Page 3 of Jocked Up

When we arrived at the restaurant my thoughts about Drake’s singing and how I wish he’d have been willing to be my moon so long ago, blew away. He’d brought me to the most expensive restaurant in town! Great! And here I was dressed like a grandmother on her way to a church fair. Giving a sigh of frustration I climbed back out of the truck, grateful I’d at least put on some sensible shoes for climbing out of the monster Dodge truck.

We walked in and Drake tried to take my elbow but I pulled away.

“Let’s get one thing straight, I’m here because you blackmailed me. That’s pretty desperate for an NFL star. But yeah, don’t bother with the romance and holding my elbow crap, I don’t know what you’re after, I’m guessing it’s another jump in the sack so you can leave me again, but I’m not one of your little air-headed groupies. I have some respect for myself buddy so just leave off with the romance, alright?”

I could see from the look on his face that this night wasn’t going as he’d planned. He’d tried to turn on the charm once we got out of the truck but his face fell now and he almost looked hurt. Maybe the truth hurt?

I stalked into the restaurant, an obviously unhappy camper, and waited to be seated. Drake still hadn’t said anything and that was probably for the best. I was fuming. This was obviously some women’s fantasy and he’d done it before with great success but not on me. My logical brain wasn’t having any of it.

We sat down and quietly looked at the menu as the waiter fetched our wine order. I needed at least a small drink to get through the rest of the evening. When the waiter came back we hadn’t even discussed what we were having.

“Are you ready to order?” The man in the black suit coat and slacks asked in a tone that all but stated he didn’t care.

My eyes tightened even more. Why did expensive restaurants employ such smarmy staff?

“Yes, we’ll have two filet mignon with sautéed asparagus please.” Drake handed over the menus, picking mine up from in front of me to give back to the waiter.

“Very good, sir.” The waiter moved to leave but I called him back.

“Excuse me but no. I’ll have the braised lamb, please.”

“Indeed madam. Thank you.” The waiter walked away and I glared at Drake.

“I’m sorry, I’m used to women just telling me to order for them.” He held his hands out in a faultless gesture.

“I’ve told you, I’m not one of your women. I can actually make a decision. Like the one where I said no but you insisted.” I spoke pointedly.

“Ah, right.” He picked up his glass and sipped rather than say anything else.

“How long are we going to be? I have a son to get home to.” I was being rude but I didn’t care, I didn’t ask for this.

“You have a son? Amelia never said!” He looked surprised and looked me over again, obviously thinking I took care of myself, which irked me even more. I just had a good metabolism.

“I do have a son. Like you, his father thought running off and leaving me after he got what he wanted was a good idea. Unfortunately, I was pregnant.” My anger was palpable.

“Ah.” Drake didn’t say it but I could tell he was impressed, I’d persevered. “More wine?”

“No thank you. That’s not going to work either.” It was then I realized I sounded like a very bitter woman, which I suppose I was. He’d hurt me, deeply, and pulled me into this. I resented that.

“I wasn’t…” Drake began, but I interrupted.

“I’ll spell it out again, Drake. I’m only here because you made sure I couldn’t say no. I’m going to eat my food, you’re going to take me home, and that’s it. The flowers, the wine, the food, is not going to make me change my mind. I don’t like you. You’ve used me and thrown me away already, why put us through this again?” That’s the one thing I couldn’t figure out. “Why me, anyway? I’m sure there’s a plethora of women in this town that can keep you company for the short time you’re going to be here.”

“I guess I saw you and knew I’d made a mistake. I wanted to try to make amends.” His words came out without a moment’s thought so I knew they weren’t planned, but still, I couldn’t allow my heart to melt, not even a little bit.

“Oh, that’s nice, a little late though.” I sneered the words but shut up as the waiter brought our food. We ate in silence and I refused dessert. I don’t even know what the food tasted like, by that point I had allowed my anger and rage from the last six years to build to a point where I felt my eyes must surely be glowing with it. Why didn’t he just take me home?

Drake paid the rather overpriced bill and we went out to the truck. I didn’t even tell the waiter goodbye. I just picked my bag up off of the back of my chair and stalked out. I’m sure the town would soon be buzzing about the date I blew with Drake Saterlee. But first, they’d all have to believe I actually went out on a date, something unheard of in the place I’d lived in all of my life. I’d even heard whispers about Immaculate Conception where Peter was concerned.

Drake pulled into my driveway and he’d apparently got the idea by now because he didn’t even put the truck into park.

“Well, thanks, Bethany.” He looked depressed but I wasn’t being swayed.

“Yeah, I needed that trip down memory lane, Drake. Bye.” I jumped out of the truck, slamming the heavy door shut as I walked away. That was a really nice truck but it was driven by an asshole. I unlocked the door and let myself into my house.

Thank goodness it’s over! I’d made it through the night without humiliating myself. I’d been strong, stood up for myself, and told him off more than once. I walked into the bathroom, turning on the bathtub faucet. I needed a bath to wash away the hurt before Peter’s sitter brought him home.

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