Free Unexpected Chances by A. M. Willard Page A

just enough to cause a little quake in her day.
    Make her think about me just a little for the rest of the day.
    Locating the hotel, I check in and unpack to keep myself busy while I wait.
    Two hours pass by as I look at my watch for the thousandth time this afternoon. It’s approaching five o’clock, and I haven’t heard anything.
    Just as I run my fingers through my hair out of frustration, I hear a beep from my notifications.
    Jumping to snatch it up from the desk, I see my Tabby Cat has chosen a place for the evening.
    Mr. Northwood,
    If you care to continue with this charade, I’ll be at the following location this evening around seven.
    Next to the pier is a sushi restaurant “Malibu Landing and Sushi Bar.” If you’re late, don’t bother to come in.
    Reading back over the email, I notice she didn’t sign it, nor give me an address. I’ll have to depend on the GPS to get me to the pier. If I’m in the general vicinity, I’ll be golden. One thing she doesn’t need to worry with is me being late. I plan to arrive before and have the table ready.
    As I pull out a pair of new jeans and my black button up shirt, the butterflies hit me. Knocking me back a little, I’m twenty eight years old for Pete’s sake. A grown man shouldn’t get the jitters. Maybe this is what my friends have been describing when they talk about the one.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter Fourteen:
    Tabitha
    What am I thinking? Why would I pick this place and tonight for that matter? I’m such a creature of habit.
    Driving I lean my head back against the headrest. “Shit, Tabitha. You’ve done it now. What were you thinking?” I say, to the steering wheel like it’s going to answer me.
    Just let the evening roll, not a thing you can do now. I mutter, as I walk into the restaurant.
    I spot the hostess, and she smiles over at me. I’m early, so she hasn’t put one and one together yet.
    “Party of two this evening, Sandie,” I quickly say, as she gives me a questioning look but decides to not ask.
    “Follow me, Tabitha.”
    As I trail behind her, I notice Carter off to the side already. “Sandie, I see that my party has already arrived. I’ll just head over and join him.”
    She nods her head and turns to head back up front. I’m thankful when I look around and notice that we’ll be in the back hidden by the rice paper screens.
    “Evening,” I reply, as I try to pull out my chair only to get stopped by Carter.
    “Allow me and good evening,” Carter says, as he pulls my chair out and gestures for me to sit.
    “Been here long?”
    “Long enough. Thanks for the directions,” I hear him state. This causes me to raise my menu to hide the smile that’s spread across my face.
    As I lower the menu and place it upon the table, I catch a glimpse of our normal waiter, Mitch. I knew he would spot me instantly.
    “Everything okay, Tabitha?” Carter asks.
    “Yes, everything is fine,” I respond, as I look over towards Mitch.
    “Tabitha, you’re early?” Mitch states, as he approaches our table.
    I gesture over towards Carter, “Mitch; this is Mr. Northwood, a client of SHI.”
    I watch as Mitch eyes Carter up and down, holding his hand out him, “Nice to meet you, Mitch,” Carter says.
    Mitch looks back over at me with a questioning look as he proceeds, “Business tonight?”
    “Yes. Is this your section?” I ask, as I need to move this along.
    “Oh yeah, we’re shorthanded. What can I get you two to drink this evening? Firecracker, would you like your usual?”
    Fire rises into my cheeks, “No, I’ll have water.”
    “Jack straight up and a glass of water for me,” Carter says, as he leans back into his chair taking the situation in.
    “I’ll be right back with your drinks,” Mitch states, as he leaves the table.
    Letting the air out from my lungs, “Jack straight up, huh?”
    “Only way to drink it, and for some reason I foresee that I might need that drink.”
    “Yeah, me too,” I whisper, hoping