the specials for the night and then Philippe put in an order for the grilled local oysters with cilantro butter for the two of them to share. They both decided on the roasted cod with hazelnut romesco for their entrée. Penny took their menus and returned a few minutes later with a basket of hot bread and butter.
“Did you date Olivia too?” Kate asked. The hostess seemed unusually friendly and her eyes had lit up when she saw Philippe.
“No, she’s a bit young for me.” He paused and then added, “She does keep inviting me to her parties though. We know a lot of the same people, and she does throw a good party.”
Kate ripped a piece of bread in half and spread butter on it.
“What are you doing this weekend?” Philippe asked as he reached for the bread.
“Probably starting to move my things to my mother’s friend’s house. Why?”
“I have to go to L.A. For a few days. Why don’t you come with me?”
“You want me to come with you to California? What would we do there?”
“Well, I have to meet with a few people at the studio, but that won’t take long. We can take a ride up the coast, have dinner overlooking the ocean in Malibu or go to Spago in Hollywood for the best pizza you’ve ever had.”
“And where would we stay?”
“I usually get a suite at the Four Seasons. The king sized bed is super comfy.” He winked and Kate knew that many women would find his offer irresistible. She was tempted for about two seconds.
“You remind me a bit of my ex. We just recently broke up.”
“Oh, how so?”
“He was a charmer. Too handsome for his own good and let’s just say he loved women and enjoyed the attention.”
Philippe grinned. “You think I’m charming? And handsome? That sounds like a good thing.”
Kate laughed. “That’s all you heard? Yes, you’ve obviously attractive. I think we may be looking for different things though.” She hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words. She really did like Philippe but not in the way that he wanted her to.
“I wasn’t really looking to date anyone yet, but when I am, it will be someone who wants something more serious. I don’t really do casual.” She took a bite of bread and added, “But I would love to be friends. I really do enjoy your company. We have a lot in common, and aside from my sisters, I don’t have many friends here. Most of the people I grew up with have moved off-island.”
Philippe sighed and took Kate’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I think you’re amazing. I wish I could tell you that I’m ready for something more serious, but I like you too much to lie to you.” He grinned. “I’m not sure I ever will be, to be perfectly honest. I’m not in any hurry to settle down. I’m having too much fun. I have to travel quite a bit too, and that’s hard on any relationship. It’s just easier to keep things light.”
Kate squeezed his hand back and let it go. She really liked him and was glad that he’d confirmed her suspicions.
Penny arrived with their grilled oysters and set them down in the middle of the table.
“You have to try one of these, they are incredible.” Philippe reached for an oyster that was so hot the steam was coming off it. Kate took a moment to let it cool.
“I will.” She smiled. “You know, I think that eventually, you’re going to be shocked when you meet the right person and she knocks you off your feet. You won’t want to date anyone else.”
“I’m not so sure about that. But one never knows?” Philippe looked skeptical, and Kate wondered if he might be right. After all, Dylan had sworn that he was a changed man. Kate decided to change the subject.
“So, I went to the library today, and did some research for my book. My next step will be making an outline. Does that take you very long?” She popped one of the grilled oysters in her mouth. The flavors were as good as Philippe had promised.
“It doesn’t take me long at all. I don’t outline.”
Kate had assumed that she needed to make an extensive outline, to plan her book and where she needed to go.
“You don’t? But how do you know what you need to write each day?”
He laughed. “I tried to outline once, and it sucked all the joy out