by Alex Dafney
The hostess glances up from the reservation book, her eyes locking with mine as I give her an appraising stare. She gives me a hesitant smile as she grabs the menus beside her, motioning for us to follow. Cooper motions his hand, gesturing for me to go before him. I follow the hostess through the crowded dining area, expecting her to seat us in the midst of it all. Much to my surprise, she walks straight through the main dining area toward a doorway. She opens the door to a much smaller room with a few tables, allowing us to enter before closing the doors behind us.
“You can have your pick of tables, Mr. Clark.” Cooper pulls out a chair at the nearest table, gesturing for me to sit. I shrug his oversized Blazer off and drape it across the back of the chair before sitting. He walks around the table and sits opposite of me. The hostess hands us our menus, being careful not to make eye contact with Cooper before quickly leaving the room, closing the door behind her.
Cooper starts to laugh as the door closes while I give him an inquiring smile. “What is funny?” His laughter dies down as he tilts his head to the door behind me. “You had that poor girl scared to death with just a look!” I raise an eyebrow at him, accompanied with an eye roll. “I did not.” He chuckles as he opens his menu in front of him as I do the same. “I kind of liked seeing you jealous of another woman checking me out though.”
I pull my eyes up to look at him smirking behind his menu. “That wasn’t jealousy. It was disrespectful to me for her to eyeball you while I’m standing next to you. For all she knows I’m your wife, or girlfriend. Hell, I could be a crazy baby momma that likes to slap random hostesses.” I pull my eyes back to my menu, but I can feel him smirking across the table at me.
I scan the menu as my stomach rumbles. Looking back across the table I find Cooper watching me, a charming smile on his face. “What should I order? I can’t decide.” I make a little pout as he chuckles. “Let’s see.” He says as he picks up the menu from the table. “I’m going to have the duck myself, which is amazing.” He looks at me over the menu briefly. “The snapper is outstanding, as well as the scallops. Of course, the filet is great, the rabbit too.”
I can’t help the easy smile that creeps onto my face. “I take it you’ve been here before.” He looks across the table at me with a slight shrug. “It’s one of my favorite restaurants. I’ve had a lot of meetings here over the years as well.” I can only assume he means meetings to do with the Assembly. The waiter comes up to our table with the bottle of wine Cooper had ordered as soon as we were seated. Pouring us both a glass before placing the bottle on the table and moving his hands behind his back as he looks at me. “Have you decided what you’ll be having, mam?”
I look across the table to Cooper as I hand the waiter my menu. “Everything you mentioned sounds good, you decide for me.” I pick up my wine glass as he gives me that smile with the dimple before handing his menu to the waiter. “We’ll have the crostini trio as a starter. The lady will have the snapper and I'll have the duck.” The waiter nods as he steps away, closing the doors behind him.
I glance around the empty room. “How are we the only ones in this room and the main area is full?” He picks up his wine glass gesturing around the room. “I called in a favor.” He shrugs as he sips his wine. I narrow my eyes at him. “I really hate when you do that.” He tilts his head to the side slightly with a surprised look. “Do what?” I roll my eyes playfully. “When you give a half answer.” Nodding, he places his wine glass on the table as he picks up the bottle, refilling his glass. I lean forward, placing my glass on the table as he fills it as well.
“The man who owns this restaurant is a good friend and was once a colleague. When he retired, he opened this place. He still allows me this room from time to time when I need it.” I smirk over my wine glass as he finishes. “Was that so hard?” He chuckles as he shakes his head. “Not hard at all, love. Just comes with the territory of what I do. Don’t give out more than necessary.” He sits back as he pushes his dark hair out of his eyes.
I place my wine glass on the table, twirling the stem in one hand. “What exactly is it that you do?” One corner of his mouth lifts lightly. “Could we discuss that at another time?” I scoff as I shake my head slightly. “You can’t stop, can you?” He lets out a sigh as he reaches across the table, grabbing my hand in both of his. He looks around the empty room as he leans forward, whispering. “First rule of what I do, is not talking about it in public. I’m not trying to be secretive with you. I’ll be happy to explain when I take you home, just not here.”
