V Card Sweetheart (Sweetheart, Colorado)

Alice walks up to my table and sets a slice of apple pie in front of me. “Don’t do anything stupid and don’t destroy my diner.”

But I don’t even acknowledge her. I can’t take my eyes off Jane. I sit here and stare at her as she and her date order their food, and then Alice walks away, leaving them to put their orders in.

“Jane, are you listening to me?” he asks her, and she blinks, taking her eyes off me and turning toward her date.

“Yes, sorry. What did you say?”

“You would think if I’m going to buy you dinner, you could at least try to have a conversation with me.”

I put my elbows on the table and lean forward. He’s already crossing the line, being rude and confrontational to her. She’s mine, you dumb fuck. I lace my fingers together and just bide my time. One misstep and I’m jumping in.

Jane

I knew this was a bad idea. I should never have told Martin yes. When he picked me up and told me we were going to The Stop for dinner, I knew that something was up. He’s been friendly for the most part, but already I know I’m not interested.

And now, here I am, sitting in the hard plastic booth and I can feel Dutton’s eyes burning into me. When Martin was holding my hand when we walked toward the restaurant, Dutton looked like he was about to kill someone. I didn’t even think it was because of me or the fact that I’m on a date with someone else. But when Dutton followed us in and sat in the booth right next to us, I had a pretty good feeling that there’s something more going on.

I shake my head and try to get my thoughts back on my date. “Why did you pick The Stop to eat at? I mean I’m not complaining, but I eat here all the time. I thought we’d go to Stacks or Southern Hospitality to eat.”

His lips lift in the corner, almost like he’s smirking. “After eating your apple pie yesterday, I couldn’t wait to get a taste of your cherry pie today.”

A growl comes from Dutton’s booth. He still hasn’t touched the pie that Alice set down in front of him. Which is not like him. He loves my apple pie.

Alice brings our food, and I take a bite of the too greasy burger. I eat half of it while Martin finishes his meal. He doesn’t even try to talk, which frankly I’m relieved over. It’s already hard sitting here with Dutton staring at me, I don’t really want to have a conversation too.

When Martin pushes his plate away, Alice shows up. “Can I get y’all anything else?”

I’m already shaking my head, but Martin interrupts. “Yes, I would love a slice of Jane’s cherry pie.”

I don’t know if it’s my imagination or not, but I swear that he stresses the word cherry.

“We’re out of pie,” Alice tells him, laying the check down.

I look up at the counter and there’s two pies left where I brought three in this morning, but I know better than to argue with Alice. Plus, I’m ready for this night to be over with.

Alice walks away, and Martin reaches for me. “That’s okay. I’ll be getting the real thing later tonight.”

Uneasy now, I pull my hands back. “What are you talking about?”

Martin eyes my chest, and I cross my arms before he looks back to my face. “Ya know. I heard you tell your friend the other day that you were the last virgin in Sweetheart. I’m going to help you with that.”

I gasp at the same time I hear a scraping sound of someone shoving a booth across the tiled floor. I know what’s happening even before I see Dutton stand up.

“Get out of here,” Dutton growls, now standing next to our table.

Martin has to lean his head back to look up at Dutton, and I have to give it to him, he doesn’t flinch or look even the slightest intimidated. “Who are you?”

Dutton takes a deep breath, and I can tell he’s trying to rein it in, but it’s obvious he’s struggling. He leans down, putting his hands on the table, leaning over Martin. “I’m your worst fuckin’ nightmare. Your date here is over. Now I suggest you get up and leave, or I’ll make you leave.”

Breathe, Jane. Don’t forget to breathe. I know I should be worried about Martin right now, but instead I’m focused on the muscles of Dutton’s forearm, unable to take my eyes off him.

“Jane?” Martin asks, drawing me out of my thoughts.

“Uh, you should probably do as he says, Martin. This was a mistake. I didn’t mean for you to hear that yesterday, but uh, I’m not interested in doing that with you.”