Needless to say, my thick, naturally curly hair was pin straight by the time I was done—I’d needed a lot of calming. Since I’d taken the time to make my locks look good, I went all out with a full face of makeup and even put on a cute outfit and high-heeled sandals.
Davis’s expression told me he, at least, appreciated the extra effort when I arrived at O’Leary’s. Tonight it was only me, him, and Ava since our other former roommate was away with her new boyfriend on a cruise. Once the three of us sat down, I was glad I’d come. I really did enjoy my time with these guys. We laughed as we caught up, mostly at the crazy stories Ava told. But then just a half hour into our night, Sal, the new waiter, came over and said he was sick and needed to leave. He asked if one of us could call Charlie to come in and take over his shift.
Since there were only a few hours until the kitchen closed anyway, Ava and I both volunteered to cover for him. Plus, his complexion was slightly green, and I was pretty sure he wouldn’t make it hanging around until Charlie drove in from Queens.
“You look too nice to work tonight,” Ava said, pointing to my feet. “And those are not waitressing shoes. I got this. There aren’t many tables left, so you two hang out, and I’ll come join you in between serving.”
Although Davis and I had ended things in a good way, we really hadn’t hung out just the two of us since whatever we had ended and he’d moved out. Since I was dressed up, and awkwardness set in as soon as Ava left, it felt sort of like a first date.
“So…” Davis said. “This feels weird.”
I laughed. “I know. Why? It shouldn’t. It’s just us. We’ve hung out a million times.”
Davis shot me a sheepish look. “Because you look really hot tonight.”
“Are you saying I didn’t look really hot when we lived together and I rolled out of bed every morning?” I’d said it joking around, but Davis’s answer was serious.
“Actually, I think you look beautiful all the time.”
I blushed. “Such a southern charmer.”
Davis and Ava had ordered a bottle of wine, and he lifted it to refill his glass, then held the bottle over my empty one. “Have one with me?”
I hesitated, thinking back to the last time we’d had drinks together—I’d wound up in Davis’s room.
With a devious grin that told me he was thinking the exact same thing, he filled my glass…to the brim and said, “Just one.”
The wine definitely helped. Now that the bottle was empty, the strain between Davis and me was gone. We’d gorged on pasta and wine and caught up on the last few months. Things were feeling back to normal.
“How are Umberto and Lydia?” he asked.
It was just like him to remember their names because they were important to me. He was always very thoughtful and attentive.
“They’re doing really well. Still the happy threesome.”
“And your thesis?”
“Good. Caine seemed happy with my progress. Although who knows.” I finished off my glass of wine. “He could hate it tomorrow.”
“Caine?”
“My new thesis advisor.”
Davis nodded.
“He’s kind of a giant ass,” I added. Not that he’d asked.
“When are you finished?”
“Another few months and I’ll be done with my thesis and graduating.”
“Then what?”
“I’m not sure yet. My minor was elementary education, so I was thinking of applying to some local school districts that have musical therapy programs for autistic children.”
Davis smiled. “That suits you. I could definitely see you doing that.”
I sipped my wine. I was now on glass two and already feeling a buzz. “What about you? Are you happy here in New York? Do you think you’ll stay forever?”
“Maybe.”
I wasn’t sure if I’d imagined it, but I could have sworn his eyes had dropped to my lips.
“What about you? Are you happy? Seeing anyone?”
My good mood took a nose dive. I wasn’t seeing anyone, but that didn’t mean I was happy about it. I’d managed to forget about Caine for the sum total of an hour tonight.
I sighed. “No. I’m single. You?”
Davis must’ve taken my downturn of spirit as a general statement about my single status.
“Not seeing anyone. But I’d like to be.”
Yeah. Me, too.
I sipped more wine. “Oh yeah? Tell me about the lucky girl.”
Davis grinned. “She’s short, kind of quirky, beautiful, smart.”
I rested my head on my hands. “Sounds perfect. Does she have a brother for me?”
Instead of answering, Davis reached over the table and took my hand in his. “I’ve really missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
“Have dinner with me this weekend? Just me and you.”
Huh?
Seeing the confusion on my face, Davis continued. “I wasn’t ready to date last year. I didn’t want to jump into something with you when my head wasn’t screwed on straight. I’m in a better place now.”
The wine must’ve totally gotten to me. I seriously hadn’t realized he was talking about asking me out. I’d waited for this for almost a year, yet now I felt unsure. Luckily, Ava came to my rescue. She scooted into the booth next to me, playfully bumping my hip with hers, and took over the conversation. I was grateful for the reprieve.
After another hour of sitting around and talking, we decided to move to the pub tables in the bar area since the dining room was empty.
Davis looked at his watch. “I have to be at the airport at five a.m. for work, so I’m going to take off.”
The three of us made plans for next month’s dinner, and he gave Ava a hug goodbye before turning to me. Only he didn’t let go after my hug. Instead, he took both of my hands in his.
“Think about it. Okay?”
I had no idea what to say, so I simply nodded and smiled. Then he was gone.
The minute he was out the door, Ava turned to me. “What the hell was that all about?”
“He wants to take me out on a date.”
“And how do you feel about that?”
“I have no idea. I’m so confused right now.”
“You know what will make things clearer?” She smiled.
“What?”
“Let’s get stinking drunk.”
Rachel
“He has the most amazing ass.”
Well, that’s what I intended to say, but what actually came out of my mouth was, “He has lemony lass.”
Luckily, Ava had joined me in my binge, so my slur sounded perfectly fine to her.
“Who are we talking about? Davis or the professor.”
I sighed. “The professor. Davis’s is nice, but I never had the urge to bite it.”
Ava quirked a brow. “You want to bite the pompous professor’s ass?”
“I do. Is that strange?”
She smirked and lifted her drink to her lips. “Not at all. Well, the biting part isn’t strange. I like a little biting during sex myself, but biting his ass when you’re not sleeping with him might be a little strange. Especially if you do it during a class while he’s lecturing.”
“He’s just so frustrating. So infuriating.”
“So maybe you should give Davis another chance?”
I sucked back the remaining contents of my third drink and held the empty glass up, dangling it between my thumb and pointer. “Time for a refill, waitress.”