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“Where do you want to go? You choose.”
“Ocean Prime?” I suggested.
“My man!” He slapped me on the back and we began walking the few blocks to the restaurant.
We stepped through the large glass doors and were met by the hostess, who seemingly recognized us. She gave us a warm smile and stood up a little straighter.
“Freddy,” she said, opening her arms wide. “It’s been awhile.”
“I know, sweetheart. Been busy delivering babies.”
She giggled before looking to me. “Mr. Daniels,” she nodded and gave me a shy smile.
“Hello,” I said.
“Table for two?” she offered.
“Yes, please. Usual spot if you have it,” said Freddy, looking toward the window.
“You got it.” She grabbed two menus and gestured for us to follow her.
Freddy’s eyes fell exactly where I expected as her hips swished in a tight skirt. I rolled my eyes at how obvious he was and nudged him with my elbow.
“What?” he asked, oblivious.
“She’s like twenty-one.”
“I’m just looking,” he whispered with a sly smile.
“Here we are,” said the hostess, pulling our chairs out slightly.
We both sat and she handed us our menus.
“Your server will be right with you,” she said before walking away.
Freddy’s eyes followed.
“So, how is Virginia?” I asked, breaking his focus.
Freddy sighed heavily. “Everything was going great. Really damn good. I mean, you met her. She was a firecracker.”
“She definitely kept up with you,” I recalled.
“Until she couldn’t…”
“Uh-oh. What happened?”
“She got tired of the doctor life and me being on call at every hour of the night. It’s not like I can predict when a baby will be born. I thought she knew what she signed up for.”
“I’m sorry, man,” I said.
“I just can’t stop thinking about her. I thought she really might be the one. After we went to dinner with you and…”
“You can say her name,” I said.
“Heart. After that dinner, I realized how well she fit into my life. It felt like she had always been there.”
“Well, maybe it’s not over yet. I wouldn’t give up so easily,” I suggested.