Chapter 48: Chapter 13: The Date

Jamie

I was sitting across the dinner table from Jack at a cute little restaurant.

We were midway through our main course, and I was feeling thankful that there had been no shortage of conversation between us so far.

“I didn’t know that you were a vegetarian, Jamie. I’m impressed. Honestly. I don’t suppose you eat fish, do you?”

“Not since I was younger. Some vegetarians eat fish. I choose not to. I don’t miss meat, really. I mean, except for when I was p—”

I stopped myself before saying any more. Of course, that got me a look from Jack.

“Except for when you were what?” he asked.

I hadn’t told him about Penelope. I didn’t really know why. Perhaps it was because telling Jack about my daughter would’ve meant telling him about Mason.

I hadn’t been ready for that before. It seemed as though I didn’t really have a choice anymore though.

It was the moment of truth.

“Except for when I was pregnant.”

I picked up my wine glass and sipped, trying to avoid eye contact with him altogether. The fact that I had a child already might’ve been a big deal to him, and I’d been lying to his face.

“Pregnant. Wow! You never mentioned that you had a child. A boy or a girl?” he asked.

“A girl.” I smiled. “Her name is Penelope. She’s almost a year old.” I was looking at him, trying to figure out if he was okay with this. I wasn’t quite sure yet.

“Are you okay with this? I’m sorry. I know I should have told you sooner.”

“Of course I’m okay with this, Jamie. I love kids. I’d like to have a couple of my own someday.” He smiled.

“A couple?” I asked.

Jack chuckled. “Yeah, four or five, maybe. I’d like to have a big family of my own, lots of kids running around, just like it was for me when I was younger.”

“I wouldn’t know what that’s like. I have one brother, and most of the time, he’s a pain in my ass.”

I liked that he was a man with family values, exactly like I’d thought he would be. ~He’s ticking every box for me.~

“Yeah, brothers can be like that.” He picked up his wine glass and drank before setting it back down again. “So why didn’t you tell me about your daughter before?”

~Here we go.~

“Um, well, I wanted to. But talking to you about Penelope means a conversation about her father, and I kind of didn’t want to talk about him.”

Jack raised an eyebrow. “Why not? I’m curious now. You have to spill. Is he one of those dads that only comes around when it suits him? I hate men like that.”

“No, not at all. He’s actually a pretty good dad, surprisingly. Penelope loves him. If anything, he wants more time with her.”

“Okay, so what’s the story here?” he asked.

“I was pregnant when he left. He’s only recently back in my life—in our daughter’s life. It’s hard having him around, I guess. Sometimes he doesn’t make my life easy.”

Thinking back on it hurt. I hated reliving that time when he left, knowing I was going to do it alone, knowing that he didn’t love me enough to stick around. I hated to think about it.

“Wow, I’m sorry. Does he know that you’re out with me tonight? Or would he be pissed about that?”

“He knows that we’re seeing each other. You’ve met him, actually.”

My heart was pounding in my chest. Maybe Penelope wasn’t a dealbreaker for Jack, but Mason might be. Could I blame him, really? He’d already witnessed what an ass Mason can be.

“Who is it?” Jack asked and sat in thought for a couple of seconds when I didn’t answer.

He looked at me when it came to him. “It’s that guy, isn’t it? The one with the attitude? I can’t remember his name.”

“Mason.”

“He’s your ex. It makes sense now. He always seems to be around. So, is he just living at the hotel?” he asked, and I could tell that he disapproved.

Of course, I didn’t blame him for that. I disapproved also.

I didn’t say as much. I didn’t want to talk badly about Mason to Jack. He was the father of my child, so I guessed I had to have a little respect for him at least.

“For now, he is. Like I said, he just got back, so living at the hotel is a temporary solution.”

The waiter came by our table and took our plates away.

“Thank you.”

“He’s trying to stay close. So, you know he’s still into you? I mean, it’s quite clear, especially the way he acted toward me, knowing I’m in the way of him winning you back. Are the feelings reciprocated?”

“I’m not interested in him. Mason is in my life only for Penelope, and he knows that. Trust me, I want to be around that man as little as possible.”

Jack chuckled. “I believe you, Jamie. So how about we order some dessert, and you can tell me about your daughter? I’d love to know more about her.”

“Sure, that sounds good!”

After all, Penelope was my favorite topic of conversation. I was feeling happy that he was showing some interest. Maybe Mason wasn’t a dealbreaker after all.

Jack and I decided to ditch his car outside of the restaurant and walk home since it was such a nice night. I think neither of us was ready for the night to end just yet.

I was having a good time with him. It had been so long since I’d been out with a guy, I was pretty sure I’d forgotten what it was like to have fun. The date was much better than I had anticipated.

“Honestly, those double shifts and long operating hours are grueling, but I wouldn’t change it. I love my job. I like helping people. I guess it runs in my family.” Jack smiled.

“Right, your dad. He’s a doctor too. My father always wanted me to follow in his footsteps, but I could never see myself being a lawyer or working alongside my family.”

“Your dad is a lawyer? Now I know who I’ll go to if I ever need legal advice. Where does he work?” he asked.

