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"I made a reservation at Donny Vega's; I hope that's okay. It's just that Friday nights get so crowded and I wanted to have something in case you were—"
"It's perfect. Thanks for thinking of it," she answers, tossing her bag in the back of my car. The bag with her nude stockings with the seam down the back.
"I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to change after work."
"Me neither," I joke. "Besides, you always look great."
"Yeah, but…" She sweeps a hand down her front and it's then I realize she's dressed more conservatively than usual.
-o-
"I would've shown a little more skin."
"I'll take the tradeoff of getting you at 5:00 with an extra layer or two," I respond, wondering whether she changed her style of work clothing for me.
Though a crowd has gathered, we're quickly seated and visited by a brazen waiter.
"May I offer you a frozen margarita, bonita señorita?"
"Si, señor," Bella answers with a bubbly laugh.
"I recommend the strawberry."
"Muy bueno," Bella responds.
The waiter seems transfixed on her smile.
"And I'll have the El Presidente, on the rocks, no salt."
His head snaps around to me. "Yes, sir."
-o-
"Is everything to your liking, señorita?"
"Yes, it looks great," Bella answers as she looks over her chicken burrito.
"How about some caliente sauce?"
I swear he leers as he offers, but she seems oblivious. Can he not see me sitting right here?
"No, thanks, I'm good."
"I'll be back to refill your waters."
I can't help rolling my eyes as he goes.
"What?" she asks.
"Nothing. How was your day?"
"Good. It's still a little rough because I don't have anybody booking with me yet, but the walk-in traffic is steady and most of them book a follow-up."