First Date
Ainsley takes his hand away from my face, and for the first time in my life I feel truly close to a stranger. Somehow by touching me, I can tell he knows my life story. But how? Is he some kind of magician? Maybe he’s a warlock from Brooklyn’s coven? No, that can’t be it. He would never let her cast a spell on him.
A look of concern crosses Ainsley’s handsome face as he slowly pulls away from the curb. “You look so confused. Are you feeling ill?”
“How did you know I wanted sushi?”
He guns the engine. “Just a lucky guess.”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “No, really.”
“It is on your screen.” Ainsley points to my lap.
I look down at my phone, and sure enough the screen shows the sushi place I found. But how did the restaurant pop back up when I had just looked at the Italian place? I’m certain Ainsley is hiding a secret gift, but I’m not going to find out what it is unless he tells me. My experience with Brooklyn taught me that. I let it go for now. “You want the address to the sushi place?”
“Why don't you just tell me how to get there? I’m not familiar with this car’s GPS system.” He stops at a red light and gives me a smile. “I love sushi, by the way.”
Sounding off each turn, I play navigator for the five blocks to the restaurant. We pull up in front of a sleek modern building made of stainless steel panels, punctuated by huge picture windows. A small bamboo garden is in the front. Noritake is one expensive looking restaurant.
An Asian valet pops off the curb and opens my door. “Irasshaimase. Welcome to Noritake. Enjoy.”
Another valet opens the door for Ainsley. He rests his hand on my waist as he opens the massive steel front door. My nose is overwhelmed by the aroma of sesame seeds, ginger, and garlic. The wood paneled walls are decorated with a series of beautiful kimonos. They hang down like artwork from long wooden poles. The kimonos’ vibrant colors remind me of Ainsley’s paintings.
As we approach the hostess stand, Ainsley says, “I’ll use Olivia’s name. Should procure us a good table.”
I guess it makes sense that a top publicist would be good at greasing palms. Ainsley smiles at the hostess. “We don't have a reservation, but Olivia Porter is a friend of mine.”
The statuesque hostess, with her long black hair held up by chopsticks, nods. “You don't have to use her name. I know who you are, Mr. Harrison. I love your work.” She picks up two menus. “Follow me.”
Ainsley must be pretty famous if even the hostess knows who he is. I watch her as she balances on her spiked heels, her mini dress just skimming the bottom of her butt. Bet a lot of guys come to the restaurant just to see her. Like a true gentleman, Ainsley’s eyes are only on me as she leads us to a table near the back.
The hostess tosses the menus on the table, just missing the lily centerpiece. “Enjoy your dinner.”
A waiter appears out of nowhere and pulls out my chair. At first I just stand there. I’ve never been to a fancy restaurant before. Ainsley sits down and I follow. The waiter hovers over us. “Would you like something to drink? I’d like to recommend the Ahi Tartare for an appetizer.”
Skimming the wine list, Ainsley says to the waiter, “I’ll have a bottle of Kubota Maniyu sake and the Ahi appetizer.”
The waiter nods and then turns to me. “Can I see your ID?”
Ugh. How embarrassing. “That’s not necessary. I’ll just have water with lemon.”
The waiter turns to Ainsley. “Sir, it’s against restaurant policy to serve alcohol when there is a minor present.”
I sink down in my seat. If I could transform into the table, I would. I’ve never felt more humiliated.
Ainsley’s forehead furrows, “Tosh, you Americans are so rude.” The waiter continues to hover. “Fine. I’ll have a bottle of Perrier.”
The waiter saunters away satisfied he’s ruined our night. Ainsley reaches over and takes my hand. “Thank goodness he’s gone. Jennifer, I’m so sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you. I forgot that in America eighteen is too young to consume alcohol.”
“It’s okay.” I pull my hand away. “The waiter is just a jerk.”
Ainsley gives me a weak smile. “He is a wanker for certain. I hope you won’t let this bumpy start ruin our dinner.”
My appetite has vanished, but I cruise the menu anyway. “I think I’ll have some edamame. Have you ever had them?”
He shakes his head. “No, but if you like them, I’m certain I will, too.”
His charm comes so easily. Like he’s been wooing women for decades. “So how much longer are you going to be in LA?”
He leans back in his chair. “I was going to fly back to London the end of next week. But Olivia lined up a few more interviews. Besides, now that I’ve met you, I have an even better reason to stay.”
Normally I would think he’s laying it on way too thick, but Ainsley being over the top charming must be part of Brooklyn’s spell. “Thanks.”
“Hope I’m not being too forward.”
Crap, maybe he can really read my mind. How am I not supposed to think about him? He’s so good looking and his charm is making me fall for him. Stop. I have to clear my head. When I have a bad dream I always think of Disneyland. Especially the day my dad spun me round and around on the teacups until I screamed with delight. Now what? Ask a question, dummy. “When did you first start painting?”
He puts his chopsticks down. “I usually give my pat answer that I began drawing at two, but I will tell you the truth. I didn't start painting until after college. You see, my parents wanted me to become a barrister. So I didn't want to disappoint them by pursuing my dream.”
“How sad that you had to wait so long. But it shows how much you love your parents.”
“Indeed, I did.” He looks down at the table. “But they are gone now.”
Geez, I better change the subject. “How did you meet Brooklyn?”
“Through her mother, actually. She’s friends with the owner of the Sutton Gallery, in New York. Brooklyn came with her to one of my openings. She’s quite charming.”
And a true beauty. “Did you guys ever go out?”
