Holly couldn't believe how nervous she became the closer seven clicked on the clock. She had been completely surprised, and yet overwhelmingly thrilled at the same time, by Gail's invitation for dinner.
"Would you please sit down, you are making me tired," Rachel chuckled, not bothering to look up from her book as she sat on the couch.
"Are you sure this outfit is okay?" Holly asked for the umpteenth time.
"Oh my gosh, Holly. You look fine," Rachel said, flopping her book down on her lap. "Now will you please just relax."
"I'm trying, I swear, but what if I mess this up again?"
"Thinking that way is definitely not a good way to start. Please just breathe. Gail asked you out because she wants to spend time with you. Just enjoy."
"Okay, okay. I can do this," Holly said as she took a deep breath and resumed her pacing.
Just then the doorbell rang causing both ladies to jump. "Great, now you've got me all wound up," Rachel chuckled as she turned back to reading her book.
Holly did her best to calm her nerves before swinging the door open. Gail stood there wearing blue jeans, a red sweater and black leather jacket. "Wow, you look amazing," Holly said without even thinking.
"You don't look so bad yourself, Lunchbox," Gail smiled, causing Holly to blush. Holly had put on a pair of jeans with a dark purple button up shirt, she threw on a gray jacket. "Are you set?"
"Yeah, I am. Bye Rachel," she yelled as she closed the door behind them.
Gail had made reservations at a quiet Italian restaurant. It wasn't very fancy, but it was cozy. It seemed like the perfect place for them to catch up without being disturbed. While she had been hurt by Holly's choice to move away, the more she thought about it, the more she couldn't blame her. She was also hurt by their loss of contact, but again, with Holly starting a new job and Gail dealing with her own things, both of them should be blamed if they were placing the blame on anyone. She hoped that this dinner would give them a chance to talk things out or at least start the conversation.
"This place is amazing," Holly said as she took another bite of her lasagna.
Gail smiled, pleased to know that Holly was at least enjoying the restaurant, if not the company. "I'm glad you like it. Whenever I am in the mood for a home cooked meal, this is the place I hit up."
"I can totally see why. The food is fantastic."
"You have to meet the chef. She is the sweetest little old Italian lady" Gail said. "She always brings me extra dessert."
"Oh a woman after your own heart. Should I be concerned?" Holly chuckled.
"Oh trust me, there is absolutely nothing to worry about," Gail winked, causing Holly to blush for the second time that night. "So tell me, did anyone capture your heart when you were in San Francisco?"
Holly choked slightly on her food, taken aback by Gail's forthright question. "Um, nope, no, there's no one," Holly smiled awkwardly.
"Good to know," Gail smiled before taking another bite of her alfredo.
Holly was just about to ask Gail the same question when her phone began to ring. "Oh, gee, I'm so sorry. Um…I need to get this," she said apologetically as she gestured towards her phone.
Gail nodded her head as she took another bite of her food.
Holly mouthed 'sorry' as she stood up and walked towards the bathroom, hoping not to disturb the other patrons as well. "Hey, Susan, what's up?" she whispered.
"Holly? Is that you? Why are you whispering?" Susan, her older sister, responded.
"I'm out, Susan. What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you can come and watch Jack."
"What? Tonight? It's already almost nine o'clock."
"I know, I know, but an emergency came into the office and the other vet is off sick. I'm really sorry for calling but I'm in a bit of a bind."
Holly sighed into the phone. She knew Susan would not be calling her this late if she wasn't desperate. "Okay, I'll be right over."
"Thank you, Holly. Have I told you that you are my favourite sister?"
"I'm your only sister, and you owe me big time," Holly said into the phone as she looked over to see Gail still enjoying her food at the table. This was definitely not how or when she wanted to end the date.
"Thank you," repeated her sister.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll see you in a bit," Holly said before hanging up the phone and heading back to the table.
"Everything okay?" Gail asked as she watched Holly approach.
"Um…that was my sister. She needs to head into work and needs me to babysit," Holly said with a sigh.
