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“You look hot tonight, Vi,” Ridoc reassures me, as he drives me to the restaurant. He insists on driving me to my first date with someone I met on a dating app.
I smooth my hands down my dress, all black, tight enough where you can see my general curves but not so tight where you can see every nook and cranny on my body. It’s tight until my upper thigh, where it falls loosely to my ankles. The front looks pretty, though it does show some cleavage with a deep cowl neck line, and it ties up around my neck leaving the back completely open until my lower back. I am proud of how far I’ve come, and wanted to dress to show off my progress.
Two years ago, I got out of an abusive relationship. It didn't start out that way, as most usually don't. I met Jack a few months before my dad died four years ago. Jack was attentive, made sure I ate, let me cry on his shoulder, wouldn't judge when I just wanted to stay home some days. And he was there when my brother, Brennan, died a year later as well. He held me together through it all that I ignored the small jabs and remarks because he put up with so much.
I didn’t leave for a while though, because I thought I was in love and wanted it to work. The first time Jack hit me it was truly a complete accident. We were arguing, both of us talking with our hands and he turned his back towards me. I walked closer to him right when he spun around, arms flicked out to emphasize his point, and his hand caught my cheek. That stopped the argument in its tracks, both of us stunned. I didn’t know what to do or say and apologized, letting the argument go. Jack apologised for hitting me, made sure I knew it was an accident, and bought me a bouquet of flowers the next day to show how sorry he was. But that unleashed something inside of him and he became angrier by the day.
The second time I got hurt was also an accident, or so he claimed. He gripped my arms hard enough to bruise and left nail marks alongside them. I wore long sleeve shirts in the middle of summer for weeks. Jack apologized profusely, saying he didn’t even grab me that hard, that my delicate body is why the bruises showed up. That if I hadn’t flirted with the barista it wouldn’t have come to that. I didn’t, the barista was telling me that he too just switched to oakmilk while handing me my drink and I politely thanked him. He bought an even bigger bouquet that time.
The third time, it was no accident. I called him out on something vile he said to me and he lashed out and punched me. I couldn't look at the flowers he got me after; I dumped them in the trash. I learned how to do makeup after that one. He promised that would be the last time. I felt like I was walking on eggshells around him and the only safe place was the apartment I shared with Rhi, which I barely spent time at. I wasn’t around as much until the bruises went away. I didn’t tell her, I was ashamed it happened at all. I was debating if my relationship was even worth the effort I put in anymore when it happened again.
Just about two years ago, the fourth time was the last time. I don’t even remember how we got to that point, but we were standing at the top of the stairs, when he raged and shoved me away from him. They weren’t a full set of stairs, only half, but it did enough damage to dislocate my arm and break my ankle along with a plethora of bruises and cuts scattered like splats of paint. I accepted his apology that time through gritted teeth just so I could get to the hospital without further injury.
I waited until he left the room to take a call, probably from his other girlfriend I later found out about, and immediately called the nurse. I told her I did not want that man allowed back in my room, that he was the cause of my accident. I had never been happier that we hadn’t moved in together yet. I didn’t want to file a report, I just wanted the night to be over with. Ridoc, who came to the hospital not long after he was called, laid out the facts and said I would be better off protecting myself with a restraining order but that the choice was ultimately mine. I filed a report that night squeezing Ridoc’s hand and got a restraining order. Sawyer went and got my car from Jack’s place. I left whatever items I had over there because it was not worth retrieving.
Rhiannon went to study abroad for a year in Europe right before the last time it happened, so I didn’t tell her until a few weeks later as not to worry her. She made sure to lecture me about calling her any time of any day when I needed her. Ridoc had moved into Rhi’s room while she was gone as he needed a place to stay for a bit. I became depressed and underweight months after the incident. Ridoc came into my room one night, after talking with Rhi on the phone, and told me he signed us up for self defense classes and he wasn’t taking no for an answer. If I went for a week and didn’t like it, we wouldn’t show up again. He said Rhi suggested it as a way to help me build back my confidence and get stronger.
