Free A Soul Mate's Promise by Robin H Soprano Page A

thought it would help. You’re such a giving person and you got a heart of gold–I just want you to have fun. But do what you gotta do.”
     
    “I know you mean well Celine, but I’m to the point that I might not want to let anyone in. I could never go through the pain of this kind of rejection again.”
    “Well Darlin’, have fun on your date tonight. Who knows? Maybe Sal’s the one! Talk to you later and see you Friday morning at ten for the meeting.”
    “Oh yes, the meeting. Celine, I’ll call you soon!”
    Before I can say goodbye, Celine chimes in and says, “Soon? You better call me tomorrow and tell me every dirty detail of this date!”
    I laugh and it feels damned good. “No problem, but I don’t think there will be much to report..”

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    C H A P T E R 7
     
     
    Toby and I hopped in the Jeep and headed for town to fuel up with groceries and gasoline.
    While driving through town I spotted Antonio’s van in the lot at the medical building, and I figured Sal was there for his orthopedic doctor’s appointment. Though tempted to wait for them, I also feared that Toby would polish off the groceries, so I headed for home.
    Toby was sprawled on the kitchen floor as I put away groceries. Twice I stopped in my tracks realizing that I was humming and grinning like a little kid. I have a date! My insides felt like a family of butterflies had moved in.
     
    *       *       *
     
    I get out of the shower and wrap a towel around me. I pad into the closet and sigh at my limited selection of stunning outfits.
    Finally, I figure a pair of really nice dark jeans and a loose blouse that ties at the shoulders should work fine. I decide to finish off my look with a pair of four-inch platform sandals. I leave everything on the hanger and check the time. The clock reads, 4:00 PM. I have two hours till date time. I’m having more fun today than I’ve had in years. Hell, maybe in forever.
    I have no idea why, but it took me a full two hours to get ready. I had a glass of wine in between applying makeup and putting on my jeans, just to calm the jitters.
    With Toby fed and filled in on my plans for the evening, I let him out for a few minutes. That’s when I hear the beast come to life! My heart’s pounding with excitement and I see Sal leave the garage to make his way around to my house. I call for Toby to come inside, then wait for the doorbell.
    I answer the door. There’s Sal freshly showered and smelling of cologne. He too has on a nice pair of dark blue jeans with a white tailored shirt and a black vest. His hair is brushed back off his face,  hanging in loose curls to his collar. I just stare in awe, hoping I’m not drooling, but even if I am, I can’t do anything about it. His laughter breaks the spell. 
    “Hello, Gracie, you ready to go?” he asks. Before I can answer, he grabs me around the waist and gives me another toe-curling kiss. When he lets me go, I can feel my face turning the color of a ripe watermelon.
    “You look beautiful! I’ve been waiting all day for that kiss,” he says with his little half smile.
    We drive the Beast along A1A and enjoy the beachside breeze. Sal pulls into Bistro Mediterranean, which sits right on the beach.
    When Sal opens the door and ushers me inside, I catch my breath. It’s like something out of a fairy tale, with small, candle lit tables set with black tablecloths.
    A pretty blonde woman at a hostess desk welcomes us with a warm smile.
    “We have reservations,” Sal says, holding my hand at his side. He gives her his name and she consults the book on her desk.
    “Right this way, Mr. Petroni.” Her accent isn’t Italian, but she certainly has one that rolls the “r” and makes it sound musical.  I giggle and Sal squeezes my hand.
    “After you, Princess.” He lets my hand go and I feel a light touch at the small of my back as he guides me through the tables.
    We follow the hostess to a quaint little table