I expect him to release my hand. He does, only to reposition so he’s holding my hand with one of his, and the wine glass with the other. The tingles up my arm are so intense. “So, what have you been doing today?” He asks casually before lifting his wine glass. I shake my head lightly. “Nothing too much. I argued with my mom about staying out last night. Went to visit my Dad for some advice. You?”
The waiter opens the door to the room, carrying a platter. I pull my hand away from Cooper’s to allow him room on the table. Once the plate is between us the waiter steps away. “This looks wonderful.” I say as I pick up one of the crostini. I take a bite and close my eyes. “Mmmmmm.” I open my eyes to find Cooper grinning at me. “You like?” I nod as I pop the last bite into my mouth.
“Does your Dad live close to you?” I sit my empty wine glass on the table as Cooper picks up the bottle to refill my glass. “Thank you.” He nods as he fills his as well. “No, my Dad actually passed away when I was younger.” He gives me a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry to hear that.” I wave my hand at him with a little shrug. “It was a long time ago.” The door behind me opens and the waiter approaches the table, sitting my snapper in front of me and Cooper’s duck in front of him.
We eat quietly for a few moments before I look over at Cooper. “Double initials, huh?” The corner of his mouth tugs up slightly as he places his fork on the side of his plate. “Triple, actually.” My eyes widen briefly. “No way! I have triple initials myself.” I point at myself as I say it. Cooper chuckles. “I’m ashamed to say I don’t even know your last name, Ophelia.” I give him a playful scoff. “Ophelia Orene Oakes. Triple initials. What’s your full name?”
He shakes his head side to side as he picks his fork back up. “No way. No one knows my middle name.” I raise an eyebrow at him as he chuckles. “What if I guess? Will you tell me if I’m right?” He gives me a surprisingly shy smile. “If you guess, I’ll tell you.”
I spend the rest of dinner trying to guess Cooper’s middle name. “Clock?” I ask as he holds out his blazer for me to put on. I put both of my arms in and pull it tightly around my chest, turning to face him as he laughs. “Seriously? Clock? That’s not even a name.” I narrow my eyes at him as he continues to laugh. “I’ve guessed every ‘C’ name on this planet!” He laughs harder as he reaches for the door, opening it and placing his hand on my lower back to guide me out of the restaurant.
Once we’re outside he grips our hands between us, casually strolling down the sidewalk. I expect him to turn down the alleyway that we arrived at, but he continues right by. “Are you warm enough? I thought we’d go to the park before heading home.” I nod my head as a smile creeps up my face.
We make it to Central Park, hand in hand. Cooper leads us along the walkway as I take in the scenery. In all my travels I’ve never been to New York. I look up at him as we walk. “I’ve never been to New York.” He looks down at me as we continue walking. “Really? It’s one of my favorite places to go.” He says with a wide grin. I can’t help the blush that sweeps my cheeks as I look away.
Cooper gestures his hand toward a bench and we walk toward it, both of us sitting down at the same time. I pull his blazer around me more tightly as a gentle, but cold breeze swirls around us. Cooper notices and places his arm behind me on the bench, pulling me closer to him as he rubs his hand up and down my arm quickly. “Maybe this wasn’t the best of ideas. You’re freezing, aren’t you love?”
I tilt my
head so I can gaze up at him. I am freezing, but in this moment there’s no where else I’d rather be. Which scares the hell out of me. I shake my head slowly. “No. I’m fine.” He continues running his hand along my arm, warming me from the inside out at the intense tingles that course through my entire body at his proximity.
“Ophelia Orene Oakes, huh? What was your Dad’s name?” I scrunch my brow at the question before turning so I can face him. “My Dad was Robert Oakes.” His mouth twists up in a huge grin. “Wow.” I stare at him expecting his to say more, but much to my regret, he doesn’t. He stands and offers his hand to pull me up. Once I’m standing, he gently places his hand on my hip while looking down at me.
