Molly
My mind reeled with all that had transpired. Trent suggested since he skipped the meeting, he’d take me to dinner. The way he placed his hand on the small of my back when we followed the hostess to our table felt so normal and so right.
Something deep down told me he was a great guy who did what he needed to in order to live, but then rational Molly would step in and remind me that there were other professions that could help pay the bills. I wasn’t a porn star, yet I survived.
Taking a moment to calm my brain from flying off on tangents, I opened the menu and stared at the restaurant’s offerings. Thanks to our frenzied sex, I was starved. When I glanced up at Trent, he had the same expression I was sure mirrored mine.
“So, what looks good?” Trent asked peering over his menu.
“Everything. I’m so hungry.”
Trent lowered his menu and smirked. “That’s what happens when you engage in a lot of physical activity.”
“Then you must be starved all the time.” As soon as my quip exited my mouth I wanted to inhale it back in. His smirk went to a frown in a millisecond. “I’m sorry. That was a bad attempt at a joke.”
Before we left the room, I made myself a silent promise to give Trent a chance. He’d been so kind, and when he handed me the flowers, roots and all, I knew aside from all else, he was a good man. We agreed to get to know each other, and that was what we were going to do.
The waiter approached us and was ready to take our dinner orders. Chatter in the restaurant increased, and when I glanced back, a line had formed at the hostess’s station. Not knowing what to have, I told Trent to go first.
“I’ll have a wedge salad, fries, and the porterhouse, rare.”
“Very well, and to drink?”
“Beer, the IPA on tap is fine.”
The waiter nodded and took Trent’s menu, then looked at me. “Ma’am?”
“I’ll have the same, please.” He smiled, jotted my order down on his pad, and I handed him my menu. Just as he was ready to leave, I added, “But, can I have the dressing on the side and I’d like my steak cooked medium well, and rather than fries, can I please have a baked potato no butter and sour cream on the side? And rather than beer, I’d like a glass of chardonnay please.”
He tucked the menus under his arm. “Very well.”
As soon as the man was out of sight, Trent laughed. “What?” I asked even though I had a pretty good idea at what he found comical.
“You’re a high-maintenance orderer.”
“I am not. I just like what I like how I like it.”
“Right... high-maintenance.” Trent sipped his water. “There’s nothing wrong with it, you should have what you want exactly how you want it. That’s how I try and live my life. Although, as you can see, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned, so you readjust.”
In a way, I envied Trent. If I was more of a go with the flow person, maybe I’d be able to relax more. “You’re lucky. My life is and always has been very structured.” Since we agreed to get to know each other, I might as well start. “Growing up, I always knew what was expected of me. I’d go to college, graduate with a degree that would get me somewhere in life, and then get a job.”
“What did you study in school?”
“Business management. I didn’t know what I wanted to do exactly, but that major encompassed a variety of possibilities. However, like you and your current profession, it isn’t my dream job. Sadly, I’m not sure what that is yet. All I know is I don’t want to work in a school’s office forever. It’s a good job, but it lacks something.”
“Excitement?” Trent asked pensively.
“Freedom. I’m tied to a desk all day. Maybe if I had the summer’s off like the teaching staff, it wouldn’t bother me so much, but I stare at the same four walls every day. Part of me wishes I was a travel agent and could get paid for staying in luxury resorts and flying to various parts of the world. It’s a good thing I have Tommy. He shares his experiences with me.”
Trent nodded. “He seems like a good guy.”
Of course, Trent would feel that way toward my roommate. Tommy was the one who encouraged me to embark on this endeavor with Trent. “Even though he wants in your pants?”
“As long as he’s not the only one in your apartment that feels that way, I’ll deal with it.”
Heat rose along the back of my neck and thankfully our waiter was back with our drinks and salads. “My apologies for the wait, but the kitchen suddenly got busy. Normally, this isn’t a busy time of year, but there’s a film crew on the property, and our hotel is at full capacity. Your dinners will be out shortly.”
As soon as he stepped away, Trent’s eyes began to dart around the room. When he lowered his lids and groaned, I knew we’d been spotted.