Page 33 of Quarterback Sneak

“That’s nothing. Wait until we get to a truly open road.”

I think I’m going to be sick.I grab the door handle and wish I wouldn’t have agreed to going on a date with him. True to his word, as soon as we hit an open stretch, he floors it. I’m knocked against my seat. My knuckles have to be white on the door handle, and I will myself not to throw up.I wonder if there are any police on this stretch.

Finally, we hit city streets, and he has to slow down somewhat. By the time we get to the restaurant, I don’t think I’ll be able to eat a single thing. I open my door and stand on shaky legs. He waits for me on the curb. “You good?” he asks with a grin.

I flash him a smile I don’t feel. “Yeah.” I follow him inside, regretting it as soon as we step inside. There’s no mistaking what kind of restaurant this is, even though I failed to look at the name of the restaurant when we pulled in. It’s definitely seafood. My stomach rolls again, and I cross my arms over it. I didn't think to tell him that I don’t like seafood. No, it’s more than that. I can’t stand seafood. I take a shallow breath and wish this night was over already, and I was back in my bed in my dorm. The hostess smiles at us and leads us to a table. I sit on shaky legs, trying not to bump the table with the candle lit in the middle. I take in the fine China and dressy white tablecloth. This is definitely an expensive restaurant; I suddenly feel really underdressed. At least, Jace is dressed similarly.

Once the hostess leaves us, I take a deep breath and try to relax. “This is a really nice place.”

“It is,” he agrees. We don’t get a chance to talk anymore because the waiter appears next to us.

“Good evening and welcome. Would you care to see our list of drinks?”

“We’ll take a bottle of...” Jace’s voice fades out as my panic grows. I hadn’t thought this through. I don’t drink, at all. I have very good reasons for why I don’t, and I don’t like being aroundpeople that do. It brings back too many bad memories of my dad’s drinking. I feel my breathing speed up, and I run my hands over my dress, trying to find my calm. “Evie.” I finally realize Jace is speaking to me. “Are you okay?”

I swallow and try to paste on a smile. “Yes. What’s good here?” I ask.

“I already ordered for us.”

I blink and stare at him a moment. His words take a moment to catch up. “Oh. Thank you.”

“Of course.”

Our waiter comes back, saving me from myself. He puts bread down on the table, and I’m suddenly starving. The fresh smell of bread overpowers the smell of seafood, at least for a little bit. When our waiter makes a concoction of fresh olive oil, spices, and fresh parmesan cheese, I swear my mouth starts watering. “Can I get a Sprite, please?” He nods and leaves. As soon as he leaves, I reach out and cut off a piece and dip it in the oil. As soon as it hits my tongue, I close my eyes. I’m so thankful for bread. At least I won’t go hungry tonight, even if I don’t like the meal. “I take it you like bread.” Jace’s words interrupt the warm haze I’m currently in.

I nod. “Is there anything better than fresh bread?”

He shrugs. “I try not to eat a lot of bread.”

I swallow my bite. “Okay. How are your classes going so far this semester?” I ask, trying to get conversation going.

He sits back in his chair. “Fine.”

“What’s your major again?”

I think I already asked him but can’t remember. “Business management.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Where’s home for you, Jace?”

“Here, in Florida.”

“So, you’re used to the humidity?” I ask, after cutting another piece of bread.

He smirks. “You’re not, I take it.”

“No. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the humidity. My hair shrivels up every time I step outside.” He laughs. “I’m used to Colorado, where there’s practically no humidity.”

“Yeah, but we have the beach here,” he points out.

“That’s true, but have you seen the Rocky Mountains?”

“No, can’t say that I have.”

“They’re incredible. I find myself looking for the mountains and forgetting they’re not here. It makes me sad every time.”

“How can you be sad? We’re in Florida where the beaches are amazing.”