by Lydia Rose
“Hey, Erin, is the table acceptable?” Sharon asked with a smirk.
“Yes, thank you.”
Sharon turned to Jane. “Hello.”
“Sharon, this is Jane. Jane this is my good friend, Sharon.”
Jane put out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Sharon. Thank you for getting us a nice table.
“Anything for Officer Walters. What can I get you two to drink?”
“Jane,” Erin said looking at her date.
“I’ll have a white wine.”
“Beer, Erin?”
“Please.”
Sharon leaned down over the table. “Don’t choose something until I tell you about the specials. They are marvelous.” She walked away from the table.
Both women closed their menus and smiled at one another.
“How do you know Sharon?”
“We’ve been friends for years. I met her through my other friend Casey.”
Sharon returned with their drinks and began to describe the specials. Jane chose one of the specials and Erin chose another.
“Maybe you’ll let me taste your meal?” Erin asked with a wink.
“Sure, if you let me taste yours. I was torn between the two specials.”
“So how long have you been cooking?” Erin asked interested.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to do nothing else. I learned to cook from my mother and grandmother. They are both wonderful cooks.”
“Where did you go to school?”
“Paris,” she said softly.
“Wow. That’s great. So you and Denny decided to open a place together?”
“Yeah, we talked about it the whole time we were in culinary school. We had a lot of working in tough kitchens before we had the money to open our own place.”
“I have never had a bad item from your shop.” Erin laughed. “I am partial to your breakfast burritos, but I have tried your salads and fried chicken.”
“Come by some evening and I’ll fix you something to take home for dinner,” Jane said, not meeting the blue gaze.
“Thanks. I might just do that.” Erin watched Jane and could see a slight blush across the petite woman’s face.
Sharon delivered their appetizers and disappeared from the table.
Erin ordered the crab cakes and Jane was having the lobster salad.
“Would you like to try some of this?” Jane offered.
“Only if you’ll take one of my crab cakes.” Erin held up her plate.
Jane took the plate and put a crab cake on her plate. Then she added half her salad to Erin’s plate.
“Thanks,” Erin said when the plate was handed back to her. She took a bite of the salad. “Oh, that’s good. This is the way I like to eat. Some women look at me like I’m insane when I suggest sharing.”
“I believe all great food should be shared. How else are you going to try something different?”
Erin smiled as she dug into her plate. “I love your philosophy and I love this salad. The crab cake is good, too.”
No sooner had they finished the appetizers when Sharon brought their main course. “Another beer, Erin?”
“I’ll have a coke instead.”
“How about you, Jane?”
“I’ll have another glass, thank you.”
The women looked at their plates before catching a glimpse of the other’s special. They both laughed before Erin handed her plate to Jane to divide up the food.
“Thanks for having dinner with me, Jane.” Erin wore a bright smile as she had dinner with Jane. Maybe because it wasn’t a date, they felt so comfortable with each other.
Jane’s fork paused, “Thank you for inviting me. It’s been a long time since I’ve been out to dinner.” Her voice lowered. “I mean besides with family and Denny.” Her face blushed with embarrassment in admitting such a dark secret.
“I’m honored to be the one to share a meal with you.” Erin smiled at her dining companion. Her hand began to reach for Jane’s, but retreated.
Jane watched the hand approach and she almost pulled her hand back. Thankfully, Erin retreated instead.
“It’s been a while since I went out on a date with anyone, too.” Erin realized what she had said. “Not that I’m considering this a date,” she raised an eyebrow, “unless you want it to be?”
“Erin, I’m enjoying myself, but I don’t date.” Another secret Jane admitted.
“Ever?” Erin asked not understanding.
Jane shook her head without looking at Erin.
“So I guess you’re not even gay?” Erin asked, trying to figure this strange woman out.
“I identify myself as gay. I’ve never been attracted to men.” Jane put down her fork.
“So you’ve dated women?”