Ridoc did indeed drag me to our first session later that week. And again the next day. And again the day after that. We went a few days a week and it was hell. At first. Then, I became angry. I became angry at how I excused every time something happened. I became angry at not leaving sooner, but I mainly became angry at the man who thought he could do something like that to me in the first place. I vowed to never be in that situation again and I would learn to fight back because I was not raised to just roll over and take things I did not deserve.
I found that I enjoyed the adrenaline that fighting gave me and joined a kick boxing class with Ridoc. We went to the gun range once, it wasn’t my thing. But when we had a friend outing to throw axes, that’s when my skills of throwing daggers came in handy. Mira made sure I knew how to throw darts perfectly and eventually knives before she left for her military tour. I bought a target board and started practicing with the daggers my friends gifted me. Together, we got my weight back to a healthy range, with Rhi sending recipes to help contribute. Sawyer took it upon himself to research EDS and help me create a routine that would be most effective. He’s going to be a great trainer. I have never felt so good about myself and my life as I have now, and it’s a wonderful feeling.
Rhi extended her studies abroad for another year after she fell in love with a girl named Tara in Spain. I was skeptical but they knew each other growing up and Rhi ran into Tara coincidently. Rhi said it was a sign, and she couldn't let her go again.
I went on one date with my childhood crush, and we quickly found out we were better off as friends. It honestly helped that Dain was my first date back into dating. That first, first date can be nerve wrecking and after we got over the awkwardness, Dain told me about his terrible dates and we had an amazing time.
This will be the second date I’ve been on in two years. Halden picked this place, and it was a coincidence that I’ve always wanted to try this steak house. I'm sure listing my favorite food as steak on my profile contributed to the decision. According to his profile, he works in IT, loves dogs, wants kids and enjoys the outdoors. And he looked pretty handsome in his picture so that’s a plus too. Overall, he seemed like a good guy and our conversations reflected that so far.
My dress shows off my arms, the muscle I’ve added on shows strength, without being overly disproportionate to my smaller frame. The slit that runs up to my thigh shows the work I’ve put into leg day and the heels I wear are the cherry on top. They are all black, of course, with daggers on the heels. Rhi found them in Europe and sent them to me as a surprise and I fell in love with them instantly. It definitely is a choice to wear them on the first date but maybe they'll be a conversation starter.
“Are you ready for this?” Ridoc slowly pulls up at the front, intending to drop me off.
“Yes and no. I’ll call you when I’m ready to be picked up. You really didn’t have to drive me but thank you Ridoc, for everything.”
“Always Violet. And who knows, maybe you won’t need me to pick you up tonight,” he waggles his brows at me.
“I’ll text you when we’re almost done.”
“Or you could text me in the morn-”
“When we’re almost done, Ridoc,” I chuckle.
“Go get ‘em tiger,” I salute Ridoc and hop out the car once he gets to the front. I wave at him.
***
“Reservation under Tauri,” I tell the hostess, and she checks her tablet.
“You are the first to show up but I can take you to your seat.” I follow her through the dining room, the soft lights glowing throughout, setting a romantic tone for the evening. We approach a group of tables, and I see one guy sitting with two menus in front of him. He is not Halden but the tattoos running up his arms, disappearing into his rolled up button down almost does me in. I can see the top of it peaking out the neckline of his shirt. It must wrap around his whole arm. I find tattoos hot, it’s why I went with an open back dress tonight. Halden is handsome but this man is exquisite. His tawny skin, his muscled arms, his hair that calls for me to run my fingers through. He looks up as I approach and I want to get lost in his onyx eyes, with flecks of gold in them. His eyes look back down, slowly drawing up my body until he meets my eyes once more. I take him all in, letting this be the only time I look at him because I am here for a date, and I wouldn’t appreciate it if my date was eyeing another woman in front of me. He smirks at me before I look away.
