Chapter 0056
Cara’s POV
I head to the date feeling a little nervous. Thankfully, I don’t see Alaric or Eamon’s car on the way. Maybe they’re already gone.
This blind date is going surprisingly well compared to the others, but somehow something
feels off.
The man sitting across from me at the restaurant table is handsome in a subtle, understated kind of way. He has asked me many questions about myself so far, which is more than I can say for the other dates I’ve had. He even makes a few funny jokes.
But there’s something about him that makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. I can’t put my finger on it, can’t explain why I feel this way, but a bad feeling is there.
Maybe it’s the scent… I kind of hate the way he smells.
“What do you like to do for… fun…?” He asks me, his voice lingering on the word ‘fun‘ at little too long. He raises an eyebrow at me curiously.
I’m not sure I understand what he’s trying to get at, so I answer the question directly. ” Most of my time is spent working, and I actually find it enjoyable. But I enjoy reading and gardening, too.”
He laughs with a strange sound, “No, no. You misunderstand. How do you like to have FUN in the bedroom? Do you like to be taken? Or take?”
I cough, completely shocked that he would ask such a question right now, in public, on a first date.
“I’m not sure that’s appropriate…” I say, clearing my throat and darting my eyes around to see if anyone could have overheard his question.
But his face is still lit with frantic excitement.
“Take those plates, and hurry. We don’t have all night,” He says to the waiter while looking directly into my eyes. My date doesn’t even bother to look at the waiter while speaking to
him.
“Hey, hey! Yeah, you! Get over here, now! You don’t want the tip or what?”
It seems no one has heard him, but I feel my face flush in embarrassment all the same.
After so many horribly bad dates, I should be thankful that this blind date isn’t worst. And based on my date’s profile, he and I would make a good match.
But in reality, I really just want to leave right now.
* Chapter 0056
#25 BONUS
Ruby sent me a message.
so I glance down at my phone.
“Mommy, Mia really misses you.
Can we call you?” The message s
The message makes a smile instinctively spread across my face.
He satres at me with another strange voice. “What are you looking at?.I’m your date, your should be looking at me… So, are we going to your home or mine later?”
“I’m so sorry, but I need to step out to make a quick phone call to check on something. I’ll be right back.” I say to my date as I move out of my seat.
“Well, that’s a bit disrespectful of my time… but if you must, then go ahead. Hurry back,” he orders, sounding a little angry.
I hadn’t wanted to offend him, but something told me I needed to step away for a minute. I need to get some air. I need to get my head together.
I walk outside of the restaurant and dial Ruby’s phone number. My shoulders instantly relax as I hear the twin’s laughter through the phone.
“Hi, Mama. Mia miss you! When will you come home?” Mia asks after Ruby hands her the phone.
“Mama, I’ve been helping Auntie Ruby take care of Mia! we’re going to have a pillow fight now that the fort is built!” I hear Ethan yell from the background.
“It sounds like you’re having so much fun! Umm…Maybe I’ll come home soon, or maybe it’ll take a while… but that’s okay…. I’m glad you guys are having a great time with Auntie Ruby!” I say, trying not to worry the kids.
My voice must be giving away my hesitation about the date because Mia asks, “Are you okay, Mama? You don’t sound so happy.”
“I’m fine, Mia. Don’t you worry about me. I’ll see you guys soon. I love you, goodnight!” I make a kiss noise through the phone.
“Love you, goodnight!” The twins both yell back to me with their own kiss noises.
“Hey, are you sure you’re okay?” Ruby asks when she gets the phone back from the kids.
“Yes, I’ll be fine. He’s just not quite what I’d been hoping for… but I’ll be home soon. I’ve got to get back now. Love you, Honey,” I tell her.
“Love you, Sweetheart. Be safe,” Ruby says with an air of concern.
I take a deep breath on the sidewalk, collecting myself before I go back in.
Just before I re–enter the restaurant, the hair on the back of my neck stands up.
My date is smiling at me. Why do I feel like something’s off?
Chapter 005E
+25 BONUS
My arm hesitates for a few breaths before I finally grab the door handle and return to the table, ignoring all of my better instincts.
Ruby’s POV
I get a bad feeling after hanging up with Cara. Mia was right, Cara really didn’t sound happy at all.
I double check the note Cara had left with the name and address of the restaurant she was
at just in case we need to leave and pick her up. If she calls back again, then we’ll go get her.
Mia pokes me softly in the arm, “Should we call Uncle Eamon? He’d know how to help
Mama.”
Oh, little sweetheart….
I smile at the little girl and plant a kiss on top of her fiery red hair. “Don’t you worry, Mia. Mama is okay, didn’t you hear her say that?” I try to reassure her.
Some problems are too complicated for a six year old to handle, but the look on Mia’s face says that she hasn’t learned that lesson yet.
Mia gives me a skeptical look, so I change the subject. “Look! Ethan seems ready for the pillow fight now. Let’s get him!”
By the time I’m tucking them into bed, I’m exhausted.
I’m just glad the two of them seemed to stop worrying by the time they fell asleep.
Cara’s still not home yet, but maybe the date got better. Cara had such a good feeling about this guy earlier today, so I hope he’s good enough to get a second date.
I just
t want Cara to be happy.
Before I know it, my eyes are closed, and I’ve drifted off to sleep, snoring on the couch. Suddenly, I hear the sound of a door opening, snapping me out of my sleep.
“Mia? Ethan?!”
I call out loudly, rushing frantically toward the bedroom.
The note on the table was gone….
…Mia, Mia and Ethan are not on the bed!
