Walking in, I couldn’t help but get a rush of excitement; it was my first real date, after all. The décor was impeccable, from the white linen tablecloths to the marble flooring and the servers wearing bowties. It wasn’t that I wasn’t used to going to nice restaurants, it was just a really exciting moment for me—everything seemed so much fancier with me on Adam’s arm.
He was dressed to kill in a charcoal gray blazer, blue button-down that brought out his eyes, beard perfectly trimmed, and hair pulled up in an adorable mun—it was perfect.
As we were being escorted to our table, I could feel that someone was staring at me. I squinted over at the bar on the far side of the restaurant to see none other than Gavin Hayes posted up with a few people, glaring at me with a dazed and confused kind of look.
Adam pulled my seat out for me. “Do you know him?”
I peeked over my shoulder at Adam as he put my napkin in my lap for me.What a freaking gentleman!“He’s one of my brother’s friends. He probably doesn’t recognize me; we’ve only met a few times.”
I hadn’t told Adam about my brother being a player for the Otters; I wanted him to like me for me, not because my brother was kind of famous.
“Ah, I see.” He took his seat across the table from me.
Our server was tableside within seconds. “Can I start you two off with some beverages?”
Adam handed the man the wine list. “Bring us a bottle of the BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling mineral water to start.”
Our server came back with the bottle and filled both of our wine glasses for us. I whispered, “Adam, you know I’m only twenty.”
He rolled his eyes and a little smile flashed on his lips. “One glass isn’t going to kill you. Besides, for your first drink, it should be something this perfect.”
“What do you mean perfect?” I pretended like I knew what I was doing, swirling the wine in my glass and smelling it, like I had seen in the movies. I felt like a low-class fool trying to pull the wool over Adam’s eyes, but he seemed too wrapped up in explaining the wine to me to notice.
“This wine is my favorite because it boasts exceptionally powerful yet elegant flavors. The highly saturated aromas and expansive, richly textured zests brim with deep blackberry and cassis expression. Layered nuances of espresso bean, crushed anise seed, bay leaf, violet, and toasted oak contribute complexity to the sumptuous dark-fruit character.”
Well, la di da.
He’s a nice guy that likes wine, not a complete snob, right?
I was hoping Adam was just trying to impress me—and in a way it was working—but I couldn’t help but have an overwhelming urge to roll my eyes at him.
“I didn’t realize how complicated wine flavors could be.” I took a sip and wanted to vomit right on the spot. Apparently, I did not like red wine at all.
“My father owns a vineyard in Millbrook. I grew up on this stuff. Most of the time I think it’s ostentatious, but I do love a good cab.” Adam swirled his wine, taking a deep breath in. “There’s just something so sexy about the way the flavors play on your tongue. You probably think I’m crazy.”
I took another sip, trying my best to not purse my lips at the bitter, strong flavors. “No, I think it’s good to be passionate about things you enjoy.”
Adam reached across the table, taking my hand in his. “I am really glad we’re doing this. It’s been a long time since I met a girl I really felt a connection with.”
Melt. Swoon. Cue the violins and flying doves.
After Adam ordered for us and we did the basic small talk, I was at a loss for words. It wasn’t that the night wasn’t going well, I just realized how little I had to talk about.
“I feel like you’ve lived this incredible, exciting life and I am just so boring.” I took a bite of my herb-crusted salmon, trying to think of something else to talk about.
“Are you kidding? You’ve done so much. Tell me more about working with Simon. It must be entertaining, to say the least.”
Spearing a baby carrot with my fork, I looked up to see Gavin walking toward the bathroom. “Hold that thought, I need to use the little girl’s room.”
I folded my napkin and made my way over to the hallway that led to the restrooms. “Gavin?” I called over.
He whipped around, the biggest smile on his face. “I knew you looked familiar!” He gave me a little hug.
I giggled. “You have no idea who I am, do you?”
He rubbed the back of his neck for a second. “Embarrassingly, I cannot put my finger on it, which is surprising because I don’t usually forget such a pretty face.”
“I’m Myla Cox.” I saw the wheels turn in Gavin’s head as it all clicked.