“Here we are Miss,” the hostess gestures to the table of two directly in front of the man I told myself not to look at. I say thank you and walk towards the chair that would put my back towards the man, it’s for my own sanity. I hear his intake of breath when I turn and give him a view of my back. I grew up loving dragons with my dad, and I recently got a tattoo on my back representing him. The large black dragon is my father, guiding and looking out for me, and always there to catch me when I fall. I am the smaller, golden colored dragon because he used to call me his Golden One. He said I would brighten his day and always find a reason to smile.
I set my clutch on the table beside me, sending our group chat a quick text saying that I’ve arrived and am the first one there. I get ‘good lucks’ and a ‘knock ‘em dead’ from them. I put my phone away and pick up the menu, glancing over it so I know what I want to order and not be indecisive when the time comes.
“Get the filet mignon, with a drizzle of peppercorn sauce. Apparently, it’s to die for,” the low voice behind me suggests. I turn in my chair, raising a brow.
“Yeah? Have you had it?”
“Something like that,” his smirk is back. He glances at the empty space in front of me. “Are you meeting a friend?”
“No, actually it’s a first-”
I hear footsteps and turn back around in my seat. Two hostesses are bringing two different people towards us, one who looks very similar to the man behind me and the second one who looks like the picture on Halden’s profile.
The first hostess being the other man to the table behind me, I hear them greet each other, the newcomer asking the man who was seated before how business is running. That’s all I get to hear before Halden is brought to the table. I stand up to greet him.
“Wow, Violet. Your picture doesn't do you justice,” though he spends quite some time not looking at my face.
“Thank you, you look very handsome tonight.” We sit down and a red-headed waitress comes over to greet us. Anna starts off introducing herself, and goes over the wine of the night. I ask for a glass of their Pinot Noir and turn to look at Halden, who is busy looking the waitress up and down. It's rude to blatantly do that in front of your date. I pinch my lips together to stop myself from saying anything and ruining the evening before we get to try the food. I can give this date a chance, he’s not a total dick, right? Anna catches Halden’s wandering eye and returns the favor. I’m speechless.
“And for you?” She drawls. “What can I get you, darling?” Halden licks his lips and gives Anna a smile.
“I’ll just take a pint of your Double IPA on tap.”
“Coming right up, sir.” Take a deep breath, in, out.
The man sitting directly behind me coughs, the sound drawing me out of my head.
“So, Halden,” his eyes finally meet mine after following our waitress around the corner.
“I saw on your profile that you love dogs. Do you have any?”
“No.” He simply says. He doesn’t ask me in return, I have two.
“Oh. Do you want one?”
“Never.” How can you love dogs but never want one?
“Did you have one growing up?” Maybe his love for them came from a fami–
“Gods no.” Yeah, my dog Tairn, would totally eat Halden alive.
Someone behind me clears their throat, as if they are covering up a laugh. Sounds like they’re having a better conversation than I am.
“So you like the outdoors?” I try again. “Do you hike?”
“Not really, I don’t like the feeling of getting all sweaty.” But he supposedly loves the outdoors, okay.
“You profile also said you want kids someday with the right person. How many?”
“One, I need an heir to the business. I’ll get a nanny though, children are irritating." What the fuck? Anna comes back with our drinks, setting my wine down quickly, and savoring the feel of Halden’s hand when he reaches for the beer before she sets it down. I glance at my drink and smell it.
“Excuse me,” I feel awkward, like I’m interrupting their moment. “I asked for a Pinot Noir, I think this is a Pinot Grigio.” I normally wouldn’t make a big deal, but red wine is very different from white wine, and my red will pair with the dinner I’m going to have tonight. Anna sets a thin smile on her face and apologizes, albeit sarcastically, and saunters off.
“That was rude to send back,” Halden criticizes. He’s criticizing me?