Again, Jane shook her head no. Jane couldn’t believe she was admitting her darkest secret to the woman.
“I’m confused,” Erin said, holding her head with her hand.
“You wouldn’t be the first woman to say that to me.” Jane felt her face turning red.
Erin picked up her fork and began eating again. She had no clue how to respond to Jane’s admission. She’s gay, but she doesn’t date.
“You’re probably thinking how do I get away from this wacko?” Jane couldn’t meet Erin’s eyes as she asked.
“I’m not, Jane. I like you, but I guess we can just be friends,” Erin said sadly.
“I’m sorry,” Jane said softly.
“Hey, don’t sweat it. Plenty of women have turned me down.” Erin grinned. “You’re not the first.”
“Erin, I’m not turning you away. It’s just—” Jane didn’t finish.
“You just don’t have any interest in dating me,” Erin said sadly.
“I’m sorry. If I wanted to date, you certainly would be someone I would be interested in.”
Erin grinned. “Well, that’s a start.” Jane’s statement gave Erin new hope.
“How was your meal?” Sharon asked as she collected the plates.
“Thank you for suggesting the specials. They were delicious,” Jane said smiling.
“And she should know. She owns the Market Fresh in town,” Erin said quickly.
“Oh, I love that store. Your shrimp salad is so good.” Sharon leaned down. “I would love to try the lobster salad, but—” She held up her hands in defeat knowing she couldn’t afford to buy it.
“Next time you come into the store, ask for me. I’ll give you a container.”
“Really?” Sharon couldn’t believe it.
“Of course.”
“I love your girlfriend, Erin. Be good to her.” Sharon took the dishes and walked away.
“Sorry.”
“That’s okay, Erin.” Jane was relaxed and smiling.
“You just made Sharon’s day with your offer.”
Sharon returned. “So what can I get you two for dessert?”
“I’ll have the chocolate mousse,” Jane said quickly.
“I’ll just have coffee, Sharon.”
“No dessert?” Jane asked surprised.
“I am a big fan of chocolate mousse, but unless you want me to unbutton my pants…” Erin giggled. “I couldn’t eat another bite.” Once Sharon walked away, Erin asked, “I don’t know where you put all that food in that tiny body of yours.”
“I have a fast metabolism. I take after my mother and Gran. Besides, I’m going from six am to six at night in the store.”
“You’re lucky. I exercise a lot because I love to eat.” Erin shrugged. “I try to eat healthy, but sometimes it’s hard.”
“You should let me make you a fruit salad a few times a week with some granola.”
Erin wrinkled her nose. “Said the woman who is about to devour chocolate mousse.”
“Monday morning I’ll have something special waiting for you for breakfast. No charge.”
“I can pay for my own food,” Erin insisted.
“I know you can, but if you don’t like it,” Jane shrugged, “you hav
en’t lost anything.”
“Just my appetite,” Erin said smiling.
Jane pouted. “You don’t have faith in me?”
“I don’t know you well enough. You’ll have to go out to dinner with me a few more times before I can trust you.”
Jane began to laugh. “Is that how you get your dates to go out with you again?”
“What? Remember, this isn’t a date according to you.” Erin winked at Jane as Sharon brought the dessert and coffee. Before Sharon left the table, Erin slipped her credit card to her. “Would you excuse me a moment?” Erin asked standing.
“Of course.” Jane was so busy eating, she never questioned Erin’s intentions.
Erin found Sharon and filled out the receipt adding the tip and signing the receipt.
“She’s very pretty, Erin. Nice, too.”
“Yeah, but she’s not my date.”
“That’s a pretty expensive meal for someone who is not your date.”
“I know, but I think she’s going to be worth it.”
“Don’t get hurt, Erin,” Sharon said, kissing her cheek.
“I’ll try not to,” Erin answered, before going back to the table. “How’s the mousse?”
“Wonderful. I should make this for the shop, but I’m afraid I’d eat it all.”
“So you are a chocaholic?”
