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He hated his father. He hated any man who struck a child, a woman, or someone weaker than them. He glanced back at Antoinette as she laughed at something Emerson said. They were discussing competitors, and naming specialty treats from some famous store brand names. Antoinette was giving Emerson hell and it was funny.
“Oh, by the way, thank you for adding those extra strawberry shortcake muffins into the box with the brownies. They were amazing,” Stone told her.
She smiled. “I thought you might like them. Especially since Emerson enjoyed it so much."
“So, how long have the two of you known one another?” she asked as she clasped her fingers under her cute, delicate chin and looked from Emerson to Stone.
This wasn’t a subject Stone liked to revisit for obvious reasons. He looked to Emerson, who gave him that look of his. It told Stone that he was being ridiculous and that they were best friends for life no matter what.
“Well, we’ve been friends since elementary school. Then I went to Boston University and Stone went to Columbia University. We both shared an apartment after college and have been around one another forever.”
“Wow. You must really get along well. You’ve never gotten into any arguments?” she asked, sounding curious.
Stone of course thought about the numerous times Emerson had to talk him down from doing something stupid when Stone was in a fit of rage. Those were the younger days. But more recently, was the Olivia situation. God, did they fight over that one, and trying to get rid of her. Out of habit, Stone looked around and then so did Emerson.
“What?” she asked, obviously seeing them look around for something or someone. The coast was clear.
“I’ve had to calm him down a few times. You see, Stone can get a bit passionate about stuff.” Emerson winked as he picked up his glass of Clos du Bois cabernet and took a sip.
“Oh, don’t let Emerson let you think he’s all nice and sweet all the time. The man has a mean streak for business. You should see him in action.”
“I’m making progress, and so are you, Stone. Now back to Antoinette.” Emerson reached over and took her hand into his own.
“I love the way the candlelight is shining softly against your hair and face. You look like an angel.” Emerson both looked and sounded so sincere and honest. Stone hadn’t seen this side of him in forever.
“She sure does. We’re very lucky that she accepted our invitation for dinner.” Stone placed his hand on her thigh and slowly moved down her skin to her knee. Her legs were crossed, and if this weren’t their first date, he’d explore a little further than her knee.
Their food arrived, and before long they were offering each other tastes of their meals and sampling the food. Antoinette talked about the people she worked with and about her friend Tina.
“Yes, she’s a bit forward. But then again, so is Stone.” She gave him a wink before placing her fork down, indicating that she was finished with dinner.
She put the wine glass to her lips and sipped. She had such appetizing lips. He would love to taste them, feel them against his own lips.
“She’s not for me. You on the other hand, are entirely for me,” he said. She stared at Stone over her wine glass and held his gaze. They said nothing, but the intensity in their eyes surely was identical. He felt compelled to hold her, touch her, and kiss her breathless.
Antoinette placed her wine glass down then looked at Emerson and then at Stone.
“Are you two for real?”
Stone could almost see wetness in her eyes. Not like she was about to cry but more an expression of emotion. She fel
t it, too. This was so unlike any other date he’d ever gone on. Then again, he didn’t date. Stone bounced from one woman to the next, never wanting to commit or get close to any of them. More than likely it stemmed from his own inner fears of abandonment. That thought suddenly made him feel like such a dick. But he’d never met a woman he was compelled to impress, to care for, and get to know like Antoinette.
The waiter interrupted the opportunity to reply to her question, and they sat back, holding her gaze.
The waiter disappeared and Emerson leaned forward.
“We are most definitely for real. We’re both grateful that you accepted our invite, Antoinette. We’d really like to get to know you better. Are you feeling more comfortable with us?” Emerson asked, as he brushed his thumb back and forth across her hand between her thumb and pointer. She swallowed hard.
“I’m very comfortable with both of you. The two of you have great personalities. I’m just waiting for the bad news.”
The waiter returned and asked if they wanted dessert. Emerson suggested having it elsewhere.
They paid the bill and escorted Toni from the restaurant.
“Shall we walk a little bit?” Emerson asked.
“Sure,” Toni replied as they headed down the block. They followed the crosswalk and headed toward the small park.