“It wasn’t what I ordered. Had it been another red I probably would have let it go.” I stare down at the menu, knowing I’m going to get the suggested filet mignon with a side caesar salad. It’s silent for a bit, Halden taps his finger on the table, looking around the room. He hasn't asked me anything and I give him a chance to be involved in this date. It stays silent. I will try having a conversation with this man again then.
“So, you work in IT?” That opens Halden right up. He tells me he’s inheriting his father’s business within the next couple of years, how great he is at his job, no one can do what he does, how annoying his subordinates are (his words), how the company couldn’t survive without him, and how he got a big bonus for laying off a whole department. Anna brings back my Pinot Noir, catching the end of our conversation and her eyes light up at the words, ‘big bonus.’
“Are you guys ready to order?” She purrs, again not looking at me. Before we can order, someone walks up behind her, whispers in her ear, and then leaves just as quickly. “I apologize, I’ll be right back,” Anna walks off in the direction of the other server.
“Do you know what you’re having tonight?” I ask Halden, anything to divert him from talking about his job for the moment.
“I always get the Ribeye when I come here.”
“Oh,” I catch on to something and try to run with it. “Do you come here often? It must be pretty good food then.”
“The food is mediocre.” Why go back to a place you find mediocre? “The company is better,” he flashes me a smile, that I’m sure is meant to be dazzling, but I catch his eye looking at another waitress walk by and know what he really means. He looks down at my chest again. That’s going to get old real fast.
“Hi! My name is Sloane, I’ll be your waitress for the evening,” a new server introduces, making eye contact with me and Halden equally.
“What happened to Anna?” Halden sounds concerned.
“She had to go. Emergency,” Sloane smiles in a way that makes me think her words are a lie. Halden checks out Sloane too, but she gives him no attention.
“Are you guys ready to order? Do any of our delicious appetizers call to you today?”
“No.” He didn't even ask if I wanted one. I didn't get the chance to tell him a few sounded really good to try.
“Alrighty then. Ladies-”
“I’ll have the Ribeye, cooked rare, side of scallop potatoes,” Halden interrupts. Halden is a good looking guy, I’ll give him that, but he is getting less attractive the more he opens his mouth. “And make sure it’s not over cooked, or I’ll send it back.” He closes his menu. I definitely know there will not be a second date. I scan the sides as he speaks, just to see if there is anything else I want, though I don’t get to speak before Halden does.
“She’ll have a Cobb salad, with the fat free dressing, easy on the dressing too, and hold the egg and onion.” Sloane and I both stare at Halden, my mouth open slightly, a frown placed on Sloane’s face. Someone chokes nearby and I’m wondering if they’re also choking on the audacity Halden has to order for me without even asking what I want. Sloane fixes her face with a genuine smile and turns to me.
“And for you, Miss?”
“She-”
“I’ll have the filet mignon,” I cut Halden off this time and Sloane smiles wider, “cooked medium rare with a drizzle of peppercorn sauce on top,” I change my side last minute, I can be good and eat my veggies at home later if I don’t make it through dinner. I’m not going to order a salad after that either, “with a side of the scallops potatoes as well, please.” I close my menu gently, handing it to Sloane with a smile. She takes with a smirk before turning to Halden with a fake smile, waiting for his menu.
“Violet,” Halden sounds scandalized.
“Yes?” I blink at him. Halden glances sideways at a table with a couple who is not subtly listening in and keeps his mouth shut, handing over his menu.
“We’ll get started on your dinner right away.” There is a hop in her step as she leaves and I chuckle. I like this waitress. Conversations pick back up around us after Halden and I are silent for a minute.
“It is very unladylike to order steak on a date,” Halden admonishes, fewer listening ears turned in our direction. Did he not read my profile at all? “And scallop potatoes?” Did he not also have the same exact side? I want to try to make conversation again but Halden is not putting in any effort and it’s making it really hard not to walk out. I’ve been thinking of this steakhouse for a while. I know it’s bad to say but that’s the only thing keeping me here at this point.
“I teach English Literature at a local high school,” I offer.
“Huh?”
