Southern Boy Charm | ✓

Chapter 25

When we stop outside the restaurant, he lets go of my hand for the first time the entire car ride.

"Wait one second," he says, hopping out of the car, before reappearing in my side window. He opens the door, and I'm greeted to his mop of brown hair and signature smile.

"Shall we?" he asks, holding out his hand to me, and I grab on, resting my other hand on his broad shoulders. "We shall." And with that, he wraps his other arm around my wait and whisks me off my seat and onto the ground.

The restaurant he chose is charming, with white paint and string lights. It looks like it was once a house, now converted to an Italian restaurant. A red and green stripe paints the side, and the smoke from the pizza oven can be seen from the outside. It smells delicious from out here, and as he places his hand on the small of my back and leads me inside, the aroma of cheese and basil only grows stronger. The woman at the hostess podium smiles at Nick once he walks in. She looks like she's in her fifties or sixties, with rosy cheeks and deep wrinkles.

"Well, I'll be damned if it isn't Nick! I haven't seen you around much this summer sweetie. How are you and Kelly doing?" Her voice has a deep, rich drawl that feels as comforting as warm, bubbling brown sugar. I instantly feel comfortable around her, and I can tell that Nick does to.

"We're doing fine Doris, just trying to get through this season as best as we can with the little rain we're getting."

She nods her head, humming in agreement. "Bill and I are having the same problem. It's gotten so annoying that I've been praying for God to force the clouds to watch the Titanic so that they can cry or something!"

I look up at them, my eyebrows furrowed. I didn't even know that we were getting too little of rain. But then again, I don't know how much rain is even normal. It feels like I've learned so much over this summer, but in times like this, I realize how little I really know.

But Nick, on the other hand, is an expert. He goes on about how he's navigating, sharing his tips with Doris. The way he speaks so confidently, gesturing while talking, it's easy to see how passionate he is about what he does. I can't lie, it's kind of hot.

No, scratch that, very hot.

She smacks her hand over her forehead and turns her attention towards me. "Oh my goodness, I don't know what has gotten into me lately. Please mind my manners, I don't believe we've met yet. I'm Doris," she flashes me a warm smile. "You must be Leighton, right? I heard you and your mom have been staying here for the summer?"

It takes me a moment before I nod my head. This really is a small town. Suddenly, I feel bad that she seems to know so much about me, but I didn't know much about her. I know that there isn't possibly a way that I could know everyone in this town, but it still didn't stop me from feeling rude.

She seems to spot my apologetic look, and swats away with her hand. "Don't feel freaked out honey, that's just how things work around here. You would know that if Nick ever left the ranch." She stares at him with accusatory eyes.

"Things have just been hectic at the ranch. But I promise that Leighton and I will be seeing you much more often." I perk up. Does this mean that he wants to go out again?

"You better. It ain't right keeping her locked in there like a damn bunny rabbit," she grumbles under her breath, grabbing two menus and walking us towards a booth near large glass windows.

"Now if you two need anything, just let me know," she says, placing a pitcher of water on the table. "And I may be many things, but a fool isn't one of them. I was young once too, so ya'll better keep your hands above the table. Or else." With that, she shuffles away from us.