say look at my new orange watch. When I’d placed a few orders, I sat back and surveyed the bar. It had emptied quite a bit. Most of the patrons didn’t linger over lunch, unlike us brothers who had nothing else to do for the day.

And then I saw her. And just in the nick of time. No apron, bag slung over her shoulder, and looking set to leave.

“Bro, get the check,” I snapped and stood up, ready to rush after her if she darted straight out of the door.

Fortunately, she did not. Kayla walked over to the manager, who was busy wiping down the bar, and they engaged in an all-smiles conversation.

It was good to see the same lady who played the MC role wasn’t above mucking in with all the chores. That was probably the attitude that contributed to the great ambiance and efficient service.

I kept my distance, not wanting to interrupt but ready to make a move as soon as it looked like they were done.

“Hey, Kayla. Gill. Hi.”

Kayla replied with a simple “hi” while Gill launched into conversation.

“Hello, I didn’t expect to see you back so soon,” Gill said. “I saw you over there in the corner with your brother. But you seemed to have your heads down deep in conversation every time I came near. Has everything been up to standard for you?”

“Oh, yeah, thanks,” I replied and then addressed Kayla, “The food was terrific. You took some simple ingredients and transformed them. I’d love to know how you do that.” I held up my hand. “Don’t get me wrong; I’m not asking for a cooking lesson or all your trade secrets.”

She smiled.

“If you’ve finished work, would you like to join us for a drink?”

“Oh.” The invitation clearly surprised her. She took a step back and shook her head.

“We’d like to apologize if we made you feel uncomfortable the other night when you were working. And now, if you’re not working, perhaps we can show you we don’t always behave like that.”