“He has his own firm. My brother works for him. It’s called Harris & Son. It’s just up by the Ritz, actually. Do you know it?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

He smiled lightly, and I found it a little odd how quick he was to reply. It gave me the feeling he just wanted to shut down the conversation.

“So, Jamie, I had a good time tonight. Would you be interested in going out again?”

As charming as he was, how could I ever bring myself to turn him down? “Yes, I’d love that.”

Jack and I chatted the rest of the walk back to my house. I was feeling a little anxious as we walked up the pathway toward my door. Would he want to kiss me? It’s not like we hadn’t before.

We stood outside my door while I fished my keys from my shoulder bag. He watched me as I did this. I wondered what he was thinking and if he wanted to come inside for a drink or maybe more.

Neither of which were on the table. Not tonight anyway.

“Found them.” I chuckled. “I was a little worried. I thought I lost them again.”

“Again?” He chuckled. “You must lose your keys a lot. I hope someone has a spare, you know, just in case. You wouldn’t want to be locked out late at night.”

“My mom does, thankfully. So, thank you for dinner tonight, Jack. I had a really good time.”

“Well, thank you for allowing me to take you out.” He smiled, being all charming and cute.

I stood, holding my keys in my hands, not knowing if I should open my door and go inside or wait for him to make his move.

~If I wait too long, I’ll just look like an idiot!~

~If I just go inside, I’ll look like I’m not into him. I don’t want to come across like I’m not interested in kissing him when I definitely am!~

Jack moved in closer, closing a little distance between us. “I want to kiss you. Is that okay?”

I nodded in reply, and he smirked before closing the remaining space and setting his lips on mine.

His kiss was soft and sweet with a slight bit of tongue. Not too much or too little, but the right amount for a first-date kiss.

His hand moved places, but nowhere that I didn’t want them to go. My hip and my lower back. He was being respectful.

We pulled back from the kiss at the same time, and he held my hand in his. “Goodnight, Jamie.”

“Goodnight.” I watched Jack walk down the pathway before I unlocked my door and went inside.

The moment I stepped through the door, someone jumped out and grabbed my shoulders from behind.

With a jolt of panic, I turned around. “Jake!”

“The look on your face.” He chuckled. “That was so priceless.”

I scowled at him. “You’re such an idiot!” I felt the urge to hit him with my shoulder bag but instead restrained myself. “It’s late. What are you doing in my house?”

He held up the stuffed bunny. “You forgot to pack this little guy.”

“Oh no! Was she crying? She can’t sleep without him.” As a mom, I immediately felt the guilt of forgetting something so important to my little girl.

“She’s okay now. Mom sent me over to get it just in case. So, who’s the guy you were just sucking face with?”

I clicked my tongue off the roof of my mouth. My brother and I had never been close, well up until I’d had Penelope.

We got along a lot better now, but I still hated it when he interfered in my life.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I went on a date tonight. His name is Jack, and he’s a doctor.”

I liked throwing that out there, the fact that he was a doctor, and I’d gone on a date with a decent guy. I was proud of that.

“A doctor, wow! Where did you find him?”

“At the Ritz. I was overseeing an anniversary party for his parents, and they introduced us.” I threw my bag down on the couch and removed my coat before walking toward the kitchen.

~A glass of wine wouldn’t hurt.~

“Does Mason Knight know about this?” My brother shouted from the living room. “If he does, I’m sure he’s not happy about it!”

“He knows. And he’s not happy about it. It’s not really any of his business who I’m seeing as long as I’m not bringing anyone around Penelope.”

“I’m sure he’ll make it his business. He’s back now, Jamie. Mom said he’s a changed man. I’ll believe that when I see it!” Jake chuckled.

“Well, you know Mom. She tries to see the best in everyone.” I walked into the living area with a bottle and two glasses, just in case my brother wanted a drink also.

“So, how does Dad feel? I mean, really feel?”

“Hate. A lot of hate!” He chuckled and filled his wine glass just a little so he could have a taste, drive home and still be under the limit.

“You know he’s going to try everything he can to keep him away from you.”

“He won’t have any problems there. I don’t plan on getting messed up in Mason and his drama. I’ve learned from the last time.” I sat on the couch, drinking from my wine glass.

“It’s nice to know that brain of yours is working. Finally!” Jake joked, and I rolled my eyes at him. “Anyway, I should get back with this thing. I’ll see you later.”

“Goodnight!”

My brother walked to the door and opened it. I thought he was about to leave, but instead, he turned around and looked at me.

“This doctor you’re going out with. He’s a good guy, right?”

“Um, yeah, he seems like a good guy. What I know of him, at least. I guess only time will tell. Why do you ask?”

“I was just trying to look out for you. That’s what brothers do.” He smiled lightly. “I’ll see you at family dinner.”

My brother left, and I was alone. Alone with my thoughts and half a bottle of wine. I filled up my glass again and lay on my back, holding my drink on my stomach.

My phone buzzed, and I pulled it from my purse and looked at the screen. It was a text from Mason.

~We need to talk!~

Grrr! What now?

I threw my phone down beside me and drank from my wine glass before resting my head back on the pillow again. ~Whatever he wants, it’s a problem for another day.~