“Afraid so,” Jane answered honestly. “Would you like a taste?”
“No. I’m enjoying myself watching you,” she said with a giggle.
Jane lowered her spoon and grabbed her stomach. “I think I ate too much.”
Erin chuckled. “Well, we could go for a walk on the boards.”
“Not in these shoes,” Jane said, pointing to her feet.
“We could stop at your house and you could change first.”
Jane looked at her watch. “I would love to, but I’m at the store at six tomorrow.”
“Sure, I understand.” Erin stood up and placed her napkin on the table.
“Wait,” Jane said grabbing Erin’s hand. “We haven’t paid yet.”
Erin looked at Jane and then at the hand that held hers. “I paid already.”
“Why didn’t you let me split the bill?” Jane let go of Erin’s hand.
“You can pay next time.” Her grin opened wide.
“Another trick you use to get a date to go out with you.” Jane was laughing as they waited for the valet to retrieve their vehicle.
“Again, this was not a date,” Erin said, opening Jane’s door.
Jane was quiet during the ride back to her house. It wasn’t that she had nothing to say to Erin, but she felt comfortable enough with the quiet.
As Erin pulled in the driveway, she said. “I had a real nice time, Jane. Thank you for sharing your food with me.” Erin turned and smiled. “I have not enjoyed a meal as much as tonight.” She opened her car door and reached Jane’s door before she could get out of the car.
They both walked to the porch together. “Have a good day at work,” Erin said as she held out her hand.
Jane looked down at the extended hand and clasped her hand in Erin’s. “I had a good time too, Erin. Maybe we can do it again?”
“I’d like that. Let me know when you’re off again. Good night.” Erin turned and went down the stairs. She didn’t pull out of the driveway until Jane was inside the house.
“So how was dinner?” Abby asked through the dim light.
Jane grabbed her heart. “Damn, Gran. You scared the crap out of me.” Her hand came down. “What are you still doing up?”
“Waiting for you.” Abby now led Jane to the living room. “So?”
“The food as always was wonderful. We shared our appetizers and dinner.” Jane’s fingers went to her lips and kissed them. “The meal was perfect.”
Abby rolled her eyes. “What about Erin?” she asked impatiently.
“What about her?” Jane asked wrinkling her eyebrows.
“Did you enjoy your time with her?”
“Erin was pleasant and personable.”
Abby laughed. “Pleasant and personable.” She was now shaking her head. “Do you like her?”
“Yeah, I like her. I think we can become friends.”
“Friends.” Abby grumbled. This girl can’t be this thick. Can she? “So you just want to be her friend?”
“Yeah.” She looked at Abby. “What else would we be?”
Abby sighed and stood up. “I’m going to bed.” She was mumbling as she went up the stairs. “Not worth staying up to hear that. What is wrong with that girl?”
Jane went around closing the lights oblivious to her grandmother’s ranting.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Jane was back at work Sunday morning when she heard her phone chime. She reached into her pocket and read the text.
Thanks for having dinner with me. I had a really good time. Erin.
Jane smiled before she returned her phone to her pocket.
Three hours later, Erin walked into the store. “Hey, Erin, didn’t expect to see you today,” Rita said greeting her.
“Yeah, me either. I’ll have a breakfast burrito and a coffee.”
Rita went over to the warming drawer and retrieved her order.
“Your boss thinks I eat too many of these. She’s making me something healthy for breakfast tomorrow morning.” Rita raised an eyebrow. “I thought I better have one while I can.”
“When did Jane tell you that?” Rita asked not looking at Erin.
“Last night.”
Now Rita’s mind was spinning with a thousand questions, but knew Jane well enough not to ask anything. “Well, enjoy your meal, Erin.”
“Thanks, Rita,” Erin said already digging into the burrito.
As the morning rush slowed, Jane was out front checking to see what needed to be added to the front cases.
“Erin was in here this morning,” Rita said casually, but Jane didn’t comment. “She wanted to get a breakfast burrito before you cut her off.”
