“That happen often?” I asked.
“What?” Drake acted like he had no idea what I was talking about as he glanced at the menu. “Any recommendations for what’s good here?”
I shook my head and let him change the subject. It wasn’t like he had control over how other people acted around him, and he hadn’t done anything to make the girl think he was interested the way other guys might have done. “Yes, anything with pasta.”
Drake glanced down at the menu and scanned the contents. “Babe, everything has pasta.”
“Exactly. I’ve never eaten here and not liked the food. You can order whatever you like. Trust me. It will be delicious,” I quipped back as the waiter approached our table.
“Alexa, welcome back!” Tony greeted me. “I didn’t know you were coming in for dinner tonight. Is your dad joining you?” Tony started working at Ciao Bella about a year ago. It seemed like he was always assigned to my section whenever I came in.
“Hi, Tony. No, Dad isn’t having dinner with us tonight,” I replied.
Drake draped his arm across my shoulders as we spoke. Tony glanced his way and his expression seemed to fall as he realized that I was on a date. “Ahhh, date night, huh?” he asked.
“Yeah, man,” Drake practically growled in response. “Could you bring us a bottle of Chianti to start?”
“I’m sorry, sir. I can’t serve Alexa alcohol since she isn’t twenty-one. May I see your ID? I can bring you some wine if you’d like. Alexa, how about an iced tea?” Tony offered.
Drake turned to me. “You’re not twenty-one yet?”
“Nope. I’m only twenty. I have several months to go ‘til my birthday. Sorry,” I apologized.
“No apology needed. Guess I figured you for older with the whole pilot thing,” Drake said. He glanced up at Tony. “How about two iced teas then?”
Tony nodded and left to get our drinks.
“How do you know the waiter?” Drake asked.
“Just from the restaurant. My dad and I come here a couple times a month,” I answered. “I know a lot of people around here. The benefits of being a townie.”
Drake tightened his hold on me. “He better keep his eyes off you before I feel the need to do something about it.”
“Seriously? He didn’t even do anything. At least he spoke to you, unlike the hostess, who acted like I didn’t exist,” I scoffed.
“I finally have you to myself. Not real excited that our waiter has a crush on you, but I’ll handle it,” Drake whispered into my ear. Shivers raced up my spine as he nuzzled my neck.
“Your drinks,” Tony said as he placed our iced teas in front of us. “The usual tonight, Alexa?”
“Yes, please. Drake? Have you decided what you’d like to try?” I turned my head to look at Drake as I asked him what he wanted. He was glaring at the waiter with icy eyes. I nudged him in the side to draw his attention, and his face softened as he looked at me.
“The manicotti for me,” he ordered and I giggled. “Why is that funny? I thought you said anything with pasta is good here. Should I order something else?”
I giggled harder as Tony explained. “That’s Alexa’s favorite dish here. She orders it every time she comes in.”
“Great minds think alike. If you love it that much, then I’m looking forward to trying it tonight.” Drake smirked at me.
Drake and I talked about school until the food came. We were juniors this year but didn’t have any classes together. It was odd since we were both Business majors and we went to a small school. Turned out that Drake was further along in his studies than I was, even after the transfer over to Blythe. I hadn’t declared my major until this year, so I was a little behind on my required classes for graduation.
“Another reason to date me. I can tutor you whenever you need it,” Drake offered before finishing his last bite. “Not like you should need more reasons anyway.”
I pushed my plate away. Even though I was hungry, I couldn’t finish it with all the butterflies flitting around inside my stomach. “I don’t need tutoring. Just more time in the day. But thanks for the offer.”
Tony appeared at the table, hovering over us attentively. I could tell he was still getting on Drake’s nerves.
“Can you box this up for me to go?” I asked Tony. “We need to head out.”
“Sure. I’ll be right back with your doggy bag and the check,” Tony replied.
“We have plans I don’t know about?” Drake teased.