He laughs. “With her mother? She’s a bit old for me. I’m only twenty-one.”
I’m taken back. I thought he was at least in his late twenties. He seems so experienced for his age. “Um… I meant with Brooklyn.”
“Oh, no. She’s too much of a free spirit for me.”
My turn to laugh. “That she is.”
The waiter arrives with our drinks and the Ahi Tartare. “Enjoy.”
He trots off before we can order something for dinner.
Ainsley holds the plate out for me. “You can take the larger portion. I know how famished you are. And god only knows when the waiter will return to take our dinner order.”
I use the chopsticks to scoop up the large half of the tuna and a few wontons. “Thanks. I think you might be right about him never coming back. Sorry, the review said the food was good.”
Ainsley must be hungry, too, as he dishes the rest of the tuna onto his plate. “So, tell me a bit about yourself. Brooklyn didn't tell me much except you’re awesome and talented.”
So she did tell him about my gift. “I’m not talented, not like you. Although, I can blow up a balloon with my ears.”
He drops his chopsticks. “You are what you Americans call pulling my leg, right?”
“No. Get me a balloon and I’ll show you. I was super popular when I was a kid at my friends’ birthday parties.”
He smiles. “I am certain you were. Are you going to attend college?”
Funny, I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately. “I would rather travel and see the world. I haven’t been anywhere but here and Mexico. We went one summer because my mom won a week’s trip to Cozumel.”
“What do your parents think of your plans to travel?”
“It’s just a dream. They’ve been saving to send me to college since I was born. They’d be devastated if I didn't go to USC.”
He turns his glass thoughtfully in his hands. “You’d just be postponing college. I think traveling is an education in itself.”
“Can you tell my parents that?”
He laughs. “It would be my pleasure. You could start by coming to the UK.”
There he goes with the charm again. Still, it’s flattering to have such an attractive man be so interested in my life—even if it’s thanks to a spell. “I’d love to visit England. It would be amazing to see beautiful old houses and castles in person.”
“Don't tell me you are a Downton Abbey fanatic.”
I try not to laugh. “My mom is. I just watch it for the scenery and the wonderful costumes.”
He says with a twinkle in his eye, “So you are a woman of taste.”
I’ll show him he’s not the only one with charm. “Of course. I’m having dinner with you.”
He beams. “That you are.”
Trying to think of a clever comeback, I scan the restaurant for inspiration. My eye’s stop when I see the hands on the big clock over the sushi bar. ”Oh no, it’s past eleven o’clock.”
He checks his watch. “Yes, indeed it is. Do you need to be somewhere?”
I wish the night could go on forever, but I know I need to get home. Kit always wakes up at midnight, and I’m the one who usually puts him back to bed. “I need to get home. I have a curfew.”
“Certainly.” He pushes his chair back. “I’ll retrieve the bill.” Ainsley sets off to find the waiter who has vanished.
I’m grateful he didn't say anything about the fact that I have a curfew. It must make him feel like he’s out with a twelve-year-old. He returns and pulls out my chair. “For a minute I thought you were going to tell me you will turn into a pumpkin at midnight.”
This man is perfect. He knows exactly what to say to make me feel better. Wait a sec. Is it more proof he can read my mind? Do I care? I follow Ainsley out to the street and wait for the car by his side. How wonderful it would be to have him in my life. Somehow, there is a closeness between us. A silent understanding, even though we hardly know each other. Too bad it will be gone tomorrow once the spell wears off.
Ainsley opens the car door for me. I hesitate a moment before I get in, not wanting the night to be over. He gets in the car and starts the engine. Ainsley reaches over and takes my hand. “I wish you could stay with me a bit longer.”
“Me too.” I squeeze his hand. “But I have to get back home.” I punch my address into the GPS on my phone. “If you go down this block and turn left, we can take La Cienega straight to my house.”
“Your trusty chariot will get you home quickly.” He signals and makes the left turn. “Why did your parents impose a curfew?”
“I have Brooklyn to thank for that.”
“Couldn’t she cast a spell to remedy the situation?”
I let out a sigh. “No. Not the first time I met her. She didn’t know me well enough.”
“What do you intended to do about tonight?”
Good question. Breaking into my house is still at the top of the list. “I’ll figure it out.”
He speeds down La Cienega trying to get me home on time. Little does he know I’m grounded and never should have left the house. He stops at a red light. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
If only I knew what all his gifts are. A mind reader can’t help me break into the house. Then I flash on a much better way not to get caught. “There’s a large tree I can climb to get to my room on the second floor.”
I guide him to my place and have him stop a few houses down. He reaches over and takes my hand. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
Without thinking, I lean over and kiss him. We linger for a moment then part. He smiles and runs his hand along my cheek. “Jennifer, it’s been a pleasure.”
What has gotten into me? I’ve never been so aggressive with a guy before. Maybe because I know when the spell wears off he’ll never see me again. I open the door and get out of the car. I touch Ainsley’s hand resting on the edge of the door. “The pleasure was all mine.”
He smiles and pulls away from the curb. I watch as the Lexus coupe speeds around the corner. My lips still feel moist from his kiss. I run my fingers over the outline of my mouth as if it could transport me back to the moment when we first met. I long to relive the evening again. I flash on his handsome face gazing into mine. The way he ran his hand along my cheek. The pleasant smile that seemed only for me. I touch my lips again and I realize there was something different about the kiss—an otherworldly quality. Then it hits me. I know why he’s special.
Ainsley’s a vampire.
To Be Continued….