“Screw you, I was just getting settled in,” Daniel laughed, nudging his shoulder against Ian’s.
“So Ian, how long are you in town for? Maybe Violet can show you around while you’re here?” Becky suggested, interrupting the guys’ banter.
I almost choked on my margarita. I had to stifle a cough into my napkin and take a sip of water to wash down the tequila burning my throat.
“I’m just here for the long weekend but I’d love to see the sights. It’s been awhile since I was last in Pismo,” Ian said and tossed me a look of equal parts concern and confusion.
I kicked Becky under the table but kept a smile on my face.
“Yeah, that sounds great,” I lied. “I’ll just have to make sure I don’t have anything going on at the studio.”
“She doesn’t. She’s free all weekend,” Becky said, glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. Man was she pushing it.
I just smiled and took a cautious sip of my drink. Ian actually looked a little uncomfortable at the obvious tension between Becky and me. He seemed like a pretty decent guy and in spite of myself I felt bad for being so rude, or maybe that was just the liquor talking.
“I’d be happy to show you around,” I said as reassuringly as possible.
It seemed to work. He smiled and his eyes brightened. I was definitely going to have to give Becky a piece of my mind for doing this to me but there was nothing I could do about it at the moment.
The food arrived quickly despite the fact that the restaurant was packed tighter than a hipster in skinny jeans. Steak fajitas and warm flour tortillas were placed down in front of me. The sizzling of the meat on the cast iron pan and the smell of seasoned peppers had my mouth watering instantly. We all talked about work and Ian asked me about my other interests. It turned out that we had a little more in common than I would have thought. He asked about my family and I saw Becky tense out of the corner of my eye. Family was supposed to be a neutral topic, but when you didn’t have any family to talk about, it could get a little awkward.
When we finished the meal, Ian picked up the check, noting he was honoring our hospitality and not just paying because he was obligated to. We all stood up once Ian got his card back. Becky and I headed to the restroom and told the guys to meet us outside.
“So what’d ya think?” Becky asked the second we were out of earshot.
“He’s… nice,” I said, biting my lip and staring at my reflection in the mirror. Ian did seem like a nice guy but there was just something missing.
“Just nice?”
“I don’t know, there’s just something off about him.”
“Oh no you don’t, you’re not going to nit-pick this guy to death until you find something wrong with him.” She turned away from the mirror to look at me. “He’s nice, smart, successful, and sexy as hell. What more are you looking for?”
“Warmth,” I said under my breath.
“What the hell does that mean? Look Violet, he seems to be interested so just give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out then he’ll be gone in a few days.”
“Maybe you’re right,” I said, staring at the sink. She did have a point. Just because he didn’t light me up like Robert did didn’t mean I should totally blow him off. And it really wouldn’t hurt to distract myself from thinking about Robert either.
“Of course I’m right. Now get your sexy ass out there and work some magic.” Becky smacked my backside and we both laughed as we walked out of the bathroom.
“Oh and just so you know, I’m leaving with Daniel so you’ll have to get a ride from Ian,” she whispered behind me as we walked outside to meet the guys.
“Thanks for the heads up,” I said under my breath sarcastically.
“You ready to go, babe?” Daniel asked Becky.
“Always,” she said, smiling and bouncing into his arms.
“It was nice meeting you, Violet,” Daniel said.
“Night, guys,” Becky called, her voice thick with implication.
“Night,” I sighed. “So, I guess it’s just you and me then.” I smiled at Ian.
“Come on, I’ll give you a ride home,” he said, holding out his arm for me.
I looped my arm through his and we walked up the street to his car. He paused and pulled out his keys in front of a Smart Car. Looking at the car hesitantly, I worried about its safety as I hopped in reluctantly.
“So, where to?” he asked.
“Umm, just head down the street and make a right at the light.”
He started up the car and the engine was so quiet it sounded like a golf cart.
“Now that we're alone,” he said as he pulled out of the spot. Oh crap, I thought. “I have to ask. How does a girl like you manage to stay single?” He grinned in my direction.
“Umm, well for one thing, I’m really focused on my work and making a life for myself,” I answered.
“I know how that is. I’ve been so focused on my own career for the past few years I haven’t had much time for a personal life.” He paused and took a breath like he was going to say something else but then stopped.
“What?” I asked.
“Can I ask you something?" His arm grazed mine in the tight space.
“Sure,” I said, leaning toward the passenger window.
“Do you ever get lonely, not having anyone?”
I took a second to answer. I wasn’t sure what he was getting at but I had a gut feeling he hoped I was lonely enough to allow him to entertain me with his company.
“Sometimes, but I’m very happy with the life I’ve built for myself. I like the freedom of not having to answer to someone else,” I answered, satisfied at the truth of my words. Even after everything I’d been through I could honestly say I was pretty content with the way my life had turned out so far.
“You’re different you know,” he said.
I blinked. “How so?” I edged closer to the window.
“Most women I meet can’t wait to find their next relationship. They’re always looking for Mr. Right or Mr. Right-now in some cases. But you’re secure. You're…” He hesitated, trying to find the right word, “Unique.”
I laughed.
“What?” He gave me a confused smile.
“Oh, make a left up here. I’m just up the block on the right side.”
“So what did I say that was so funny?” he asked, returning to our conversation.
“It’s just, I’ve tried very hard not to be unique,” I said and looked out the window. “I’m right here.” My complex flashed by the window. Ian hit the brakes and put it in reverse, parking in a spot that was really only big enough for motorcycles and scooters.
“You can't change who you are.” The tenacity in his expression had no effect on me.
“Thanks for the ride. And thanks for tonight. I had a really good time.” I meant it. Ian might not give me butterflies or ignite a fire inside me but he was still a nice guy and the evening had gone better than I’d thought possible.
“So did I. I’m glad I got to meet you.”
“You too. Night,” I said, opening the passenger door and stepping out.
I closed the door and started walking to the gate when I heard a window roll down behind me. I turned to look and Ian was leaning across the car almost out the passenger window.
“What time should I pick you up tomorrow?” he asked.
“Tomorrow?” I replied.
“You didn’t forget that you’re supposed to show me around now did you?” He smiled.
“Oh, that. Well I normally get up around five in the morning on Saturdays to make it to the beach for sunrise.” I hoped this news would discourage him from wanting to spend time with me. Ian was nice and all but I didn’t really want to spend an entire day with him.