Page 27 of Someone Exactly Like Me (Wounded Hearts 1)
“Good. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. How are you feeling today?”
She lets out a laugh and bugs out her eyes slightly. “Well, I don’t drink very much and definitely had quite a bit to drink last night. This morning was tough. But, I’m feeling better now.”
“You have to be careful when you go to those places and have a little too much to drink. You put yourself in a scary situation.”
“Last night was unusual. I rarely go out to places like that. And when I do, I’m usually the designated driver and don’t even drink.” She drops her chin toward her chest, her gaze follows. Then she looks back up. “Thank you again for being in the right place at the right time and stepping in.”
“Of course. I was watching for you.”
“You were?” Her brows pinch together.
“Yes, I was.” I lift the white linen napkin that’s keeping the bread warm and cut off a piece. “Would you like some?” I hold the piece toward her.
“Yes, please.”
Handing her the bread, I cut off another piece, dip it in the oil, and take a bite. “Mmm, this focaccia is excellent. And the wine is very good also.”
“I thought you might like it here.” She smiles sweetly.
“I do. It has a nice atmosphere.” I gesture my hand in the air. “All the details are just so. The decorating, the music, the candlelight, the flowers.” I point to the small arrangement of burgundy hypericum, purple peonies, and red roses. Being a gardener for so many years, I learned a great deal about flowers and these are perfectly arranged. I take a sip of wine. “So, I’m here for a couple weeks on vacation and I want to learn the area. But I don’t want to waste time. I’d like to hire you to show me around. That is if you have time in your schedule. I don’t want to interfere with your writing. What do you think?”
Her eyes shift slowly from side to side. Then she tilts her head slightly and her right eye squints. “You want me to be your tour guide?” The pitch of her voice raises as though I’ve asked something crazy.
“Yes,” I say flatly. “I know this will take away time from your writing so I’m willing to pay you for your time. I already know you could use the money.”
“Wait. You want to pay me to show you around town for a few days?”
“Yes. You live here so you know your way around, you know good places to go. You can give me recommendations for when I live here someday. And I want to pay you for your time and knowledge. This will also give you research material for your book. It’ll be more than a few days. Again, if you have the time.”
She takes a slow sip of her wine. As she puts down her glass, her lips twist to the side. “I’m happy to show you around, but you don’t need to pay me.”
I suspected she’d refuse payment. “Then no. I’ll just use Google.”
My response elicits a chuckle from her. “Nicco, you can’t just use Google.Thatwould be a waste of time for sure.”
“Well, you seem determined to refuse to help me.”
“No, no. Iwillhelp you. You just don’t need to pay me.”
“Then forget it. I won’t accept your help if you won’t let me pay you.” She’s fiercely independent which I like, but it’s also frustrating.
She sighs. “You’re kind of stubborn, you know?” Her lips lift into a provocative smile.
“Me? I’m stubborn? Look who’s talking.” I chuckle and nod at her. “I want what I want and I do what I need to do to get it.”
One last contemplation as she purses her lips together. “Okay, I’ll show you around. And I’ll accept payment for my time, a hundred dollars.” She reaches her small hand across the table.
I don’t agree to the hundred dollars, but reach out and take her soft hand in mine, shaking it.
“When do you want to start and what kinds of places do you want to know about?”
The thought of spending time with her over the next couple weeks fills me with a pleasure I haven’t felt in ages — excitement. I’m looking forward to learning about her. It’s been a long time since I’ve cared to learn more about a woman.
“Let’s start tomorrow. Monday and Wednesday are no good because of my meetings. I want to know great places to eat, where to go for fun, and good beaches.”
“Okay.” She nods. “I’ve got some ideas already. I can make up a list for you too so you’ll remember them once you’re here permanently.”
“That would be great. Thank you.”
