When I was at the door of the restaurant, the hostess led me to our table. I guess she saw that I was with Jeff so she knows which table was for us. The restaurant had a very warm and cozy ambiance. There are a lot of diners even when it is a weekday. They really must have good food here. Maybe Jeff is a patron. Our table was at the secluded part of the restaurant.
"Your food will be ready in ten minutes." the hostess said as she poured water into my glass. "Is there anything else that you need?" she asked when she was done.
"No, thank you." I politely declined and sent her a warm smile. I saw Jeff and Ed entering the restaurant. "Could you also please fill out two more glasses?" thinking that both of them might want water when they get here.
"Sure miss." she said with a smile. "Is there anything else?" This time I just shook my head. She turned to leave while Jeff and Ed were taking their seats. I saw her eyeing Ed from head to toe. The smile she sent Ed was alluring.
I felt a pang in my heart. Ed was looking at the hostess but his eyes were void of any emotions. I studied the hostess from head to toe. Not bad looking. If the make was removed she is quite striking. She had the body too that would make men look her way for a second time. Other diners at the restaurant were eyeing her with interest.
The hostess eyes accidentally met mine after she was done eyeing Ed. I raised my brows at her in the hopes of intimidating her. No one dares to covet what is mine. The hostess face flushed after seeing my disapproval. She sauntered away. I felt relief coursing through me when I thought that I have successfully defended what is mine. I felt like gloating and the triumph that I felt was visible in my eyes.
"Make up your mind, Helena. Don't drive them away if you don't want me. I might really end up alone." Ed quietly whispered.
I looked up in surprise and saw both men looking at me with amusement. So they caught that, huh?
"What did I do? I was just protecting you. Who knows? She might be married with ten children. Or she might be into women." I reasoned out. My voice was a pitch higher because I was embarrassed at being caught.
" Shouldn't I at least have the right to get to know the basics of women who are interested in me? If I would ever need your help chasing women away, I will tell you. But don't you dare use me just for you to deny how you feel about me." he chided.
"I'm sorry. You are right. I was out of line." I immediately apologized.
He was right. I told him that I do not want what he clearly wants so I don't have the right to ward off women who are interested in him. I felt ashamed of myself. It was quite a selfish act.
Since I can't give him what he wants from me, I should at least wish him happiness with someone else.
It hurts. Just the though of seeing Ed happy with someone else is really hurting me. I was looking at my hand on my lap while trying to control my emotions. I can feel my tears in the corners of my eyes. I might really end up crying if I can't control my emotions. That would really top what just happened.
I felt someone's strong arms going around me. I was about to look up when I heard Ed's voice near my ear.
"It's okay sweetheart. No need to feel bad about what you did. I would totally do the same thing of someone made a pass at you while I'm around." he reassured me.
I stiffened because his breath is tickling me.
"You look hot while you were doing it." he said and kissed me on my cheeks. He straightened and went back to his seat.
"Breathe, Lena." Jeff whispered and laughed softly. "This is definitely going to be interesting."
Not long after that, dinner was served. All my favorites are on the table. Steamed crabs, baked scallops, grilled salmon, buttered shrimp and salad and fruits.
"This is not dinner, Jeff." I complained.
"You don't like the food? Tell me what you want and I'll ask them to serve it for you. I'll have these taken away" he said, worry evident in his face. He raise his hand to call the hostess.
"No!" I said loudly making other diners look at me. Both men were looking at me like I came from a different planet.
"Don't you dare take even one dish away!" I vehemently told him.
"When I said that this is not dinner, what I meant is, in my experience this more of a feast than a regular meal." I said coquettishly.
Jeff grinned at me while shaking his head. Ed just smirked.
"You really interesting, Helena. Really interesting. Beautiful and interesting. You are the most 'real' person I have the pleasure of meeting." Jeff said while looking at Ed as if asking for confirmation. When he saw Ed nod, he added "With you around? I don't think I will ever be bored." he winked while he said it.
" Yep! Not a boring day with her around." Ed agreed.
It made me feel like I was a clown or a comedian. I'm not really sure if the thought made me happy or insulted. As I was digesting this, I heard my stomach loudly grumble. Jeff choked while Ed threw his head and laughed.
"I am not your source of entertainment." I said with a pout. Trying to act like they did not hear my stomach complaining. Who can blame me? All these aroma are making my mouth water and making me hungrier.
"Diverting again, Shorty?" Ed
I don't have any dignity left in front of these two. None at all.
"Quit yapping, both of you." I imitated Buck of the movie Ice Age. "Let's dig in."