Chapter 101 My date

Chapter 101 My date
Talia POV 

This might have been a bad idea. I should have stayed indoors, watching a horror movie and eating lots of ice-cream.

However, here I am. In a restaurant sitting across my date.

Yes, you heard that right. I came on a date and now, I am trying to convince myself why this was a good idea.

"So then Coach told me I had the best slapshot he'd seen in years," Austin says, his eyes lighting up as he recounts the story. "Can you believe that? Me, compared to legends like Orion Hayes?” He bubbles with a grin on my face.

I smile and nod, taking a sip of my wine.

Austin is a perfect date material, that I can acknowledge.

He is twenty-six, younger than me and plays for the Warriors.

It's a smaller club compacted to the Michigan Blackhawks but he has got potential.

He is attentive, asking about my interests, my work at the bakery, my plans for the future and he has got those warm brown eyes and a genuine smile.

It's everything a woman looks at in a man.

But all I can think about is how Marcus would have made a sarcastic comment by now. How Marcus would have ordered my favorite wine without asking because he'd memorized it. How Marcus's laugh was deeper, and scarce ofcourse.

My mind keeps ringing with Marcus this, Marcus that.

“Stop it,” I tell myself firmly. Marcus doesn't get to live rent-free in my head anymore.

"Talia?" Austin calls and I realize I have zoned out.

"Sorry," I say quickly. "What were you saying?"

I feel ashamed of myself. God! How can I agree to a date with a man and keep thinking about another?

"I was asking if you wanted dessert," Austin says, looking concerned.

“We can skip it if you're tired." He offers and that level of concern makes me feel even worse. He doesn't deserve this. No one does.

"Actually, would you mind if we took a walk instead? I could use some fresh air." I offered, wanting to get rid of this suffocating feeling in my chest.

Deep down I know that getting that fresh air won't even help.

"Of course," Austin says immediately, signaling for the check. "Whatever you want."

See? He is perfect so why do I feel absolutely nothing?

We leave the restaurant and start walking down the street. The evening is cool, the kind of perfect spring night that makes Michigan beautiful.

"There is a park nearby.Would you want to see it?" I offer.

I don't mention that it's my favourite spot here in Michigan after my apartment of course.

"Lead the way," Austin agrees with a smile.

We walk in comfortable silence for a few blocks, and I try to convince myself that this is nice. That this could turn into something.

I tell myself that I don't wish it was Marcus walking beside me.

The park comes into view.

It's a small green space with walking paths and benches overlooking the river.

I used to come here to think.

I brought Marcus here once.

We had lost a major client at the company and everything was…suffocating.

I had offered to accompany him for a breather and I ended up bringing him here.

"This is beautiful," Austin says as we enter the park. "Do you come here often?"

"I used to," I say. "Not so much anymore."

We walk along the path and Austin tells me more about his hockey dreams. He wants to make it to the major leagues someday.

He wants to be like Orion, Bailey’s fiancee.

It's sweet and ambitious.

It's everything I should find attractive but for some reason, it's not enough.

We reach my favorite bench and I'm about to suggest we sit when Austin stops walking.

"Talia," he calls slowly, turning to face me. "I have really enjoyed tonight." He adds.

"Me too," I say and it's not entirely a lie. It was nice leaving the house and getting such lovely and lively company.

"I know you said you are not ready for something instantly.

I don't want to push, but... I really like you. I'd like to see you again."

He is so genuine that I feel guilty for not feeling more.

"Austin, you're a really great guy…" I start.

"But?" he prompts gently.

"But I don't know if I'm ready for something new yet," I admit. "I'm sorry. I thought I was, but…" I don't get to finish because he cuts me off.

"It's okay," Austin says, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "I get it. Whatever it is you are going through, you don't need to explain yourself to me.” 

God, can someone be this caring and understanding at the same time?

"Thank you for understanding," I say.

We stand there for a moment, and then Austin steps closer.

"Can I kiss you?" he asks. "Just once.” He adds immediately.

“If you don't feel anything, I'll walk away and we can just be friends."

I should say no. I should tell him it's not fair to either of us.

But a part of me wants to know.

It wants to see if maybe I can feel something for someone who isn't Marcus.

"Okay," I whisper, giving him the go ahead.

Austin smiles and leans in slowly, giving me time to change my mind.

His face is inches from mine when suddenly he's not there anymore.

Someone has grabbed him and physically yanked him backward.

"What the…" Austin starts, but he doesn't finish because a fist connects with his face.

He stumbles backward, his hand going to his jaw.

I finally see who hit him.

Marcus.

"Marcus!" I scream. "What the hell?!"

Marcus doesn't look at me. He is staring at Austin with so much anger, his chest heaving and fists still clenched.

"Stay away from her," Marcus growls.

Austin doesn't back down despite the blood I can see on his lip.

"Who the hell are you?" Austin demands.

"I'm…" Marcus starts but I don't let him spout nonsense.

"He is no one," I interrupt, stepping between them.

"Austin, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" I ask, my guilt doubling and making my stomach churn.

"I'm fine," Austin replies though he's still holding his jaw. "But seriously, who is this guy?"

"Her boyfriend," Marcus says through gritted teeth.

I want to curse, to smack him in the face but I hold back.

“ You are no boyfriend of mine.” I correct him, my voice stern.

I am looking him in the face now.

Then I turn to Austin and give him an apologetic look

"Can you give us a minute?"

Austin looks between Marcus and me, clearly trying to assess the situation.

"Are you safe?

Do you want me to call someone?" He asks and I shake my head.

“ Fuck off asshole!” Marcus snaps and I can practically see steam coming from his nose. 

"I'm fine. I can handle this." I assure him.

"If you're sure," Austin insists, clearly reluctant to leave me here with Marcus.

"I am," I say. "I'll call you, okay?”

Austin nods, gives Marcus one last warning look, then walks away.

The moment he is out of sight, I whirl on Marcus.

"What the hell is your problem?!" I shout.