“My job,” I clarify.
“I didn’t ask about your job.”
“I know.” A snort sounds nearby, from behind me I think, I try to stop the smile from spreading across my face, but my lip twitches anyways. Either they're listening or their timing is impeccable.
“Speaking of jobs…” I hold in my groan as I listen to Halden drone on about what he does and how easy it is for him. I stop paying attention when he gets into how his specific AI program is better than everyone else's and will be so useful to make guys like him richer. I don’t realize I drank my entire glass of wine already until Sloane comes by with the bottle, asking if I would like another. I definitely need one to get through his night, let alone this dinner. Halden holds up his hand and says no. Too bad Sloane wasn’t asking him.
“Yes please, that would be delightful,” Sloane pours my glass with gusto, and pours a little more than the 6 ounce standard. Halden grits his teeth as Sloane leaves.
“I didn’t realize you were so… unruly,” he says. We messaged on the dating app for about a week before we set up this date. I didn’t realize he was a dick but here I am holding my tongue to not cause a scene and trying to be a decent person. Apparently we should text for a while before setting up dates. There is a low growl from behind me, I almost turn around but I refrain from doing so.
“I didn’t realize your profile was full of lies. I guess we're both disappointed then,” I can’t help but say, a tight smile plastered on. A chuckle comes from behind me again and I know they’re listening in for sure. At least someone is enjoying this date. Halden looks surprised I called him out on it.
“You don’t love dogs, you don’t like the outdoors, you don’t really want kids,” I point out. “The only thing you didn’t lie about was your job and your picture.”
“Too bad the same couldn't be said about you, Violet. You looked skinnier in your pictures.” The fuck did he just say to me? He also said my picture didn't do me justice, so which is it? Noise from the tables around us halts, as if questioning what just came out of this man’s mouth. The man with the tattoos walks past our table quickly, turning around the corner. How do I even address bullshit that was just sprouted? Sloane walks up with our food, unknowingly walking into the tension that just filled the space.
“Here is your filet mignon, Miss,” she sets down my plate, “and here is your ribeye, sir.” There’s a hard edge to her tone, maybe she did hear what was said. Halden's plate is set down none too gently. “I’ll be right back with your potatoes,” she leaves quickly.
A year ago Violet would have not eaten her dinner, agonizing over the words, a boy pretending to be a man, said in an effort to bring someone down. I would have picked at my food, stopped drinking my wine, and let him order for me. Now Violet? Now I’ll enjoy my meal that much more knowing it doesn’t please him. The only opinions I care about are mine and my loved ones. I calmly unroll my silverware set, placing the cloth napkin across my lap as Sloane shows up with our potatoes. “Please cut into your steaks and let me know if you are satisfied with how they’re cooked.” Of course, they’re both cooked to absolute perfection. I wish his came out well done. And that's probably one of the many reasons I don't work in a restaurant. Sloane leaves us to enjoy our meal, or to at least eat it because there is no enjoyment at this table.
“Ugh, this is more like medium,” Halden complains, moving on to pick on the next thing he doesn't like. I look at his rare steak. “These potatoes aren't sliced thin enough.” I look at the perfectly prepared scallop potatoes. I ignore him.
I pick up my utensils to cut a bite out of my steak when the man with tattoos approaches his table, stopping by ours in the process. He looks me up and down again, not in the skeevy way Halden did, but in a way that I know he is appreciating the work I’ve put in to look like this.
“Excuse me. But I have to say, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve come across in a very long time,” he deep voice wraps around me at the compliment, and then he winks at me. I bite my lip to not give away my smile. I know what he is doing, he heard what Halden said and is saying the complete opposite. It’s a sweet gesture “I truly mean it,” that makes me pause. I look into his dark eyes, and deep down, I believe him.