My heart rate quickens as I look up at him. His dark hair, sky blue eyes, muscular frame. Sweet baby Jesus he is handsome. I break my eyes away from his, taking a step back as he drops his hand from my waist. “It’s uh, it’s getting late. We should probably get back.” I chance a glance up as Cooper shoves his hands in his pockets, looking down at the ground. “Yeah, sure.”
We walk beside each other back to the alleyway that we arrived at. I know Cooper was about to kiss me in the park and I shut him down. Hard. We turn into the alleyway and I follow Cooper behind the dumpster. Pulling my hand out of his blazer pocket that I still have wrapped tightly around me, offering him my hand. He looks at my hand briefly as he shakes his head. “No need.”
I start to open my mouth just as he transports us back to the kitchen in my house. I look at him with wide eyes as he takes a large step back from me. “How did you do that? I always have to be touching someone to transport them with me.” He pulls one hand out of his pocket and runs it through his hair as he shrugs. “I’m really not sure. I’ve only been able to do it recently.”
He shoves his hand back in his pocket as he rocks back on his heels, looking toward the front door. “Thanks for having dinner with me Ophelia. I had a nice time.” He turns and starts toward the door as I stare after him. Crap. I really messed this up. All I can think is I have to stop him before he closes the door behind him. I take a step and the familiar tingles run through my body.
In the blink of an eye I materialize just as he places his hand on the doorknob. I reach out and place my hand on his arm, causing him to jump. He looks at me with wide eyes. “Did you just shift in the present?” I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out. I just stare up at him as my whole body tingles at our contact.
Cooper removes his hand from the door, turning to face me. “Ophelia?” I pinch my eyes shut and take a deep breath before looking up at him. “I, I, uh, I don’t know. I was thinking that I couldn’t let you leave like this, and then all of the sudden I was standing here.” I gesture at the floor. I look up to find Cooper’s eyes still wide with shock.
I blow out a deep breath as I flip my hair over my shoulder. “Can we just… Talk?” I hold my breath as I wait for his answer. For some reason I can’t stand the thought of him leaving tonight and me never seeing him again. He sighs as he rakes his hand through his hair. “Yeah. We can talk. What do you want to talk about?” I give him a small smile. “Is there anywhere you need to be? I kind of have a spot that I like to go. You know, to clear my head.” He gives a light nod as my smile widens.
I walk back to the kitchen, grabbing my purse from the kitchen table and walking down the hallway, stopping in front of Mom’s bedroom door. I knock lightly once I hear the TV in her bedroom playing. “Come in!” She calls as I open the door slightly, just peeking my head inside. “Hey Mom. I was just going to let you know I’m home, but I’m going out for a bit.” The smile she had when I first opened the door, drops. “Where are you going?” I tilt my head to the side and give her a half grin. “Just going for a drive.” She nods as she checks the watch on her wrist. “Don’t be out too late. Please.”
I nod my head as I close the door, hitching my purse up on my shoulder and walking back through the house to find Cooper standing at the door with his hands in his jeans pockets. He looks up as I approach with a faint smile. “Ready?” I walk out the front door as he holds it open for me, following behind me.
Chapter 6
I walk down the front steps toward my car, digging my keys from my purse as I go. Opening the driver’s side door to my Volkswagen sedan and sitting in the driver’s seat. As I start to close the door, assuming Cooper will get in the passenger seat, he grabs the door, stopping me from closing it. I look up at him as he looks over my car. “Um. This is what you drive?” I let out an irritated scoff as I peer up at him. “Yeah. This is my car. Her name is Betsy and she’s reliable.”
He takes another scan of my car as I become more annoyed. “Would it be alright if we take my car? I always like to have a quick way out of any situation.” His eyes meet mine and I can see the unwillingness of him riding in my car. I roll my eyes as I step out of my car, Cooper closing the door as I exit. He gestures toward the street, placing his hand on my lower back to guide me to his car.
