Triggered

Part 1

"Can you look at me when I'm talking to you?" My date scolded.

My gaze wondered around the restaurant unsure if he was joking or dead serious.

"I'm eating." I responded with a mouth full of ravioli.

"Well stop, it will still be there when I'm  done talking. It's improper for a lady to not give a man her full attention, and for God sake chew with your mouth closed!" He barked.

I've been listening to this sexist jerk all night.  Chloe won't answer my SOS, so here I am wishing I was home already. I must admit, I am alittle leery about trying to leave. He is intimidating. I'm not sure how he will react if I try to bail on my own. It feels like my only option is to get him to leave first.
This is what I get for trying online dating.

"Sorry." I said as I opened my mouth revealing the food I was eating.
I pushed the wad of chewed up food out of my mouth with my tongue. The ball of mash hit the plate sending a splash of tomato sauce in his direction.

He stood up, disgusted by my actions. He grabbed his napkin and began furiously wiping at his dress shirt. I couldn't help but laugh.

"You're disgusting!" He spat.

"Right back at you." I said causally.

I expected him to storm out, finally setting me free from his torment, but no. Instead, he made a scene and that was so much worse.

He leaned over, clutching the end of the table with one hand while the other wrapped around the back of my neck. He pulled me up from my seat, keeping my face just inches from his.

"Listen here you good for nothing brat! You should be thankful I'm even putting up with this nonsense. You are using my precious time, my night, to goof off like a child. No wonder your all alone. Pathetic."

"Aren't you single too? You're calling yourself pathetic as well." I pointed out as I tried to break free of his grasp.

His eye began to twitch as his face reddened with anger. I could feel his grip tighten.

"Listen here you little-"

"Sunshine! Is that you?" An older man around 50 years of age interrupted.

My date imediately released me, caught off gaurd by the unexpected intruder.

The older gentlemen winked at me, queuing me to play along. I didn't hesitate to jump right into the act.

"Uncle! Is that you? I didn't even see you over there." I quickly responded enthusiastically. I rose from my seat hugging the complete stranger.

"Is everything OK over here?" The stranger asked putting his hand on my date's shoulder.

"I was just leaving." He grumbled throwing the napkin on the table and storming out.

We watched my date exit the restaurant before either of us spoke.

"Thank you, you're a life saver." I began gathered my things to go, pulling out some money for the meals.

"No, no keep your money. The food is on the house. I own the place." He added reading my look of confusion.

"Oh, thank you. You're too kind. I'm Ellie by the way." I streched my arm out to shake his hand.

"Jacob." He introduced. "Please let me make it up to you on behalf of all men that aren't....him. Come sit." He motioned in the direction of two there men eating cheese cake.

"I don't know, I should really get going."

"Nonsense, the night is still young. It can still be saved." Jacob persisted.

"Umm, I guess I could stay alittle longer." I said unsure of what I was getting myself into.

"Wonderful!" Jacob led the way.

"This is Jonny and Ken." Jacob introduced the two grizzly men at the table.

They looked more like body gaurds than friends. I felt alittle uneasy as I took a seat across from Jacob.

"I'm Ellie." I greated.

Jonny grunted in response still focused on the food infront of him.

"Hey." Ken greated.

"Don't mind them to much, always so serious. You should meet my son. He's around here somewhere."

Jacob began turning in his chair trying to spot him.

"Oh! No, that's OK. I'm kind of over meeting guys for the night."

"To late, Sunshine!" Jacob said as he motioned for the man on the other side of the room to come over.

With wide eyes, I diverted my gaze towards the cake on the table. The man strolled over. He was wearing a grey blazer, his dark hair perfectly styled and he was tall too.

"Chase this is Ellie."

"Why do you have a stranger sitting at your table?" Chase asked completely ignoring my existence.

"Well, I thought that maybe a nice young lady will help you get that stick out of your ass." Jacob joked.

I could feel my face turn red. This was way to awkward for me. I began picking at my bottom lip, a bad habit from the anxiety. When with this night end.

"I don't have time for your silly games father." Chase grumbled before returning to his original post across the room.

"Sorry about him, sometimes he gets cranky." Jacob chuckled.

I gave a fake half smile and giggle trying to hide my discomfort.

"Ellie!?" Chloe's voice rang through the noise of the restaurant.

I turned around waving to get her attention. She looked utterly confused as she walked closer seeing who I was with.

"That's Chloe, my ride home." I stood up immediately. "Thank you for you're kindness. I will see you around."

I quickly left before he could protest.

I reached Chloe, pushing her to turn around.

"Go, go, go." I whispered.

She turned on her heels making a hasty retreat with me close behind.

Once we were finally safe in her car, I let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Where were you! I sent how many messages!" I was both annoyed and exhausted from the night.

"I'm sorry! It was on silent. I didn't see your text till like 20 minutes ago. What was that? Why were you with an old dude?"

"Because my date was a raging lunatic, that's why!" I spazzed out on her.

"That old dude is the owner of that place and had to step in to help me. Oh my God, I can't with this night. Please just take me home." I begged.

"Ok, ok, I'm going." She turned the key to the car and drove off.

The car ride home consisted of me complaining about the events that had occurred. The night hadn't even sunk in yet. I still felt like I was in shock.

"Well, on the bright side you got a free meal." Chloe tryed cheering me up as she rolled to a stop infront of my appartment.

"I barely ate any of it, all I know is that I am done dating for awhile. Maybe forever."

"No, dont say that Elle. You'll meet someone. Dont give up hope." She pleaded.

"To late. Thanks for the ride. I'll see you tomorrow." I climbed out of the car making my way to my appartment. What a night.