“Thank you,” my voice comes out soft and meaningful. He continues to his seat. When I glance back at Halden, his fists are clenching his utensils and my stomach drops. His knuckles are white, that’s how tight his grip is. He’s glaring at me, as if I somehow made that man say those things, making Halden look like a fool. I take a breath, and cut a piece of my steak before finally tasting it. My eyes close and a moan slips out without permission. This steak is absolutely perfect, nice and tender, the drizzle of the peppercorn sauce not over powering the steak but complimenting it. It melts in my mouth. That man was right, this is to die for. This makes tonight worth it.
“Do you really have to sound like such a whore?” I almost choke on my delicious steak, swallowing quickly at the insult. That’s it, I’m done. I took the best bite of my life and it’s ruined. I set my fork and knife down immediately. Now that I know how great it is, I’ll come back with my friends and we can enjoy it together.
“How dare you,” I hiss back, Halden physically flinching back, as if he wasn’t prepared for me to stand up for myself. Coward. “How dare you try and belittle me and control me. I am not the one to try that with. I tried making conversation with you, I tried getting through this dinner with you, I was respectful, I was classy. I will not stay here and continue this ‘date’ with someone like you.” I use my fingers as quotations around the word date. I put my legs on the side of the chair, standing up gracefully, and grab my clutch.
“You will not walk away from me,” Halden’s eyes harden, he stands up as well, fists clenched without the utensils this time. “No one dismisses me like that. No one. Sit. Down.” The command in his voice is unmistakable. There’s no way he really thinks that’s going to make me sit, does he? He’s clearly used to getting what he wants, never being told no. Glad I get to be the one to do so. I don’t respond and his arms whips out to grab my elbow, physically stopping me from leaving when I go to take another step. His grip squeezes, like it knows what it’s doing.
“Let me go,” there is a deadly calm about me right now, and it should give off a warning all on its own. I shake his grip off of me but I know I’ll bruise by tomorrow. That was the one freebie, and only because we are in a classy place and I want to be welcomed bac-
“Sit down and finish your meal. Now,” Halden steps towards me and reaches for me again and that’s it. I hear chairs scrape back from the direction of where I was sitting, but they don’t get to us in time. Halden’s hand almost makes it to my arm when I knock it to the side hard. Some would say it was too hard but I don’t think so. I return the favor and grab his wrist firmly, twisting it away from his body. I slip behind him, pushing his arm up and the side of his face into the table all while grabbing the knife he so carelessly left close to me. The knife lodges itself in front of his face with a loud thunk, silencing the space around us.
“Don’t you ever,” I put stress on the last word, “put your hands on me or another woman again. Got it?” When Halden doesn’t answer, I raise his arm higher, letting him feel the stretch of his ligaments and tendons about to tear to dislocate his shoulder.
“Got it,” He says with clenched teeth, whether it’s in pain or humiliation, I’m not sure. Probably both. I want to feel bad about the humiliation but the things he said tonight, he needed to be knocked down a peg or two. Hopefully this is a wake up call for him but I doubt it. You can't fix someone with a narrow-minded personality.
“If you don’t like the feel of being humiliated and grabbed, especially in public, what makes you think anyone else would?” I furiously whisper, or at least try to whisper.
A throat clears behind us as I release Halden. I don’t turn my back on him, oh no. I step to the side as I turn, keeping Halden in my line of sight. If he wants to grab me in a public place to try and get me to do what he wants, there’s no telling what else he’s willing to do. A handsome man with blonde hair and blue eyes, a striking semblance to our waitress, is the one who cleared his throat. He looks to be the manager on duty tonight. I also see the man with the tattoos a lot closer now, basically right next to my seat; he must have been one of the chairs that moved before I pinned Halden down.
“I’m going to ask you to leave,” the blonde says. I expected it, though it still saddens me that I won’t be able to try this place again. I did almost dislocate a patron’s shoulder and threaten him with a knife so it’s a fair punishment. Halden has a cocky smirk on his face, though it dims when he glances at the knife still sticking in the table.
