Say Goodbye

♥ Chapter Three ♥

Jordan backed into Abby's driveway with a couple minutes to spare

Nervously he checked his appearance as he smoothed back a stray hair before getting out of his truck

Knocking Jordan looked down at his watch . Right on time.

Abby appeared less then a minute later opening the door for him.

Jordan reached for her hand but Abby shrugged it off smiling

"Gimme a sec to grab my bag and lock up "

Jordan nodded as he felt a pang of disappointment

Maybe this wasn't a date to her

Had he read to much into it

Abby silently followed Jordan to his truck as he opened the door for her

"Thank you " Abby murmured

Jordan nodded as he rounded the front of the truck and got into the drivers seat

Firing up the engine Jordan shyly looked at Abby

"I have a place in mind if you like Italian ?"

"I love pasta " Abby replied beaming

"Italian it is " Jordan nodded as he pulled out of Abby's driveway

The drive to Sportello took about twenty minutes as Jordan left the radio onto fill the silence of the ride

After handing the keys to the valet Jordan walked around to the passenger side door helping Abby out of his truck.

Taking her hand in his Jordan led Abby to the entryway of the restaurant .

The hostess greeted them and led them through the restaurant filled with sleek white tables and chairs ,past the large wooden bar with stools that matched the chairs and tables surrounding it.

Soft lighting danced above the room in off white globes while various professional photographs adorned the walls .

Once seated their server delivered glasses of water along with a menu of appetizer and wine pairings that they both took their time choosing what they would like.

Jordan asked her about work and surprisingly their conversation flowed freely as he told her about the project that was his company's latest undertaking. A restoration of a local historic home .

Abby explained how her classes were going after explaining that she was a psych major at the local community college hoping to earn enough credits to transfer to Boston University to complete her doctorate

Jordan seemed impressed when he smiled at her as their server returned for their order

They'd settled on baby kale salads to start potato gnocchi with chicken for Abby and striped bass for Jordan along with broccolini.

Abby was amazed at how Jordan actually spoke during the meal .Maybe one on one he wasn't as shy as he was in a group.

But Abby had rules no emotions , no attachments nothing personal so when Jordan began to ask her about her family Abby veered the conversation toward something else commenting on how good the food was and how friendly the staff was .

They completed their meal both declining dessert and Jordan paid the check.

"I could have split the bill "Abby protested

"I got it Abs" Jordan replied as he placed his wallet back into his pocket.

"How about a walk to work off lunch ?" Jordan asked hopefully

Abby wasn't sure why but she didn't want to end her time with him just yet so she agreed

Jordan opened the door for her once the valet returned with his truck.

"How about a walk around Castle Island ?"

Abby nodded in agreement as Jordan fired up the engine.

Less than fifteen minutes later Jordan pulled into the parking area of the historic site

They found a trail and were soon off exploring the conversation seemed to flow talking about their childhoods and and respective siblings

They ended their walk at the site of Fort Independence reading all of the placards describing various key elements of the site.

As they made their way back to Jordan's truck ,he again slipped his hand in hers

Abby felt a feeling she hadn't in a long time and that feeling unsettled her . She wanted to run but she had no idea from what