Justice Falling (Falling #3)(9)
“Thank you.”
I cupped the side of her neck, and petted her pretty cheek. “I think I’ll tell you every day that you’re beautiful just so I can see that blush paint your pale skin.” She took a deep breath, and closed her eyes.
“Let’s go, Precious.”
Chapter 3
We walked silently side-by-side down the long city block. I was nervous going out to lunch with a man like Nate. Truth be told, any man would scare me. It had been so long. As if he sensed my hesitance and insecurity, his hand grasped mine. He tilted his head to the side and watched me. Maybe to see if I’d pull away? I wouldn’t. Couldn’t. It was the single connection I needed to feel calm and more at peace with going on my first date in…well, my first date ever.
I looked at the busy patrons as we walked hand-in-hand down the city block towards “The Place.” Nate’s warm palm against mine felt nice, right somehow, and the silence surrounding us completely comfortable. Neither of us felt the need to fill the space with inane conversation. When he mentioned he was taking me to one of the hottest eateries in town, I had to control my desire to squeal. The Place, as it was simply named, was a hip, trendy restaurant that masqueraded as affordable but was really anything but. I’d never been able to afford it, and I didn’t think the general population could either. It was where the elite of New York City enjoyed lunch.
Once, Hank sent me to the restaurant to pick up lunch for him and his wife. The workers fawned all over the fact I was picking up lunch for the Aspen Reynolds. Of course I knew her as Mrs. Jensen by then. The chatty steward made a point to gush on and on about how lovely she was. I agreed with him, of course. Hank’s wife was insanely beautiful and undeniably smart. None of that mattered to me. When she introduced herself as Hank’s fiancé back when I started work at Jensen Construction, she was kind and down to earth. Nothing like the obscenely rich socialite people claimed her to be in those horrid magazines.
It was humbling to know that even when you had more money than could possibly be spent, you still were compelled to wear a mask. Aspen ’Reynolds’--not ’Jensen’--was all business, powerful, able to cut you down to size if you so much as crossed her. I knew Aspen Jensen, the polite, loving, intelligent wife of my equally charming and down to earth boss, Hank Jensen. People were just people. We all had our problems, and roles we were expected to play in life. I liked Aspen even more when I realized that she shared her true self with me. She didn’t feel compelled to put on an act. Unfortunately, I wish could offer the same in return. There was a side to my life I hid and wasn’t planning on revealing. Ever.
Nate led me to a seat near an open window. This section of the restaurant had an indoor/outdoor feel. Technically we sat inside, but our table butted up against a huge window that opened out onto a garden where others were happily enjoying their meal. The sun’s rays sprinkled through the trees, and the sounds of the city were drowned out by the piped in music. It felt incredibly serene for the busy lunch hour.
“This okay, love?” Nate asked, and helped push my chair in.
“It’s wonderful, thank you.”
When the waiter arrived, Nate ordered water and something he called a “Charcuterie” plate as he handed the waiter the menus we hadn’t opened. I was disappointed for a moment. I was looking forward to pouring over the menu until he added, “I wanted to get right down to getting to know you.” It was really sweet and fit the alpha male side he’d presented yesterday and today.
“There really isn’t much to know.” I shrugged, and placed my hands demurely in my lap. I’d never been to such an expensive place. I wanted desperately to fit in. Sometimes I thought I failed miserably. My clothes were secondhand, and my dwindling pitiful bank account could attest to my lack of success.
“Start at the beginning.” His blue eyes sparkled. I found it hard to look away. “Tell me about your name. Where did Cami come from? It’s rather uncommon. Did your Mum and Dad have a reason for it?”
“I don’t know.” His eyebrows knit together. Trying to change the subject of why I didn’t know where my own name originated from, I went another direction. “It’s actually short for Camille. That’s my birth name.”
“Camille is lovely. I rather like Camille. Unique. Just like the woman.” Nate winked, and I felt myself flush with heat.
“Thank you.”
“And your Mum and Dad? Where are they now? Here in the city?” He asked with a twinkle in his lovely green blue eyes. I loved how he used the word “Mum” instead of “Mom”, but really didn’t want to get into the specifics of the fact I didn’t have one.
Avoiding my past was going to be harder than I thought. Not that there was anything of great interest or importance. I was a nobody. He’d figure that out and move on to the next hot ticket. Which would be better for me. Easier. I wasn’t the kind of girl you took home to your family.
“I don’t know my parents. I grew up in foster care. I was placed in one home or another as far back as I can remember.”
“Does that mean you don’t have any siblings?” His tone was kind and made me want to share with him.
I shrugged. “I guess it’s possible. Sometimes I lay awake at night and think about the fact that I may not be alone. I could have a brother or sister somewhere.” He smiled, and put his chin into his palm while leaning against the table.