Vincent and Catherine didn't say much after their food came with a side of attitude from their waitress but they were able to quickly brush it off and enjoy the food. They made comments here and there about the food but no more. The food was as good as Catherine advertised and Vincent wasn't let down by the chefs who were also the owners of the diner but the best part was the company. Their was a genuine spark between them that was easily seen by others. They seemed like a couple who knew each other much longer than the short time they spent together.
By the time the dessert came, they were completely done with their nachos and got half way through their entré. Vincent stared apple pie with ice cream and took in the strong cinnamon scent. It smelled similar to the way his Nana use to make it when he was a little kid and spent his summers at their house in Montauk.
"Can we get boxes, please," Catherine smiled politely at Tess.
"Sure. I will bring it with your berry coffee cake. Is there anything else you need?"
Vincent looked up from the apple pie with a huge smile on his face."This smells great. Can't wait to taste it."
"I'll be right back," Tess said before walking away.
"I think she's starting to warm up to me," Vincent joked as he picked up the spoons and gave Catherine one.
"Just try the apple pie and make sure you get some of the ice cream as well," Catherine made a point to enjoy their date and ignore the negative energy around them.
Vincent smiled as he scooped a piece of pie and ice cream. Instead of finally being able to taste the apple pie he placed his spoon in front of a surprised Catherine. "I wouldn't be a gentleman if I take the first bite. I was taught better than that."
Catherine licked the seam of her lips as she stared into his brown eyes. The guy truly was one of a kind as it sparked gold for a second. She opened her mouth and took the spoonful of ice cream pie in one bite. Somehow she managed to make that look sexy as hell as Vincent moaned between tightened jaw. He took one long breath and closed his eyes to maintain the small amount of control he had left in him. He knew he was close to the brink of letting his beast lose which he quite fancied more than ever.
"Here," Catherine mirrored his movements earlier and scooped up a piece of apple pie and some cinnamon flavored ice cream. She placed it in front of his mouth as he tried to restrain his beast from appearing in front of her and everyone.
Vincent smirked mischievously as he fangs showed between his lips. He parted his lips and slowly took the warm apple pie and cold ice cream into his mouth. "Hhmmm," he nodded his head. "Almost as good as my Nana's. The ice cream makes it even better. We definitely need to go back here but probably get our food to go."
"Ahem," Tess cleared her throat and interrupted them once more. "Here are your boxes, your berry coffee cake and your check. Please pay the cashier in front when you're ready. It was a pleasure having you and hope you come back again soon," Tess said the last line with a grimace on her face. It was her job to tell customers to come back but this was a couple she didn't want to see again. Her best friend deserved someone better.
Catherine watched as her best friend walked away in a foul mood and as much as she tried it was difficult not get affected by it. She knew better than anyone that Tess was stubborn as hell.
"Don't let her get to you," Vincent said as he leaned over and softly placed his forehead on hers. "Looks like I'm not the only one who needs to stay in control of their emotions."
Catherine huffed in annoyance. "She's been nothing but rude to you and me but mostly you."
"She doesn't like me and that's fine. All I care about is how you feel about me and as long as you want me here with you then I'm not going anywhere. Let's just finish the apple pie and get out of here, okay?"
"I think I lost my appetite."
"That's too bad. It's really delicious and cinnamony," Vincent smiled.
Catherine lost her frown and smiled. "Thank you for cheering me up but I'll pass on the cinnamony dessert," she teased and mimicked. "We'll just have to order it again next time," she leaned closer and kissed his lips. To their surprise it was much longer than the quick peck she gave him earlier.
"What was that for?" he breathed out.
"For being you," she softly caressed the scar on his cheek.
Catherine watched with amusement as Vincent finished the rest of the apple pie and ice cream. She also kept her busy by placing their leftover food in the to go containers that was given to them and placed it in the same bags as the berry coffee cake he ordered for her since she mentioned it was her favorite.
If only Tess could get over her own hurt for her cheating boyfriend and see Vincent for who he really was instead of the man she thinks he is. It wouldn't take long to see that Vincent was kind and caring. Beyond the physical look of a bad boy he actually had a heart of gold.
"All done. Shall we?" he asked for her hand.
Catherine nodded and placed her hand in his. "Before we go would you mind if I talk to Tess first? "
"I understand. I'll pay for our check and wait for you outside."
"We can split it in half."
"A gentleman always pays for the date," he raised her hand and kissed it. "Take your time. I'll be outside," Vincent grabbed her bag from the seat and put it over his shoulder. He helped her out of the seat and grabbed the bag of food and check before walking towards the front of the diner.
Catherine couldn't help but feel lucky. She found a man who wanted more from her than just her body and getting into her pants. She walked to the counter and waited for Tess to finish another customer before getting her attention. Tess paused and looked around. When she didn't see him, she finally made her way to the other end of the counter.
"Can we talk please," Catherine pleaded with her best friend.
"Is he still here?"
"He's paying for the check," Catherine sighed in frustration. "And he's name is Vincent. He's a nice guy, Tess. You've seen him at the bar helping me."
"And he also left you hanging. Suddenly you're out on a date with him? Out of all the guys in this city why would you date some loser from a bar?"
Catherine gritted her teeth. "I get it. You're hurting and I'm sorry. I really am, Tess. As your best friend I am here for you but I won't accept you constantly putting Vincent down. You don't even know him yet you've judged him harshly because what, Joe broke your heart? Joe was a cheating asshole but Vincent isn't. And I hope you give him a chance because I really like him," Catherine finished her sentence and left a stunned Tess looking after her as she walked to the front of the diner where Vincent just finished paying the cashier and overheard every word of the conversation. "Take me home, Vincent."
He took her arm and looped his through hers. "Lead the way, my lady."
"It's not far, just a couple of blocks from here."