“I’m sorry for the disturbance,” I genuinely apologize. This is their establishment, a classy one at that, and I created a scene in it. I’m not sorry about what I did to Halden, just sorry it may affect their business. I am about to reach down to pick up my clutch that fell when I got knife happy, when the manager bends down to pick it up for me. I thank him.
“I didn’t mean you miss.” Both Halden and I look at the manager in surprise.
“You,” he gestures towards Halden. “We’ve received some complaints about the way you were speaking and acting. We have the right to refuse service and we are going to ask you to leave.” Halden gaps at the blonde, I want to as well but I stay composed. “Do not worry about your tab, we will take care of it.” Halden looks around, seeing the glares and the shaking of heads at him. He stands up, fixes his tie and grabs his jacket. I reach over for my knife and keep it in my hand, you know, just in case. Halden seems like a loose canon right now and I’d rather be prepared to protect myself if needed.
“You-”
He sees the knife I’m now twirling in my hand without looking at it, and the innocent smile I accompany with it. He swallows and shakes his own head.
“You’re not worth it,” he sneers. “And you just lost a loyal customer,” he addresses the blonde manager and then storms out. There are claps following his exit and I giggle while warmth floods my cheeks. As embarrassed as I am that everyone was invested in what happened tonight, it’s nice to know no one was on his side with the way he acted.
“I didn’t catch your name,” I’m still smiling when I address the blonde.
“Liam, I’m the manager on duty tonight.”
“Well Liam,” I shake his hand, “I’m so sorry for the drama I caused. Thank you for not kicking me out before him. I’ll wait for my ride outside.”
“Stay, you didn’t get to finish your meal,” the man with the tattoos says, looking between me and I’m sure my lukewarm, if not cold, steak and potatoes.
“That’s okay. If I’m not banned, I’ll come back and try it again.” I hate wasting food but it’s inevitable right now as I take out my phone and pull up Ridoc's contact.
“I insist. It’s the best steak in town,” the tattoo man gives me a half smile and I agree. It was phenomenal. I guess the least I can do is finish my food before going home and having Ridoc set up a FaceTime call with Rhi and Sawyer to tell them how much of a disaster this date was. I am hungry. I slip my phone back into my clutch.
“I guess I can finish my food,” I move to sit back down at my table for one now, when the tattoo man gently stops me by stepping towards me, not by grabbing me.
“Please, let us make you a new steak,” he offers. Us?
“Us?”
“Well this is my restaurant, so yes, let us make you a fresh meal.” The man he was sitting with was also already standing, likely going to intervene on my behalf too. He offers me his seat, pulling out the chair for me to sit. I graciously sit down, and he introduces himself.
“My name’s Bodhi,” he tips an imaginary hat. “I’m glad you put him in his place. He was saying some vile things. We wanted to step in sooner, but thought you were holding your own pretty good. But know that we were prepared just in case you needed anything.” As an owner, sure maybe the tattooed man should have stepped in, but I prefer to fight my own battles now.
The man with the tattoos, holds out his hand for me to shake. “Xaden.” Xaden.
“Violet,” I shake his hand too.
“I meant what I said earlier, you are a vision tonight, as I’m sure you are every night. That dress was made for you to wear. Don’t listen to anything that guy says. He’s someone who has to tear others down so he can come out on top.”
“Thank you,” but I still like that he reassures me of that, because while I may be confident now, I was trying not to let that guy's words affect me.
“Sloane, can you ring in another steak and potatoes for Violence here,” Xaden smirks when he calls me Violence but I just laugh. It’s pretty fitting considering I just stabbed a knife into his table. I glance back, yup. The dishes are removed but the knife is still there.
“Actually Sloane,” I stop her. “Can I get a side caesar with the steak please? I wasn’t in the mood for potatoes but after what he said, I had to order them.” She chuckles and nods her head.
“Stubborn,” Xaden mutters.
“You have no idea.” Xaden sits down across from me.
I don't have to try to find a way to start a conversation as Xaden beats me to it.
