I Choose You

Can I Be Him

"You walked into the room and now my heart has been stolen

You took me back in time to when I was unbroken

Now you're all I want

And I knew it from the very first moment"

- "Can I Be Him" by James Arthur

**

"Holden, why won't you tell me where we are going?" I asked for the millionth time. After picking me up at my father's, Holden had been acting mysterious and it was irking me. I just wanted to know where we would get me some much-needed food. There was no need to act all secretive.

Holden pulled into the parking lot of one of the most expensive restaurants in town. For a reason, I did not know until it clicked and my jaw nearly hit the floor. "Please tell me this is a joke."

Parking the car, Holden looked over at me with a smile. "Why would this be a joke, Gracie?"

I gritted my teeth at the nickname but decided to not respond. There were more impending matters. "Well, for one I'm in jeans. I can't go into a place like this in jeans." I would be embarrassed to no end. The State Grill was high class. Jeans were not in the dress code if there was one.

"You won't be kicked out, I promise." Holden tried reassuring me by placing his hand on top of mine and giving me a gentle squeeze.

While his action was comforting, I still couldn't get over the human contact. I pulled away as stealthy and polite as I could. "I can't afford this," I argued, knowing that was the true kicker. 

Even if I gathered the courage to go inside, underdress, it didn't mount to the find that I was broke. The amount in my account would probably only get me water and their cheapest appetizer. For the same cost, I could get two meals at the nearest fast food place. 

"You don't have to worry about that. I'm paying."

I shook my head. "I can't ask you to do that." I felt sick at the idea that someone else was going to pay for me. I never liked burrowing or spending on someone else's dime. It was not necessary. 

"I know The Maine Tearoom does not pay you enough to cover both of us at a place like this." I honestly remarked. While The Maine Tearoom paid above minimum wage, it was not enough income to throw caution to the wind and spend hundreds at a place like The State Grill.

"Am I going to have to drag you out of the car?" Holden inquired with a serious expression.

I narrowed my eyes in a challenging manner. "You wouldn't."

Holden unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car. Coming over to my side, Holden opened my door and stood there unwavering. "I will, Gracie, and won't bat an eyelash."

I huffed and got out of the car. "I can't believe you're making me do this."

"Yes, I'm forcing you to have one of the best meals of your life. I'm such a torturer," Holden teased. 

Seeing Holden make a joke, caused a smile to find my face. Happiness was rare for Holden. More often than not when I saw him there was sadness in his tone and eyes. He tried to hide it but it was always there.

At that moment, as we were headed inside the restaurant, I noticed Holden seemed to be in higher spirits than usual. I was glad he invited me out and that he was able to put some of his problems behind him - even if it was just for a little while.

"Hello. Do you have a reservation?" The hostess asked, her eyes landed on Holden first and the corner of her lips twitched up a little more than before. Glancing at me, the hostess eyed me up and down. There was a slight distaste lingering behind her gaze.