“That expensive, huh?”
“Good things cost good money. At least that’s what I tell myself when I pay my car note.”
Adrian guides me to a sleek black car, the kind of car that signals to the world you ae doing well for yourself. Whatever happens tonight, I can take solace in knowing that he seems to be in a good place in his life.
Lucky for us, the Tasty Noodle House is pretty quiet tonight, so getting a table is easy. I was a little worried that we’d be out of luck since it’s a cheap and popular neighborhood eatery. The restaurant has a cozy, modern feel with a bit of worldly spice, dressed in black and gold tones, wooden tables and glowing candles in glass jars.
Two seconds in and I notice there are a lot of couples here, sitting a little too close, holding hands, giving each other lingering looks. Looks like the city’s hottest new restaurant is already a popular date spot. I take a cleansing breath. As the server pours us glasses of iced water, I tell myself over and over again that this is not a date. We’re just friends hanging out, enjoying a meal despite being surrounded by couples who are about to pay the bill and get the hell out of dodge.
This is not a date. This is not a date. It’s a mantra I repeat over and over inside my head. This is not a date.
“Now that I think about it, I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to a restaurant,” I say as I take a sip of water. “I mean, I go to brunch once a month with my mom and Granny... er, I mean, my grandmother. And sometimes we order in. But I don’t think that counts.”
“Is that so? What, are you a foodie or something?”
I shake my head. “I’m not a foodie but I do know my way around a kitchen. My mom and I share cooking duties. Sometimes, my grandmother will cook something but it’s not very often.”
“You live with your mom and your grandmother?”
“Umm-hmm. Just a trio of weirdos living out in North Glen.” Saying that out loud makes me sound lame. “My grandmother’s getting up there in age, so my mother wants to keep an eye on her. I moved back after I finished pharmacy school and now, I take care of them just like they took care of me.”
Adrian leans back in his seat. “Wow.”
“‘Wow?’ As in ‘wow, she’s such a sweet person’ or ‘wow, she’s going to end up a crazy cat lady with fifty cats’?”
“‘Wow’ as in you’re still just as awesome as you were back at Peterson.”
I take another sip of my water. I really don’t know how much more of these genuine compliments I can take. “Does your family still live by Peterson? Did I remember that right?”
“You did, but my parents moved to Rosemont five years ago after my dad’s early retirement. It’s about two hours west of here. I used to live near them but I moved back after I was promoted to adjudicator.”
“Promotion?” My lips round into an excited O. “Look at you, making moves. Sounds exciting.”
“Yeah.” The smile fades a little from his face. “I miss my parents, though. I’m quite busy with work and everything, so I can’t visit often.”
“Adrian, I’m so sorry.” I feel the urge to reach across the table and give his hand a squeeze to let him know that he’s heard. But I can’t bring myself to. That’s a gesture reserved for a girlfriend, not a friend who just happens to be a girl. “I’m sorry. We’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves, not dragging each other into a pit of infinite melancholy.”
“It’s fine. I’m the one who brought it up.” The smile returns to his face. “I’m glad that we get to hang out again, Kay. I’m really happy to see that you’ve become very successful.”
“I don’t know about ‘successful’. I’m just doing the best I can with this one life I’ve got. That’s all.” I volunteer an awkward yet sincere smile. “Serious question. Do you ever run out of compliments? Asking for a friend.”
“Nope.” Adrian chortles before a loud, jovial laugh bursts from his mouth. “I don’t think I do.”
I can’t help but laugh, too. “Must be nice to always have a kind word wherever you go.”
The server brings us our spring rolls, fresh from the kitchen. On cue, my stomach growls, demanding sustenance. Who could blame it? The golden rolls look plump and good enough to eat. Adrian must have been thinking the same thing because we both reach for a roll at the same time. The jolt of electricity that courses through my body when our fingers briefly touch is enough to send me flying out of the booth.
“Sorry,” he mumbles, gesturing toward the spring rolls. “You first.”
“No, it’s okay,” I mumble. “You go ahead.”
“No, you just worked a ten-hour shift. You need to eat!” He gestures more forcefully. “Eat something.”
“Okay, okay. You’re paying after all." Once again, I’m on guard. “One look and I just want to tear right into them. You get that, don’t you?”
“I definitely get that.” Somehow, I think he’s referring to something other than food.
I take another sip of water, praying that he won’t see my increasing anxiety. I remind myself that Adrian has always been friendly and open with others. He treats everyone with sincerity, never speaks ill of anyone, and is easy to get along with. It’s what made him so popular with everyone at Peterson and beyond. There’s no reason I should be this anxious when I know he’s just being himself. So, why am I so anxious?
Oh. Right. That damn pact.
There’s only one way I’m going to get much needed relief. Time to get the answers I need. “You know, I hope I’m not stepping on any toes by letting you treat me like this.”
“I’m the one who asked you, remember?” he points out. “Why would you be stepping on any toes?”
“True.” He’s not taking the bait. Time to be more direct. “I just wouldn’t want to ruin anything you have going on your end because I let you be nice to me.”
Adrian narrows his eyes. I think he’s finally picking up what I’m putting down. Are you asking if I’m seeing someone?”
Now, we’re getting somewhere. “No, I’m not asking. ‘Insinuating’ is more like it. Or, you know, I’m giving you a subtle warning that I’m actually a heartless maneater with plans to devour you.”
The smile he makes—that’s when I realize what I’ve said. Damn it. “I can’t think of a better way to go.”
“What? No! I didn’t mean...” I bury my face in my hands. I try to be subtle so I don’t embarrass myself and what do I do? Embarrass myself. “Forget I said anything. It’s none of my business...”
“I’m not.” The murmur of the restaurant mutes. It’s replaced with the sound of blood rushing to my head.
He... he’s single. Wait a damn minute—he’s single?
“Oh.” All my expectations dissipate into thin air. Now what? “I see. I guess I had it in my head that—”
“That I’d be married already?” Adrian finishes the sentence with a chuckle.
“Yes, actually. I mean, it’s what you boldly declared on Senior Beach Day. That you’d be married right after you finished college.”