Please Remember Me

Chapter 4

I should have refused more sternly and returned home. 

We are at a local restaurant that was far beyond my budget. Even the salad's were ridiculously priced. It became even more glaringly obvious to me that I did not fit in with these men. The stare of the hostess who sat us not too long ago was similar to the one Gabriel wore when he saw my clothes the first time we met. \

The hole in my sweater suddenly stood out ten times more. 

I felt like I was suffocating in a glamorous fishing bowl. I sat across from Mr. Coleman and Mr. Blackborne with an empty seat on my right.

"What a wonderful surprise! How are you doing Ms. Tulip?" 

Sean's warm voice did little to comfort me, as he took the empty seat, focusing his gaze on my being. 

I noticed that he was in a fitted, button down light blue shirt, with a black tie, and black slacks. He looked just as gorgeous as the last time I saw him.

"Hi, Mr. Green. I'm okay, you?" I gave Sean a practiced smile; the same one I used in my position as a secretary.

"Please, call me Sean, no need for formalities. I like to think we are on our way to becoming very good friends." 

His eyes twinkle as the words leave his smiling lips. 

He is always smiling; exuding joy. I notice he has more distinct bags under his eyes though. It must be exhausting working in a hospital.

"Aye! Me too! Call me Gabe or Gabriel, whichever you fucking like, cutie." 

A blush rises to my cheeks, but not because I am flattered. 

I know he is teasing me; probably making fun of my looks this time. I was well aware that I was not, in fact, cute in any way. Life had made that small fact clear to me, time and time, again. I avoid looking into Gabe's expressive eyes, doing everything I can not to feel the sting of hurt.

"Oh, okay. Of course. You all can just call me Tulip as well." Is all I respond with. 

I don't miss how Mr. Blackborne doesn't add to the conversation. Instead he looks  towards his menu while nodding hello to Sean. I guessed he was not comfortable giving a virtual stranger his first name, which I could accept.

Soon enough the waitress of our section comes to take our order. I had settled for the cheapest menu item; a cup of their homemade chicken noodle soup. 

It was actually the perfect item to get in this weather, I tried to convince myself. 

Although the roasted chicken dish seemed far more appetizing, the price almost made me choke on air. 

The men around me ordered more extensively. I wondered again why I was with them. Gabriel ordered a house salad and a beef stew I couldn't pronounce the name of. Mr. Blackborne ordered some escargot and a steak dish while Sean ordered a Caesar salad and the roast chicken dish I secretly wanted. 

We all stuck with drinking just water, thank god.

"Are you sure you wouldn't like anything else, Ms. Tulip? No need to worry about price, it's Dr. Green's turn to pay for everyone." 

Mr. Blackbornes' cool eyes caught my wandering gaze that was observing the chandelier in the center of the dining area. 

Shame rose up from the pit of my stomach; of course he  could tell I wouldn't be able to afford this place.

"Oh, no thank you. I am not very hungry; I had a large breakfast." 

The lie fell easily from my lips. 

Mr. Blackborne studied me for another  second, acting like a human lie detector, before shifting his attention to Sean and inquiring about his day at work. I let out a subtle breath that I had been holding while he observed me and found myself relieved he hadn't pushed the issue further.

The conversation between the three men flowed easily; it was clear they were comfortable and familiar with each other. It was also clear that the three cared dearly for one another. Both Gabe and Mr. Blackborne expressed concern over Sean's work hours and lack of sleep recently. 

Apparently a man named North, another brother of theirs Gabe briefly explained to me, would be displeased that Sean was not eating or sleeping well. I became curious with how many brothers this strange group of individuals had. It seemed they kept adding on a brother every time I met them. It must be wonderful to have such an extensive family with strong connections; those were the types of bonds that couldn't be broken. 

They would withstand time. 

I was able to remain in the background of the conversation, giving light smiles, and brief nods of understanding when any of their attentions turned to me. I could tell they  wanted me to feel included; even the stiff Mr. Blackborne.

Finally our food arrived, their appetizers first. I hadn't thought about the awkwardness of sitting through them eating their salads and escargot while waiting for our main dishes to come out. I found myself tapping my fingers against my lap, on the verge of dissociating to avoid the tension I was sure only I felt. 

Fortunately, with the appetizers came sliced bread, and fancy butter, which I stared at for a solid minute. 

It was only once Mr. Blackborne had taken a piece, that I felt comfortable grabbing one for myself. The three continued casually conversing while eating. I managed to make my piece of bread last until our main dishes came out. My cup of soup was pitiful compared to their lavish meals, but I told myself to not look a gift horse in the mouth. 

At least I didn't have to pay for this soup. 

The aroma of Sean's dish continued to draw my attention though.

"Here, Tulip, I want you to try my dish. I feel like something is missing, but I can't quite tell what." 

Sean's southern drawl startled me out of my thoughts about how delicious his chicken looked. 

I was only too happy to get to try a piece; I'm sure it was wonderful. He cut off a thick slice of the breast, with the crispy seasoned skin, and placed it on the side plate that once held my bread.

"Oh, mine too! I don't know what they did to this beef bourguignon, maybe you can figure it out." Gabriel claims as he places a chunk of beef, onions, carrots, and mushrooms on the same plate Sean had. 

It  smelled wonderfully, and I easily caught on to what these men were doing. There was nothing wrong with their food; they just wanted me to have more than my cup of soup and didn't want me to say no. My eyes teared up at their kindness; it had been a long time since anyone cared what I ate. 

I was even more touched when the emotionally blocked off Mr. Blackborne cut a decent chunk of his steak off adding it to the now almost overflowing plate without a word before continuing to eat his meal.

"Thank you all, so much..." I trailed off, unable to keep the emotion out of my voice. 

I gathered my composure quickly on a breath, refusing to cry at something as simple as sharing food. I glanced at each of them, giving a more genuine grateful smile, before trying their food.

"It's all delicious. I can't find anything wrong with them, sorry to not be of much help there." I state after trying each feeling a comfortable warmth settle in my stomach. 

For once, I was decently full  like I've eaten properly. 

I wondered if this is how they ate all the time.

"We must have been mistaken then. I assume your soup is just as good?" Mr. Blackborne questioned with nonchalance. 

His southern accent was more subtle than Sean's, but it was equally as soothing.

"Oh, yes, it's perfect. By the way, thank you Sean, ahead of time, for paying. I greatly appreciate you." I responded, placing my focus on Sean. 

His emerald eyes twinkle with amusement and something I couldn't put my finger on; that signature smile taking over his lips. Despite being exhausted, he somehow manages to maintain his positive attitude. 

What a virtue to be blessed with.

"Of course, Tulip. It's our pleasure."