Chapter Eight - Dinner?

Gabe

“I think it is time to call it a day. You have all worked hard today,” I announce.

It was eight p.m., and I had been working them hard but making sure they had breaks in between. I don’t think I have ever seen people move as quickly as Kay and Darren were moving. Aubrey didn’t seem to be in such a rush.

“I will see you all tomorrow, just your usual starting time,” I said, “We made a good start today,” I add.

Kay and Darren said goodbye to us, heading out. Aubrey was still typing away on her laptop.

“Aubrey, it is time to go home,” I said.

She didn’t look up at me; instead, she held her hand up, stating she would be one minute. I don’t even know what she was doing. I waited a minute, and that soon turned to five, and then ten. I was getting impatient. I wanted home.

I went over to her and closed her laptop. She lifted her head and glared at me.

“What the hell, Gabe?” She groans, “I was finishing up a PowerPoint,” She added.

“Which you can do tomorrow,” I replied, “I want to go home,” I added.

Aubrey muttered away and rolled her eyes as she gathered her things.

“Goodnight, Mr Hunter,” She said before walking out.

I lifted all my things and followed her out. There was security that would lock up after us. We have night security in all of our buildings. I arrived at my car, and that’s when I noticed Aubrey walking down the street. Was she walking home alone? That will not do. I am not allowing her to walk home.

I ran down the street after her. I did call her name, but there was no response and the closer I got, I realised she had her earbuds in. Does this woman have no sense? She shouldn't be walking the streets at night, alone with earphones in, because you never know who can come behind you.

I decided to prove my point. I sneaked up behind her, grabbing her shoulder. She swung around; fear taken over her face. Yes, it was slightly cruel, but she needs to realise the danger. Fear soon turned to anger when she realised it was me.

“What the fuck?” She barked, taking her earbuds out.

“Me? What the hell are you doing? Anything could have happened to you. I could have been anyone,” I said firmly.

“I was walking home,” She “And I can look after myself,” She added, still glaring at me.

God, why does she need to be so stubborn?

“Not the point. Where is your car?” I ask.

“I don’t always bring it to work, too much traffic because I am quicker walking,” She said, “Now can I go home, or do you want to continue lecturing me?” She added, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

I groan in frustration, clenching my fists. This woman got under my skin too easily, too quickly. Does she honestly think that I am going to let her walk home by herself?

“Yes, you can go home, in my car that I will be driving,” I said.

Aubrey shook her head and turned, beginning to walk away. I caught up with her.

“What is your issue, dude?” She questions, annoyed.

“You either let me take you home in my car, or I will walk you walk,” I added firmly.

I was not backing down. She may see it as annoying, but I see it as keeping her safe. Yes, maybe I am overreacting, but it’s the way I am.

“So either way, I am stuck with you?” She asks, and I nod, “Then a ride home it is, at least that way, my time being stuck with you will be shorter than walking,” She adds, a hint of a smirk on her lips.

I grin brightly at her and nod. In return, I get another eye roll, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I led us back to my car, opening the door for her. She seemed surprised when I did. I closed the door and ran around to the driver’s seat.

“Address?” I ask.

She stated address to me, and I put it into my satnav. The first few minutes, we rode in silence.

“Are you hungry? You didn’t eat dinner,” I said.

“A little, yes,” She said.

“Do you want to stop somewhere and eat?” I asked.

“How about pizza?” She suggests.

“I mean proper food, Miss Winters,” I said.

“That is proper food! There is nowhere else to eat, especially at this time, without a reservation,” She said.

“I can get a reservation anytime,” I smile.

“Of course you can,” She laughs, shaking her head.

My family are were well known and respected, so it was easy to get things like reservations. I changed direction and headed for my favourite Italian restaurant. If she wants pizza, it will be the best pizza and something to go with it. I don’t need to call ahead for this place. My family dinned here a lot. Our family and the family that own it have known each other for a long time.

“Oh, I love this place. It does the best Three cheese ravioli,” She smiles as we pull up.

“Yes, it is incredible,” I respond.

It was my favourite dish too when I came here. I found a parking spot, and we made our way in. We were greeted with a smile by Alessia.

“Oh, you have a date with you?” She gushes.

Sofia and Gino moved to the US forty years ago, but they still had their Italian accents.

“Not a date, a work colleague,” I said quickly.

Sofia looked between us and said something in Italian before laughing. I introduced her properly to Aubrey, and they said their hellos before she guided us to a table. The place was quite busy, but there were a couple of free tables.

“Just your usual, Gabe?” Sofia asks.

“Yes, for both of us, please,” I smile.

She nods and goes to put our order in. I don’t even know if Aubrey and I should be doing this, having dinner together, alone and outside for work.

“Do you want a glass of wine or anything?” I asked.

“No thanks, food, and then home for me. I am exhausted,” She replies.

I nod, another silence coming between us, an awkward one. I started looking around, and everywhere I looked, there were couples. Idiots! More than half the couples in here will not make it because relationships suck, and it ends in heartache.

“So, are we just going to sit here in silence?” Aubrey laughs.

“I don’t know because most of the time that we speak, we end up arguing or disagreeing,” I chuckle.

“I will play nice tonight, but only because you are buying me food,” She smirks.

“Who said I was buying?” I respond, smirking back.

“You invited me. You are paying,” She giggles.

I did plan on buying it anyway. I laugh loudly and shake my head. At least the awkwardness has disappeared.

Maybe us having dinner together wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all.