Page 20 of XOXO

“Ok, but I’m always willing to go down the rabbit hole,” I grinned. “Are you ready to get out of here?”

“Yeah, what else do you have planned?” she asked as I got up, holding my hand out to her.

“Wait, don't we have to pay?” she asked, looking around.

“If we hurry they won't notice we are gone,” I whispered.

Vi’s big eyes looked around in alarm. “Levi, we can’t⁠—”

I chuckled, unable to keep up the ruse. “Relax, they have my card on file.”

“Oh my god, you are bad,” she said, shaking her head as she got up.

“I couldn’t help myself.” I grabbed her hand as the chef from the restaurant came by with a bag.

“Mr. Burgos, it was a pleasure serving you again,” Haruo said, bowing.

“It was delicious as always.” I bowed back, seeing Vi do the same.

Vi said something in Japanese and Haruo's eyes widened. He talked animatedly as Vi did the same even though it was clear she was struggling a little, but she sounded amazing.

“She’s a keeper,” Haruo said, looking at Vi with hearts in his eyes.

I chuckled, thinking the same thing as Vi blushed again.

“I’ll try my best,” I said, grabbing Vi’s hand. “Thanks again for a great meal.”

“Bring her back soon,” he said, waving as we left.

Vi waved back, following me out of the building.

“So, now you have to come back with me,” I grinned, glancing at her.

Her cheeks were still rosy pink, looking up at me seriously. She bit her lip, looking around before looking at me.

“Are you ok?” I asked, wondering if I was coming off too strong.

“Look, I’m sorry,” she said softly. “This can’t be anything more than a right now kind of situation. I don’t even live here, I’m traveling through Europe.”

I knew she didn’t live in Paris, but technically neither did I, but long distance wasn’t a hard no from me. I guess it didn’t matter since she was just vacationing.

“I thought we’d just have fun.” She bit her lip. “And then we’d go on our merry way.”

“Wait, then why did you answer serious on your profile on Rendezvous?”

“I didn't, I put casual,” she said, pulling her phone out, opening her app and showing me.

“I have serious on my profile,” I stated, keeping the disappointment out of my tone. “Maybe it was a crazy glitch.”

“Shit, I’m sorry, Levi,” she said, placing her hand on my bicep. “I should have said no to tonight. I liked your company, and it was nice to go out with someone who wasn’t a complete douchebag who was foaming at the mouth to get me into bed.”

I chuckled against my will as she looked up with her hazel eyes full of remorse.

“It’s fine,” I said, pulling her in for a hug. “I’ve had fun with you too and I don’t regret asking you out again. I guess I never asked where you lived, I just assumed you lived on this side of the pond.”

“I wish. I honestly thought you would know I was from the United States. I feel like I have a sign everywhere I go that says ‘American here!’” she sighed.

“I knew you were American, but I don’t know,” I said, feeling stupid that I assumed she lived in Europe. “You sound and feel European.”