Not Ready

Chapter Four

At that moment, the waiter, who introduced himself as Joseph when he took our order, came with our entrees. "One shrimp scampi. Be careful. The plate is hot." Joseph sets the plate gently in front of me, and the delicious aroma seeps into my nostrils.

"And one grilled Salmon." Joseph sets James' plate in front of him. His plate looked good as well. It was originally my first choice until I saw the scampi.

"Is there anything else I can get you?" Joseph asks the both of us.

"I'm fine," James answers. Then he looks at me. "You need anything."

I shake my head. ""No, I'm fine."

"Well, enjoy." Joseph smiles before departing from our presence.

"Before we eat, are you the type to talk while you eat or enjoy the food in silence? Because I can accommodate both." James asks. It's funny to see him waiting with a fork and knife in his hand like a young child eager to eat.

I carefully think about my answer. "I think I want to enjoy the food in silence with a bit of comments here and there."

James nod. "Got it; see you on the other side of the food itis."

We eat for the next fifteen minutes while exclaiming over the deliciousness of the food and passing around small portions of our plates, along with the extra "mmmm." Even though the salmon was mouthwatering, the shrimp scampi exceeded my expectations.

"He's not all that you know."

I look over at James while chewing my food, trying to hide my fear behind a blank expression. Shaun is standing directly behind him, sizing him up. His arms are behind his back as he walks back and forth. 

"This is the guy you're gonna use to get over me?" His snicker screeches my ears like nails on a chalkboard.

Leave me alone, Shaun. I continue eating my food, but my eyes don't stray away from him, who kneels at James' side.

"You want me here." He reminds me. "The LEAST I can do is check out the man you want to waste your life with." His mischievous smile nearly cracks my facial armor. "So let's compare."

"Almost done with the food, I see." I shift my attention back to James, who points to my food with a fork. "I will say the small sample I tried was good, so I can't blame you."

"Y-yea." I stumble to find my wording. "I don't want to finish it for the sake of saving it." I force a smile.

"He's not built like me. So, I guess Shaun 1- Mr. Perfect 0." Shaun is still kneeling. Please, not right now.

"Wish I could say the same." James rubs the back of his neck, sheepishly looking down at his plate, which I notice is empty. Damn.

"He doesn't eat like me and seems to ask every second how you feel about everything like an indecisive wuss. I was never like that. Shaun 2- Mr. Perfect -0." Shaun rises and starts to circle the table.

"I think I'd be more surprised if you didn't finish your food. I am a slow eater." I respond to James to help distract me. "Is this your first time here?"

"It was a recommendation from my mother. I believe my parents dined here a couple of times."

"You gotta be kidding." Shaun stops behind James. "A momma's boy Amari? Your Mr. Perfect is a momma's boy?" He bellows in laughter. "Ask him if he lives with his parents. PLEASE, I gotta know."

"Well, your parents have good taste. Tell them good job." I give a thumbs up, and James chuckles.

"Yea." He looks away thoughtfully, like he's considering the thought, and smiles to himself. "Where do your parents like to eat?"

"Oh, this will be good." A sparkle shines in Shaun's eye as he drags a seat directly next to James and sits down. He's so close that their shoulders are touching. "Tell him Amari."

I hesitate, trying to find the right words. "Parent actually. My mom is a single parent. Haven't met my dad." I clasp my hands in my lap under the table and squeeze.

Shaun lets out a noise. "That's it? That's the summary you give? I thought he was Mr. Perfect. You don't want to tell him?"

James immediately places his hand on my arm. "I'm sorry for asking." He looks guilty. "It's none of my business."

His touch doesn't bother me, but with Shaun staring at his hand with hatred, it makes my body tense. James mistakes my gesture and quickly pulls his hand away. "Sorry!" He says hastily. "Wasn't making a move, I swear, just trying to comfort you." He blushes.

"No, it's okay. I appreciate it a lot." My grin is genuine. "Thank you."

"Liar." Shaun hisses. He's sitting with his arms folded. "So you're not gonna tell him about your daddy issues? Like you did with me? Or the way your relationship with your mom is strained? The way you did when you cried in my arms, begging me for comfort? Help you forget?" His questions are like daggers aimed at my back. Get out of here.

-------------------------------------

A.N. Happy Friday! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. As always, feel free to leave feedback.