We stop in front of an Audi sports car. Cooper opens the passenger door for me as I turn to him with a raised eyebrow and place my hands on my hips. “You don’t even know where we’re going.” He shrugs slightly as he reaches into his jeans pocket, producing his car keys, holding them between us. “You can drive. I just need to know we can get somewhere quickly if need be.” He cocks his head toward my car in the driveway. “I feel like that one has seen better days, and if shit gets real, I need to know I can get us both out of danger.”
I scowl at him as he talks down about my car. Betsy has been amazing for the last two years. Yeah, she’s a used car with a hundred thousand miles on her, but she’s gotten me where I needed to be without a hiccup. I roll my eyes as I open the passenger door to his car and slip in. It’s hard not to watch him as he walks around the front of the car before he opens the driver’s door. His long lean legs. His muscular arms and what I can only imagine that is under that button up shirt. As he slides in the driver’s seat and starts the car, he gives me a weak smile. “Where to, Miss Oakes?”
I give Cooper the short set of directions to my ‘thinking spot’. It’s just a subdivision that was never completed after the recession years ago. We pull up to the end of the cul de sac where all the teenagers in town go to park and make out, or more. Cooper pulls the car around the cul de sac, parking the car so it’s facing toward the exit. He turns the car off and looks over at me as I fiddle with my hands in my lap.
“So, you wanted to talk.” I let out a breath before looking over at him. “Can we get out? There’s a picnic table behind us that overlooks the lake.” I motion my head behind us as Cooper scans his eyes all around us. He places his hand on the door handle and swings the car door open before walking around the front of the car to open my door. He offers me his hand to help me out, but once I’m standing quickly drops my hand.
I sigh as we walk toward the picnic table. I didn’t mean to brush him off in the park earlier, I just need to explain and maybe everything will be alright. I sit on the top of the table with my feet on the bench as Cooper follows suit. I take in a shaky breath as I look across the lake. “I owe you an apology.” I can feel his gaze shift to watch me as I speak. I look down at the ground as I continue. “I didn’t mean to be standoffish earlier. I just, I don’t know about all of this.” I gesture my hand between us. “I don’t want to be part of this Prophecy, and I sure as hell don’t want that to be the only reason you want to spend time with me.”
I can feel my cheeks burning with a blush as I stare out at the lake. Avoiding Cooper’s eyes at all cost. When he sighs, I look over at him as his eyes find mine. “I probably owe you an apology as well.” He runs his hand through his hair as he looks out over the lake. “I don’t know what came over me when I kissed you at that party. I’m not usually that forward.” I think back to our kiss as Cooper leans back on his elbows on the picnic table.
I follow suit, staring up at the night sky. It’s a clear night and the stars are shining brightly. “How do you feel
about this Prophecy business? Do you really think we’re the two that are mentioned?” He turns his head to look at me as I find his eyes with mine. “I didn’t think that much of it at first, but now?” He gives a slight shrug before placing his hands behind his head and leaning back. “You just shifted through the present and I can shift others without touching them. Our gifts are definitely getting stronger being around each other.”
A shiver shoots through my body at his words. He’s absolutely right. I turn my head to face him. “What did you mean by ‘wow’ when I told you who my Dad is?” Cooper lets out a little chuckle as he turns his head slightly to look at me. “You’re Dad is kind of a legend in the Assembly.” A small smile creeps up my face. “Really? How so?” He turns his head to look back at the stars.
“From the stories I’ve heard, he was their leader when the Assembly was first started. I think the whole idea was his. He was tired of our kind being killed for their gift. So, he planned the missions, and personally went on the most dangerous ones. He came very close to breaking the barrier between our worlds.” He turns his head back to look at me. “Do you know anything about his time in the Assembly?” I shake my head. “I think you should ask him about it instead of it coming from me.”
I sit up to look out at the lake, thinking about my visit with my Dad. I still have so many unanswered questions about my Dad. About my future, about the Assembly. “I’m thinking of joining the Assembly.” I whisper. Cooper sits up next to me as I pinch my eyes shut and drop my head. He places a warm hand on my knee. “Hey.” I open my eyes and turn my head to look at him. “You don’t have to make any decisions right now. You declined the Society, but with your strength, I’m sure they’d give you the opportunity to reconsider.”