Sage

50

"Thirty-three weeks never looked so good," Gale applauds as I step out of the car. The sun instantly beats down on my exposed skin, heating it to the touch.

"Thanks, Gale," I smile and embrace him in a small hug. Harry's hand doesn't leave my lower back as I do, and I swear I feel him gently tug at the back of my dress when Gale presses a kiss to my cheek. I roll my eyes just as the front door to the restaurant opens, revealing Harry's mother in a floral sundress and shades rested in her brown hair. Her eyes widen when she sees me and she nearly jumps in excitement.

"My Ellie!"

I think she remembers what Harry said about hugs, so she's sure to give me a friendly tickle on my belly that has me smiling. I wouldn't mind hugging her, but watching her fight the urge to embrace me is charming.

It had been two nights since Harry surprised me with dinner on his terrace, and now he was surprising me with lunch at the hibachi grill nearby. It was Debra's idea since she'd be leaving back to Europe tomorrow and wanted to see me before she left, but I didn't mind. I loved sushi and it felt good to get out again, especially since Harry seemed to be feeling a lot better. That night off really helped because his mood has been nothing short of lively. I'm not complaining though, I missed his goofy comebacks and lopsided smile.

His father wouldn't be joining us for obvious reasons. I'd actually learned from a quick phone call with Gale this morning that he'd taken an early flight back home under the guise of business. We both knew he was just avoiding his son.

"Hey mum," Harry hugs his mother and she grabs his cheeks, pressing kisses all over his face and making him groan in faux annoyance as he gently pries her away.

"Come on, I've got us a seat at the grill," She grins eagerly at me, motioning for us to follow her back in.

"How long have you guys been waiting?" Harry asks Gale, slipping his warm palm into mine.

"Not long, ten minutes," He glances at the watch on his wrist.

We make our way into the restaurant and I'm immediately greeted by the soft, flute-like whisper of Japanese instrumentals as well as the cool air conditioning. The chatter of utensils clinking against plates and spirited conversation create a steady hum of noise over the sizzling of kabobs on the grill that Debra leads us to. My stomach growls in pleasure at the scent, I can tell the food will be more than satisfying.

"You look beautiful," Harry leans down to compliment in my ear as he aids me in climbing onto the bar stool. My stomach flutters at his proximity, I can smell the fresh cologne he'd sprayed over him as we were getting ready earlier. It's become one of my favorite scents.

"Thank you," I keep my voice lowered. I could see the cheesing smile his mother was giving us from a mile away from my peripheral.

I sit in between Harry and Gale and Debra sits opposite Harry. She leans forward on the little bar and taps her fingers, watching as the chefs toss up foods in a performing manner. The people around the rectangle-shaped bar watch them, some recording. My eye catches a specific chef, an olive-skinned man with dark hair and thick brows. He chews on the inside of his cheek as he cracks an egg on the grill for an enthusiastic family of four, but his eyes are on me.

I glance at Harry to see his lips tugged into a slight frown at the sight. He does a double-take when he sees me staring at him and simply cocks a brow, making me shake my head and roll my eyes. I knew exactly what he was insinuating.

A waiter comes around and takes our drinks, and I order water before taking the menu and reading over it. For the most part, the place sells steaks. As much as I'd love to see the show, I think I'll stick to sushi.