"Okay, no problem. I'll get the bill and we can head out," Gail said without a second thought. She quickly stood up from her seat and walked over to the counter without expecting any other explanation from Holly.
Holly did her best to hide her disappointment. She was having such a great time being with Gail and hated that it had to end this way. She grabbed her coat when she saw Gail return with a brown bag. "I couldn't have you leave without trying their dessert," she smiled as she held up the bag. "Let's go. Would you like me to drive you to your place or straight to your sister's?" she asked as she slipped on her coat and began walking towards the door.
"At my sister's, if that is okay," Holly said, following closely behind.
"It would be my pleasure," Gail smiled as they made their way to the car.
Once the car had warmed up and they were safely on the road, Holly turned to look at Gail. "I'm really sorry about this. I really didn't want the date to end. I was having a really good time. I've…um…I've missed it."
"Same here," Gail said as she quickly glanced over and then back to the road. "But sister duty calls, or should I say Auntie duty?"
"Yeah, both sounds about right," Holly huffed. "Both of them suck."
"Hey, at least you are here for your sister to call you. It is really nice that you are doing this for her," Gail said, reaching over and giving Holly's leg a squeeze.
"Yeah, but she's got the worst timing ever," Holly pouted, causing Gail to laugh out loud.
"The timing does leave a lot to be desired. Why is she calling you so late anyways? Not to sound rude, but can't the kid's dad look after him?"
"No, he's actually at the hospital."
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I'm such a douche bag."
"No, not like that. He's a doctor. He has a shift tonight," Holly laughed.
"Oh, phew, and so where is your sister going?"
"She is a vet and she has been called into the office for an emergency. They usually are able to arrange their schedules so that one of them is at home with Jack, but Susan said the other vet is sick and so she has to go in."
"Oh wow, your family is full of doctors. Suddenly I don't feel very smart at all," Gail laughed awkwardly.
Holly couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, but you get to wear that uniform," she winked.
"Oh, so you like my uniform?" Gail teased.
Holly could only laugh. Gail was so incredibly cute when she acted cocky and Holly loved every moment of it.
"Well, I suppose if our dinner had to be interrupted, this is probably a better reason for an interruption than for one of us to be called in for work," Gail continued.
"That's for sure," Holly agreed. "I would not have wanted to do any work after that delicious meal. Oh, just turn right here, the house will be just on the left after that big tree," Holly directed.
Gail nodded as she followed Holly's directions. She pulled up to a rather large, white house. "Wow, this place is pretty spectacular," Gail said, leaning up slightly to look out the window.
"Do you want to come in? We could share the dessert," Holly asked hopefully as she held up the brown paper bag.
"Oh, no, I don't want to impose, and I don't really do children."
"Oh come on, I've seen you with Leo. Kids love you."
"He doesn't count," Gail laughed. "He's family, he has to like me."
"That I don't believe," Holly laughed right along, "You are cool Aunt Gail. What's not to like?"
Gail thought for a moment. "I am pretty cool."
"That you are," Holly chuckled. "But seriously, come in. I'm sure Susan won't mind."
"No, it's probably best if I just drop you off," Gail said, turning to look at Holly.
"I understand," Holly said, turning to look down at her hands and trying her best to hide her disappointment.
"But I have tomorrow off, any chance I can convince you to have breakfast with me?"
Holly quickly looked back up at Gail, a huge smile plastered across her face. "I'd really like that."
"Great, well then, I hope you have a wonderful time babysitting. Say hi to your sister for me," Gail smiled.
"I will. Thank you for a lovely dinner, oh and for the dessert," she added as she held up the brown bag again.
"It was my pleasure," Gail smiled in return as she leaned slightly towards Holly.
Holly felt her heart flutter in her chest as she saw Gail inch closer. She moved forward, bridging the gap. She let out a small sigh as she felt Gail's soft lips press warmly onto her own. The kiss was soft and gentle. Holly couldn't help but melt into the kiss. She shivered as she felt Gail's hand reach up and gently cup her cheek.
A sudden banging on the car window caused both women to jump apart.
