ears, laughing.
He hurried and turned the volume down and looked at me. “Sorry,” he said. “I tend to like my rock music loud.”
“I can tell,” I teased.
He backed out and headed toward the exit. Turning right, he drove down the street toward the restaurant. I looked out my window, thinking about Mr. Halliday’s email and the man sitting next to me.
We made it to the restaurant and were seated quickly. Everything on the menu looked so good, I couldn’t decide. When the server brought us our chips and salsa, I dove in.
Paul chuckled. “I love that you have such a hearty appetite, Aly.”
I shrugged my shoulders and took another bite of my chip. At this point, I didn’t have the energy to worry about his comment. I did have a hearty appetite and was never the type to pretend I didn’t.
The server got our order and took away our menus. Paul sat back in his chair, looking at one of the many TV’s in the restaurant. After a minute, he looked over at me.
“Are you still upset over Mr. Halliday’s email?”
Looking down at my lap, I nodded. “I can’t help it. His house needs our help more than anyone there in my opinion and it frustrates me he won’t let us help him and his children. He’s a widower, for heavens sake. He has enough to worry about. What is up with you men and your pride?”
He laughed at that. “Us men and our pride, huh? Well, we like to be able to take care of our families and ourselves. I don’t fault Mr. Halliday for feeling the way he does, but like you, I wish he’d let us help him and ease his burden a bit. But you know, I’ve never been one to try and force our help on anyone. I refuse to start now.”
I let out a sigh. “I know, and I agree with you, but I can’t get the image of his daughter out of my head. It makes me sad, knowing they won’t get to live in a better home like most of their neighbors.”
The busboy came at this point and refilled our water glasses. I took a sip and brushed some hair out of my eyes. I had to let it go and concentrate on those who did want our help.
Our food finally arrived and it smelled delicious. I tore into my pork burrito. Paul took his time eating his fish tacos, which always amused me. It was usually the man who had the heartier appetite, but not in our case.
I put my fork down for a minute and took a sip of my water. I was curious about something and decided to just ask him.
“Paul?”
He looked at me. “Yes?”
“I hate to intrude, but I couldn’t help but overhear you talking to Casey on the phone as we were leaving. I really hope you didn’t skip out on her tonight because of me.”
Paul’s eyes darkened and I immediately regretted bringing it up.
“No, it wasn’t because of you. I had already asked you to dinner when she called with a spur of the moment dinner party invitation. Frankly, I’m getting tired of her doing that and had no desire to go. I would rather be here, with you.”
Joy spurted inside of me but I still felt guilty. “I hate to be the cause of any stress in your relationship. She is your girlfriend. We could have forgotten about dinner, I wouldn’t have minded.”
He reached over and put his hand over mine. “I would have.” His green eyes were looking so intently at me I had to look away. He still gave me butterflies.
“Well,” I said, “I won’t argue it further, but please know I have no intention of being a problem between the two of you.”
“Aly, you aren’t, and you never have been. Please don’t worry over this. Casey is my problem and I will deal with her. Okay?”
I nodded and grabbed another chip. I had to keep myself busy or I would melt to the floor at his attention. While there was nothing in this world I wanted more than to be his, I would never do anything as long as he was taken. I wouldn’t be that girl.
“Okay,” I whispered. His hand was still over mine and the electricity was becoming too much. I took it away and pretended to brush something off of my shirt.
“Aly, we need to check in with Norman soon and see if he has the final number of