Leaning in closer to me, she whispered, “In more ways than one.” Taking a step back, I gave her a weak smile.
“Right, well, I’ll be sure to let Mitchel know I ran into you.”
Picking up my hand, she wrote her number on the back and said, “Let’s not.”
Turning on her heels, Cassie headed back to the hostess station.
Shaking my head, I sat down at the table. My mother and Angie were both staring at me. “What?” I asked as I looked between them.
“Seriously? Do women just throw themselves at you like that all the time?” Angie asked. “I mean, yuck. That was gross.”
Laughing, I glanced around the restaurant and that was when I saw her.
Harmony.
She was staring at me. Once our eyes met, she gave me a small smile. Smiling back, I lifted my hand and waved to her. That’s when he turned around and I quickly dropped my hand and balled my fists.
Who was this guy? Was Harmony on a date? The guy gave me a good once-over before turning back and talking to Harmony. She smiled and let out a small chuckle as she shook her head.
What the fuck is that all about?
“Preston? Darling, what’s wrong?”
“PJ? Earth to PJ!”
Fingers snapped in front of my face as I forced myself to pull my eyes off Harmony and the mystery man.
“What?” I asked.
“Is everything okay? You look upset,” my mother asked as she looked around.
Letting out a gruff laugh, I said, “Yeah, yeah, everything is fine. Sorry.” Rubbing my hands together, I asked, “So what is everyone getting?”
“Oh, that is easy. I’m totally getting the Penne con Pollo,” Angie said as she folded her menu shut.
“Penne al Pomodoro for me,” my mother said with a smile and wink.
Shutting my menu, I attempted to keep my eyes off Harmony. “Guess I’ll get the Tuscan Chicken Salad Club.”
“That sounds heavenly, too,” my mother said with a sweet smile.
Our waitress came and got our drink and food orders. My mother and Angie began talking about shoes as I glanced over at Harmony and the guy she was with. Reaching across the table, he placed his hand over Harmony’s as she smiled gently at him. Harmony glanced over at me and I quickly looked away.
Pulling out my phone, I sent Jake a text. I wasn’t sure if he would be working today or not. He seemed to be working crazy insane hours ever since he started his residency.
Me: Hey. Sorry I had to leave so quick this morning.
Setting my phone on the table, it pinged back with a text message. My mom and Angie were still deep in shoe talk so I picked up my phone.
Jake: Hey dude, on a quick break. No worries. Harmony sure seemed to be happy this morning. Said she had a wonderful day yesterday. Thanks, Preston, for being such a great friend to Harmony.
Ugh. There was that damn word again. “Friend.” Although I was trying like hell not to look over at Harmony, I took a chance and stole a peek.
Fuck. I shouldn’t have. Her smile was beautiful. My stomach turned at the thought of some asshole making her smile like that.
Me: It was a fun day. At lunch with my mom and sister. Speaking of…Harmony is here with some guy.
Jake: Really? I wonder who she’s with? Shit, I’ve got to go. Give me a call tonight.