There's Something About Sweetie(48)

“Ah, peripherally. He’s really my dad’s friend. I’ve only seen him a handful of times at events.”

They climbed up the wide steps and walked in. Gentle music greeted them in a foyer that boasted yet another Poseidon fountain (this one smaller) and an array of frondy plants in ornate pots. The skylight let in a dazzling amount of sunlight. The ma?tre d’, a dapper, short black woman in a suit, greeted them warmly. “Hello and welcome to Poseidon! Do we have reservations today?”

“We don’t,” Ashish said, stepping forward. “But I believe I’m on the P and T list. Ashish Patel.”

The ma?tre d’ pulled up something on her computer, tapped a little bit, and then turned her A+ customer service–smile on Ashish. “Excellent. I do see you here, Mr. Patel. Would you prefer our conservatory or balcony?”

“Balcony, I think.” Ashish looked at Sweetie, his eyebrows raised. “If that sounds good to you?”

She managed to nod, though she looked completely overwhelmed. Ashish always forgot what it was like to introduce new people to his world. Pinky, Oliver, and Elijah were so used to the flash that they barely blinked anymore. He smiled and winked at her, hoping to set her at ease.

“What’s ‘P and T’?” she asked as they wound up the spiral stairs, with the ma?tre d’ leading them.

“‘Peeps and tweeps.’ It’s code for ‘friends and important media.’ I guess the PR consultant decided it was trendier—and is obviously a Twitter fan.” Ashish chuckled. “Maybe ‘VIP’ is too blasé.”

Sweetie laughed a little, but the sound was high pitched and nervous.

They were seated at a small, quiet table in the corner of the balcony, which had only three tables scattered along its huge stone floor; the other two were empty. Their view of the mountains in the distance was stunning enough, but right below them was a shimmering reflecting pool filled with koi and aquatic plants that were completely transfixing. Classical music played from hidden speakers.

“Koi in a Greek-themed restaurant?” Sweetie asked.

“This is America, the great melting pot, after all,” Ashish replied.

After the waitress had taken their drink orders and promised to be back soon, Sweetie turned to Ashish. “This is really nice. Thank you for bringing me.”

“Sure.” He took a breath. “And, um, thanks for that moment at the temple. It felt good to just sit and be still for a while.”

The waitress brought their Cokes then and took their orders. After she left, Sweetie said, “You’re welcome. You know … it’s okay to need some time to deal with this.”

“With what?”

“Celia,” she said, and he struggled to keep his face wince-free. “The breakup.”

“Yeah, well, it’s been three months,” Ashish said, forcing a smile. “What kind of loser wouldn’t be over someone after three whole months?” He was aware he was sidestepping her question and not being completely honest about his feelings, but what was he supposed to do? Cry into his hands on their first date?

“You went out with her for twice that long. And it’s not like there’s a time limit on this kind of thing. I mean, not that I speak from experience, but if you really care about someone, it only stands to reason that it’ll take a long time to feel okay again.” She took a sip of her Coke and looked at him above her frosted glass.

Ashish sighed. “I guess. I can’t wait to just get over her, though. Like, I kind of don’t know who I even am right now. Samir was right that night at Roast Me—I’m not doing so well with basketball or girls or any of the other stuff that makes me Smoldering Ash.” He stopped short, mildly horrified that he’d said all that.

“Smoldering Ash, huh?”

“Just a stupid nickname,” Ashish said, looking at his drink like it was the most fascinating thing he’d ever seen.

Sweetie smiled, a gentle thing. “I like it.” After a beat she added, “And that sucks.” There wasn’t a shred of discomfort or judgment in her voice. “I’m sorry it’s been so hard for you.” She reached out and placed her hand lightly on his for just a moment, rubbing her thumb slowly over the side of his palm.

His heart thundered. Well, some parts of him were definitely ready to move on. Interesting. “Yeah, well. Let’s talk about less pathetic things, shall we?”

Sweetie took her hand back and smiled. “Like?”

“Lightning round,” Ashish said. “Ready?”

She sat up straighter and nodded, mock-seriously.

“Sweet or salty?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t it obvious from my name? Sweet.”

He laughed. “Oh, right. Okay, then how about this: Movies or books?”

“Books.”

“Slytherin or Hufflepuff?”

“Hufflepuff.”

“Beaches or mountains?”

“Mountains.”

“Cold or hot?”

“Cold.”

Ashish leaned back, smirking.

“What?”

“You should know that every one of your responses to those questions was the exact opposite of what I’d have picked.”

Sweetie laughed. “So. We’re opposites. I don’t think that’s such a surprise, do you?”