Dead and Dating

Disclaimer: I don't own the Southern Vampires. Sole copyright belongs to Charlaine Harris. I'm poor, please don't sue.

Rating: M for later chapters.

This story occurs after From Dead to Worse

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Eric flew down the highway heading to Shreveport. When I opened my eyes I seen we were at some fancy Italian restaurant. Eric was already at my door opening it for me and offering me his hand. I took it and stood up. He shut the door behind me and turned to face me. He lifted my hands in his and kissed my palms. I was suddenly glad I had decided to give myself a mani/pedi.

"Sookie. If I could breath, I'd be breathless. You are stunning." Eric was staring right into my eyes when he said it. I giggled a bit and looked down. My cheeks were flushed from blushing.

"You look amazing too, Eric. I'm so glad we can do this." I leaned into him and laid my head on his shoulder for a second. Just enjoying his embrace. He reluctantly pulled away from me.

"Okay, You ready for dinner?" He couldn't even hide his smile anymore. And I couldn't either.

I reached down and took his hand and we walked into the restaurant. He did all the right things. Holding doors and pulling out my chair for me when we were seated. Once we were both seated he held my hand across the table while I looked over the menu. So many choices that my waist line was practically crying. Once I had decided on my meal I sat the menu down and just sat there, staring into his eyes. All I could see was the love. It made my heart melt. Then something snapped me back to reality.

"Hi, I'm Missy. I'm going to be your server tonight. Are you both ready to order?" She was staring at Eric so hard I thought her eyes would pop out of her head. I felt a twinge of jealously. I quickly shoved it down. Eric was here with me. He loved me and I knew that.

"I'll just have an O positive" Eric said without even glancing at her. She glanced over at me with a look of distaste on her face. She was thinking that he could do better than me. She thought that I looked like trailer trash dressed up fancy. Tears sprung to my eyes but I tried not to let anyone see. I know Eric could tell I was upset because he squeezed my hand.

"I'll have the Chicken Marsala and a glass of red wine" I didn't even look up from the menu when I answered her.

She collected my menu and walked away from the table. I tried not to look up at Eric. I didn't want him to see me tear up.

"Whats wrong lover?" He knew something was wrong.

"Nothing. It's nothing." I plastered a fake smile on my face.

"Sookie, no more lies. Please. Tell me whats wrong with you." He stroked my hand. Running his finger over my left ring finger.

Before I could answer she was back with Eric's blood and my wine. Once she left I glanced up at him and tried to figure out the best way of stating exactly what she thought of me.

"The waitress. She thinks I'm trailer trash dressed up fancy." I hung my head and bit my lip to keep from crying. When I finally glanced up Eric was looking like he was about to go on a rampage. His normally sparkling eyes were icy blue and hard with anger.

"Sookie, stand up please." I obediently stood up. He pulled money out of his wallet and threw it on the table. He came around and took my hand. Promptly escorting me out of the restaurant.

He walked me out to his car and took his jacket off. Laying it on the hood, and then motioning for me to sit. I sat down and tried to cross my legs like a lady. He kneeled down in front of me for the second time that night. He held on to my hands and looked into my eyes. I could see the sadness all over his face. I immediately felt bad for saying anything.

"You listen to me. Lover, look at me." I picked my head up and looked into his eyes. He continued speaking softly.

"You are not trailer trash. Sookie you are precious. That girl is jealous. You were the most beautiful girl in that room. I am grateful that I got to be your escort. There was not a man in that room that was not watching you walk in." He lifted my hands to his mouth and kissed my fingers one by one.

"Sookie, I want to take you to my house. I know this was suppose to be a fancy dinner. But I think we can manage at my place." He smiled and I melted.

"Of course, Eric. Your house is fine." I was choking back tears. What had I done to deserve this beautiful viking? I was just a barmaid from Bon Temps. And here was a strong, beautiful man, and he was all mine.

Just as I was about to throw my arms around him I heard his cell phone ring in his jacket pocket. I pulled it out and glanced at the display.

"It's Pam." I sighed, this couldn't be good. He took the phone from me and after a moment of hesitation he opened it.

"Yes?" He didn't seem amused. I could hear Pam on the other line talking a mile a minute. It wasn't like her to get flustered. So something must be really wrong. He sighed and finished the conversation.

"Sookie, nothing about this is going right." He hung his head for a minute. "We have to go to Fangtasia. It's Felicia. She was found outside behind the dumpsters. She's dead." He said it in a flat tone. I gasped. I hadn't gotten too much of a chance to know Felicia. But I knew bartenders at Fangtasia seemed to disappear quickly.

I stood up and handed Eric his jacket. I lifted onto my tip toes and planted a kiss on his lips.

"It's okay. A night with you is never boring." I flashed him my guaranteed tip smile. "Let's go get this sorted out. We have all night together."

He put one hand on either side of my face and pressed his lips against mine. His tongue gently parting my lips, his hands slid down to the small of back. He rubbed my back in small circles.

"Sookie, you are an amazing woman." He came around and held my door open for me. I slid in. He got in the drivers side and started up the car. It was only 11:30pm. We still had plenty of night left.

I held his hand all the way to Fangtasia.

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