Laura stood in the mirror, looked herself over before touching up the reddish brown lipstick. She pursed her lips and took in a deep breath, letting out a long sigh.
She snatched up her keys and clutch and darted down the stairs out to her truck. Glancing over at David's drive she saw the familiar red Camero sitting there. She snickered to herself, "You go old man."
Laura had eaten at Kelly's often with her folks, but never gone there for one of the bands. She hadn't ever been inside the club side of the restaurant. On the drive there she started wondering if she would be able to find Jesse; how many of his friends would be there; would she feel out of place. She hated that whole new dating feeling.
Wait....DATE?! Was that what this was? Damnit, what would he expect?
She took several deep breaths to bring her mind at ease. It didn't matter what he might expect, she was here to have fun and hear the band, nothing else.
It was ten minutes to eight, so she checked her make up once more; then headed up to the entrance. Jesse was standing there by the door waiting for her.
She paused a moment and gasped; he was wearing khaki shorts and a light green plaid button up shirt. His wavy blond hair was combed and styled, but in a fashion that made it look natural, and that smile, so confidant and glowing.
Jesse was just as mesmerized by her appearance as well. He wouldn't have thought she could look better in clothes than when she was wearing that next to nothing bikini, but there she stood in this short little floral sundress. It was strapless and tight around her full breasts and gave a dignified glimpse of cleavage. The almost shear fabric fluttered out around those beautiful legs and stopped about mid thigh. He was certain she couldn't bend over in it.
As she floated up the walkway to the entrance, he noticed how much curl was in her thick copper mane. Not tight and bound, but natural and long following curls that joyfully bounced with each step, in mimic of her breasts.
Several clips held it back from her face; her smile was soft and pure beauty.
"Glad you came, Laura."
"I told you I would. I'm not one to stand people up."
"The band doesn't start till nine, thought we could have some dinner."
"That sounds wonderful. This is one of my favorite places."
He laughed with easy grace, "Mine too."
He offered his arm and she took it and they headed inside. He walked right past the hostess and led Laura to a back section and table set out of the way.
"Do you work here or own it?"
He laughed as he slid her seat under her, "I work here, among several of my jobs."
"Several?"
"I am also an electrician. That is my primary job, but I worked here during high school, and the tips can be good during season, so I pull some nights as a barback, waiter, bartender...whatever they need."
Laura just nodded as she looked over the menu, setting it down; she already knew what she would order.
"So are you playing waiter also tonight? I'm not a good tipper."
Jesse shook his head as a pretty brunette walked over, she tousled his hair and he shot her a look.
"Laura, this is my sister, Gabby. Gabby, this is Laura. I met her through David."
"It's a pleasure. Can I get you something to drink?"
Jesse ordered a beer, so Laura nodded and asked for one as well. They went ahead and ordered their meals; both already knew what they would eat.
Laura couldn't help but laugh as Gabby walked away, "You aren't in a fight with your sis, are you?"
"No. Why do you ask?" Jesse was quite puzzled.
"I wouldn't want the waitress spitting in our food."
They chuckled and started making small talk. She learned that he also was an amateur photographer and that most pictures of surrounding scenic areas that one could buy hanging in restaurants and shops where his. He pointed out two beautiful scenes that he had shot that were hanging on the walls. Jesse met David when he was running the streets with David's son. Apparently, Jesse also thought the same about David's son, rather worthless.
She asked what it was like to grow up on the island; about his feelings when he left to go off to college; and his family. They both ate and laughed, and she was feeling rather comfortable with him.
As he sat back in the chair and took a long drink from his beer he smiled at her and then let it fade.
"I am sorry to hear about your mom. I am such a momma's boy I would be lost."
Laura looked down in her lap and played with the cloth napkin mindlessly, letting her thoughts wrap around it. This was why she had come down here, to avoid this.
"Ya know what...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. You gotta be tired of having everyone ask if you are ok, or how you are taking it. Come on, I hear the band fire'in up."
Jesse stood and offered his hand, she looked up and smiled, taking it and walking over to the club side with him.
They walked right past the door men, not paying the cover or having ID's checked; Laura chuckled at it.
Once inside she saw Jesse's brother and friend, and several others with them. Jesse made some introductions, none of which she would remember.
