Uncompromising (Age Gap, gxg)

Chapter 56

The Columbia Restaurant is located down in Ybor City, which is the part of Tampa where I was supposed to have gone dancing if I hadn't been with the date from hell. Ybor City itself is a historic part of Tampa that sprung up where old cigar factories used to be and had become a place with a lot of cool clubs and eateries over the years. The Columbia Restaurant that we were at had been around for over 120 years, expanding to be the size of an entire city block, and was always a favorite of the family when we were in the area. It would be the first time going there with Dani and Zee, but I had little doubt they would enjoy it as much as the rest of us.

I was right too, as we all gorged on a mix of Spanish and Cuban inspired foods that made all our taste buds happy. It was nice, having all the family together for a meal like this. The seven of us were doing well, and I was already looking forward to the same group sitting around the table at Christmas too, with the addition of Denique to make it even more festive.

"I'd just like to say, I love you all," I said to everyone while the food was being delivered, though looking at Zee as I finished with the word love. "Having you all around the table, seeing the smiles on your faces, and having everyone happy is like an early Christmas present. I'm so glad that I have you all in my family and my life. Now, let's enjoy the food!"

I couldn't help but notice Zee staring at me with a look of shock on her face, and I realized I'd effectively told her that I loved her, which I couldn't help, though not in the most romantic of ways. I'd said something similar at Thanksgiving, but this time she could tell that I meant it in the way she wanted. Had I meant to tell her that? Well, yes, but not in that way. I should have taken her aside like I'd done with Dani, and made it more special. But, just before I started speaking, I had realized that all the happiness that she'd added to my life was undeniable, and that I needed her to know that. I'd just have to remind her later. Many times.

Just to make sure she knew I wasn't just talking about loving them all like family, I leaned over, wrapped my arm around her and leaned close to her ear. "I should have said it earlier, but I meant what I said. I love you, my sweet girl. I'm keeping you around, Zee. Trust me, I'll keep reminding you too."

I heard a quick sob, and then her arms were around my neck as she clung tightly to me. "I love you so much, Demi. You have no idea how much I wanted to hear you say that. I'm going to be the best girlfriend ever, I promise."

"You just keep being you, and we'll be fine."

"I can do that," she whispered. "Forever."

"Hey, no making out at the table unless my girlfriend is here too," Hollie interrupted with a snicker. "Plus, you don't want the food to get cold!"

She had a point. The food was there on the table and smelled wonderful, and I couldn't wait to eat. I'd ordered a Cuban style roast pork loin with a garlic sauce that was amazing, while Zee had ordered a sampler with the pork, an empanada and some beef stuffed with chorizo. I was lucky, because she could see me eyeing her food, and she was kind enough to share as long as she got more bites of my pork. Everyone else at the table was stuffing themselves with paellas, breaded and fried chicken, grouper, and a big steak for Dani. It was the kind of group dinner that I would always remember, and I was thrilled to have it. Zee even got our waitress to take a picture on her phone so we could remember it.

It was perfect.

It only got better that night, as we all settled in to watch some movies together. A day of shopping, and then good food made for happy people, and a lot of laughs. We settled in, putting on Barbie since we all enjoyed it, then relaxed together to soak in the snuggles with ice cream and hot chocolate. Several movies later and I was carrying Dani to her bedroom, while Gracie did the same for Jashanna. Elizabeth had already left to take care of Muffin back home, and Hollie stumbled to her own room, leaving Zee and I alone after they were all settled.