Jane stopped what she was doing and stood there staring at Rita. “What did she tell you?”
“Just that you thought she ate too many of those and you were going to make her something healthy tomorrow morning.”
“It’s not healthy to eat those five days a week,” she said trying to sound casual.
“Since when do you care what your customers eat?”
“She’s a police officer,” Jane said as if that answered everything.
Rita just laughed and walked away knowing she wasn’t going to get a straight answer out of her boss.
****
Monday morning Erin walked into the store and was handed a bag and a cup of coffee. “Enjoy, Erin,” Rita said with a laugh.
“Do you know what it is?” Erin asked, looking suspiciously at the bag.
“Not a clue.” Rita was chuckling softly.
Erin left the shop knowing the meal was free. She got into her car and looked in the bag. There was a container of homemade granola. She put a handful in her mouth. Her eyes opened wide in surprise. “Not bad,” Erin said to the empty car. Erin now opened the other container. There was fresh fruit in some type of sauce. She reached into the bag and used the fork to taste the fruit. Again, her eyes opened wide. “Yum,” she said. “That’s good too. Maybe I can eat healthy and enjoy it.” Erin now chuckled. “Well, a few days a week.” She drove to the precinct.
An hour later she got a text. Did you eat the breakfast or throw it away?
Erin laughed and began to answer. I ate it and liked it. Okay, you were right. I can eat healthy a few days a week, but can I have a breakfast burrito tomorrow? Pretty please?
Jane stood there laughing at her phone when Denny looked at her. “What’s so funny?”
“Sometimes you can teach an old dog new tricks,” Jane said not explaining.
“Teach who?” Denny asked.
“Just someone I know.” Jane wouldn’t say Erin’s name, but she knew she wasn’t fooling anyone.
“
You don’t know anyone. Is it your police officer?” Denny asked moving closer.
“None of your business.”
“You like her,” Denny said as he began to laugh. “I knew it. It is about time.”
“I’m just trying to get her to eat healthy once in a while,” Jane said nonchalantly.
“That’s because you like her and want to take care of her.”
“Go back to work before I fire you.” Jane was now laughing too.
At lunchtime Jane sent Erin a text. If you don’t have plans for dinner, come by the shop. I’ll have something healthy and scrumptious for you.
Jane didn’t hear back from Erin for several hours. Finally her phone chimed. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I was directing traffic from an accident. Is the healthy and scrumptious thing you? Jane began to laugh and then covered her mouth with her hand. Funny, but no. She now stood there with the phone in her hand waiting for an answer. Can’t blame a girl for trying, but yes I will be there. What time? Jane wanted to say now or five minutes ago, but she responded, “Six fifteen.
The next phone call Jane made was to her grandmother. “Hi, Gran.”
“Hello, dear, is everything okay?” Abby asked since she rarely heard from Jane during the day.
“Yes, Gran, I just wanted to let you know I won’t be home for dinner.”
“Hot date?” Abby asked with a laugh.
“No,” Jane said firmly. “I’m having dinner with Erin.”
“Wonderful, dear, I’m happy that you and Erin are hitting it off.”
“We’re just friends, Gran,” Jane said rolling her eyes.
“I know, Jane. It’s good for you to have friends.”
“I’ve got to go, Gran. I’ll see you later.”
“Have fun, dear.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
At six fifteen there was a knock on the front door of the store. The closed sign hung on the inside. Jane walked over to the door smiling. “Hi, Erin.” She stepped out of the way. “Come on inside.”
“Thanks for the dinner invitation.” Erin followed Jane through the store to the kitchen.
“Have a seat.” Jane motioned for Erin to sit at the small table that was in the kitchen.
Erin put the napkin on her lap and rubbed her hands together. “I’m ready for my scrumptious meal.”
Jane silently laughed as she put a salad in front of Erin. The smile left Erin’s face. “I did tell you healthy.”