“Where did you learn how to do all that?” He gestures to my previous table. “I've got to say, it was amazing watching you do that.” I can't keep the smile from forming at his flirting.
“I started taking self defense classes after a bad relationship and have always been good with darts. I started practicing with daggers instead.”
“Well I’m sorry you were in a bad relationship, but I’m glad you know how to fight back. That explains the heels then too,” he noticed my shoes? My heart beats a little faster at the attention to detail this man has.
“My best friend bought me them, I think they're kinda cool.”
“Oh, they are.” His eyes darken. I bite my lip.
“So you own this restaurant?” I ask.
“Yeah. My father's dream was to have his own father and son restaurant and we had it for about a year before he died in a car accident.” I reach across the table and rest my hand on his, giving him some comfort as I know how it feels to lose a parent. “My friends and I have kept it open ever since, really making it into something special.”
“I'm sorry for your loss, I understand that kind of pain. But I'm sure he would be proud of what you made of it. I've heard terrific things about this place and had always wanted to try it. The one bite I had so far? Amazing.” I chuckle, thinking back to the way the steak tasted.
“Trust me, I heard.” My cheeks heats at the confession. “He's wrong, you know.”
“Halden was wrong about a lot, but anything specific you're thinking of?” I tease.
“You are worth it,” that stops my breath. I tried not to react to the words Halden said because they were something Jack had told me when I ran into him once after the restraining order was put in place. “You are worth protecting, worth complimenting, worth getting dressed up for, worth getting to know, worth getting everything you ever desired. You are worth being treated like a queen, and being worshipped like one too.” I swallow hard. Xaden squeezes my hand that he never let go of for emphasis. “When I got up, I went straight to Liam, told him to be on stand by in case anything escalated and to kick your date out the moment it did. You seemed like someone who could hold your own so we were just being aware in case you needed help. I was about to send Sloane in with a note asking if you needed a way out. I wanted to jump across the table so many times but Bodhi talked me down each time, saying you were handling it. And you were beautiful and respectful and sexy in the way you pinned him down. And the knife?” He chuckles darkly, “I, too, prefer daggers.” I lick my bottom lip, my mouth suddenly dry.
“Here we are,” Sloane sets down two side Caesar salads. “That guy was a dick,” she states plainly. I have no control over the laugh that bursts out of me.
“Tell me about it,” she giggles.
“I'm glad you became our waitress,” I admit, and I know I'll be leaving this woman a wonderful tip after tonight.
“Me too.”
“What happened to Anna if you don't mind me asking? I didn't think there was a real emergency, was there?” I may be overstepping but I'm curious. Sue me.
Sloane laughs brightly. “Oh! Xaden waved me over and told me to take over for her as he had another server summon her to the back. Xaden did not appreciate her flirting with a customer who clearly was on a date but that isn't something we could fire her for no matter how much he wanted to. We were debating just switching her to a different section when Liam caught her doing a shot in the back cooler. She was fired for drinking on the job,” the smile never once left Sloane's face. “I did not like that bitch.”
“Sloane,” Xaden sounds exasperated like an older brother would be, and I can’t help but chuckle at their interaction.
Sloane raised her hands in surrender, “I know I know. I can't say that kind of stuff at work.” She quickly spins and walks away.
“So you're a teacher?” Xaden questions as we start to eat our salads.
I smile. “Yeah. I teach at my local high school. I grew up loving books, but when I got to high school all my teachers seemed to hate their jobs. It made reading more of a chore and I wanted to become someone who encouraged kids to expand their knowledge and find a genre that appeals to them. I wanted my students to feel that they could find love in books like I did.”
“Well, the world can use more teachers like you.”
“Do you have any pets?” I ask.
“Yeah, one. This is my dog Sgaeyl.” His screensaver is a picture of him and his dog, whose fur has a blue sheen to it. I show him my screensaver, which is a picture of Tairn and Andarna curled up on me. Sloane comes out with our steaks and we talk the night away.
That, is the last first date I had.