Best Laid Plans

[st_clare]

Julianna decided on seafood instead of steak when she and Devin finally got to arrange their dinner plans, and she'd dressed casually because she didn't want the writer jumping to conclusions about this evening. Yes, she found him attractive, and she'd like to get to know him better, but the 'maybe' column wasn't a terrible place to occupy.

The hostess had already seated her, and she sipped at the beverage she'd taken the liberty of ordering while she waited. She'd slept alone after the event at the Skylark because she'd sent Nathan home after a fairly intense make-out session on her couch. He'd grumbled, but he'd left accordingly.

The Watcher picked up the spoon where it rested to the right of her place setting, examined it critically. One could never tell whether or not the flatware would be completely clean. She had a very slight knot of tension in her stomach, one she had yet to really acknowledge.

Bugger that. This was just dinner, testing the waters. She could live with the results either way.

Comments

[devin_capshaw]

He raised his eyebrows. "You want a burger?" Devin shrugged. "Okay."

The writer tipped the valet when he brought the blue car around. "How do we do this? Go in my car and I'll drive you back here?" He had a pretty good idea of where to go. He knew this burger joint that had picnic tables, and it was a nice night to eat outside.

No tablecloth required.

[st_clare]

"That sounds wonderful. I don't have a class until the afternoon, so I don't have to worry about getting to bed at a decent hour."

Julianna approached the Civic on the passenger side, waited for Devin to unlock the door. No need for him to open it for her since she didn't stand on ceremony that often. Even if she was old enough to be his mother.

When she was in the car, she fastened her seat belt out of habit. The night was clear and calm. She was going to get some dinner no matter what, damn it.

[devin_capshaw]

He turned down the radio, kicking an empty Burger King cup under his seat before she could see it. Devin put the car in drive. One of his surprising talents was an affinity for directions, and he knew exactly where to go.

"So, um," he glanced into the rear view mirror, then at her. "Did you ever think you would be shouting like that in a restaurant?"

[st_clare]

"Not a bit. I did it because you surprised me. I've never been able to resist a challenge."

She was looking out the window when she said it, watching the buildings flow past. For once, she didn't feel the need to make extraneous conversation. The slight knot was still there, and she reluctantly acknowledged it.

"I like this car," she said, going for inanity to keep the moment light. "I finally broke down and bought a vehicle of my own when I got tired of renting."

[devin_capshaw]

"Well, wheels are pretty much necessary around here." He stopped at a red light, drumming his fingers on the leather steering wheel. "I didn't have a car in New York City, too much hassle. I walk a lot around Searchlight, though."

Devin sensed something inarticulate. "Listen, uh," he scratched awkwardly at his chin.

"I'm not really -- "

[st_clare]

"Hmm?"

She looked over at him because she heard the tone in his voice, and the knot expanded before contracting. She flattened her hands on the legs of her slacks, examined the backs of them in the dim light from the dashboard. The Watcher cleared her throat again.

"Speak your mind, Devin," she said quietly. "I'd rather you did."

[devin_capshaw]

Devin rubbed at his eyes. He sucked at this. Majorly.

"When I agreed to go to dinner with you, it was as a friend. I mean, you're smart, obviously, refined, worldly." He gripped the wheel. "But I'm more...well."

The writer shrugged. "I see you as a friend."

[st_clare]

Bugger.

Julianna's stomach tightened with the disappointment of it, and she continued to study the backs of her hands. She let it sink in, felt it, dealt with it.

"Well," she said, lifting her gaze to look through the windshield. "I can't say I'm not disappointed. I had hoped you'd be attracted. I fancied finding out what it would be like to take you to bed."

She smiled a bit. "But. I'm not crushed. I'd rather you be honest and turn me down before I get attached than tell me a lie because you think you need to make me feel feminine. I'm too old for those sort of games."

[devin_capshaw]

Well, she was forward. Devin turned up the radio a little, then punched it off completely. "I figured you'd rather me be upfront about it." They pulled in front of the burger stand and he cut the ignition.

"Anyway. Here we are."

The writer smiled awkwardly, caught his reflection in the mirror, and immediately stopped.

[st_clare]

Well, at least this way no one's feelings got hurt. Julianna caught the smile, then the way he buried it.

"Devin. Don't look like that. I"m sixty years old. I've been knocked back before. If all you want is friendship, I'm agreeable. I think you're intelligent and interesting and I'd still like to help you with research for your next book. I'm not the type to push."

She would enjoy the rest of this evening as the beginning of a budding friendship, and if he happened to kiss her on the cheek at the end of it as a companionable gesture, she would accept it for what it was, savor it while it lasted, then find a way to turn off her attraction. If she didn't turn it off, they couldn't be friends because she'd make him uncomfortable. This was where compartmentalization came in handy.

"Come on, let's get some real food. I'm sure this place doesn't mind if their customers occasionally raise their voices."