Chapter 10

“Have a good day at work, Darling.” I waved as David left. I closed my eyes and held my breath as his truck pulled away in preparation for the ache of his absence to settle in. Thankfully, it had become familiar enough to become reasonably manageable. I found that staying busy also helped, and I had plans to meet Sara for breakfast. We hadn’t spent any time together out of work since before Thanksgiving, so I was very much looking forward to it.

I putzed around the apartment for a little while until it was time to go, but after a short bus ride later I was walking into Serafina’s diner.

Hey, girl!” Greeted Sara, who was already there and waiting to be seated.

“Good morning!” I said cheerfully. I was about to continue, but was cut off when the hostess, a red vulpine walked up. She must have been a new hire because I didn’t recognize her.

“Morning!?” She chirped. “How many today?”

“Just the two of us,” I answered, and she led us to our table. Once we were seated and put in our drink orders, Sara looked at me with a gleam in her eye.

“Ok, you’ve got to tell me how it went with his family!” I chuckled at her forwardness.

“David’s mother and sister were very welcoming.” I smiled, thinking about the lengths that Pam went to make sure that I had a lovely dinner.

“That’s awesome!” Exclaimed Sara before she got quiet. “How was his dad...?” She asked slowly. “I know you were worried about him.” I sighed.

“He was ... much less welcoming.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” She took a breath and smiled. “Enough of that though, I’ve got something to ask you!”

“What is it?” Sara’s grin got even wider.

“How would you and David like to go on a double date with me and John?” I looked at her curiously.

“That would be fine with me. Do you think John would be willing to?” I asked.

“It was his idea!” She exclaimed with a giggle.

“Really!?” I grinned. “In that case I’ll talk to David about it tonight, but I don’t see there being any problems.”

“Good! This is going to be fun!” I nodded in agreement, just as Alice skittered up with our drinks.

“Good morning,” she greeted cheerfully. She took our orders, but before leaving she turned to me. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yes, you may.” She looked back and forth a couple of times as if making sure she wasn’t going to be overheard.

“A couple weeks ago your mate came here with a co-worker.”

“Yes, he told me about that. Should they not have?”

“He fine, but his coworker has been back multiple times.”

“That is strange. Do you know his name?” I asked.

“I think it’s Tom.”

“Oh!” I exclaimed in recognition. “He’s been David’s best friend since they were in school together. I’ve only met him once, but David says he’s been supportive of us.” Alice sighed. “If you want I can have David talk to him.”

“No, it’s fine. I was just worried about him starting trouble, but if he knows of you and your mate is still friends with him, then that’s probably not it.” I chuckled.

“I agree.”

“Anyway, I need to get back to work.” With that, she scurried off to another table.

“Are you going to talk to David?” Asked Sara. I shrugged.

“I don’t know yet. Maybe.”

“Ok. Keep me posted either way!” She insisted, always interested in a little gossip.

“I will, unless it’s private,” I replied. I had a sneaking suspicion of what the whole ordeal might be, and if I was right, it wouldn’t be my place to talk about it. Sara pursed her lips in a pout.

“Alright...” she conceded. “So, do you and David have any plans for Christmas?” She asked.

“His parents are going on a cruise, so I think it’s just going to be the two of us.”

“Oooh, that sounds romantic!”

“I am looking forward to it, but I have no idea what to get him.”

“I don’t really know him, so I probably wouldn’t be any help.” Her face lit up. “You could ask one of his friends! Maybe even this Tom guy, and you can get the scoop on why he keeps coming here!” I sighed.

“I’m not asking Tom why he keeps coming here. Besides, I don’t even have a way to contact him without talking to David ... first...” I trailed off as a familiar figure walked into the restaurant.

“What is it?” Asked Sara.

“I think that’s him...” I answered, pointing discreetly. The vulpine hostess led him to a small table in the corner, and we continued to watch as Alice went to take his order.

“No way...” muttered Sara.

“What is it?” I asked.

“He’s totally into her!”

“That can’t be...”

“He’s trying to hide it, but that’s the same way David looks at you!” She exclaimed, struggling to keep her voice down. Sure enough, as Alice turned around, Tom’s gaze followed her and traces of a smile crept to his face.

“I think you might be right...” I admitted.

“Of course! I was right about you and David, and I’m right about this!” She said with a laugh. I groaned.

“In any case, now is a good time to get his phone number,” I said, changing the subject. “I’ll be right back.” I got up and started walking over to Tom’s table.

As I approached, he did a double take when he seemed to recognize me.

“Excuse me, but would you happen to be Tom?” I asked politely.

“Uhh, yeah,” he answered slowly. “You’re Ruth right?” I nodded.

“Yes.”

“Cool, what’s up?” He asked, slightly more at ease, but he still looked a rather nervous.

“I’ve been trying to figure out what to get David for Christmas, and I was hoping that since you’ve known him for so long, you might be able to help.”

“I think I can do that,” he answered with a relieved chuckle. He pulled out a pen and wrote on a napkin. “Here,” he said, giving it to me. “Just give me a call. Evenings and weekends are typically good.”

“Thank you very much, I appreciate it.” I started turning around to go.

“Waitwaitwait!” Tom blurted out and I turned back around. He looked nervous once more. “I don’t suppose you could not tell David about me being here...” I thought for a second before answering.

“Since you’re helping me figure out Christmas, I suppose I could hold off for a little while.” He sighed in relief and I leaned in closer to speak quietly. “But if you’re going to talk to Alice...” his eyes shot wide open and he involuntarily glanced in her direction, “I’m going to have to ask that you do it soon. I’d rather not keep secrets from David for long.”

“I ... uh...” he stammered and looked like he was about to deny my insinuation, but after a moment he sighed. “I’ll do that.”

“Good luck.” With that I left for my table again. Before Sara could say a word, Alice came up with our breakfasts.

“I appreciate you going to talk to him, but you didn’t have to,” she said quietly as she placed the meals.

“It’s not like that. I’ve been trying to figure out what to get David for Christmas and wanted to ask for advice,” I explained and Alice chuckled.

“Oh, ok then.” Sara opened her mouth, but I gave my head a quick shake to indicate for her not to say anything. Alice didn’t notice, and left a moment later.

“What? You don’t want to tell her?” Asked Sara. “Or is the guy not interested after all?”

“Oh no, he certainly seems interested. However, it’s not our place to tell her how Tom feels. That’s on him.”

“That’s no fun!” I shot her a glare. “Ok, fine,” she said with a huff.

“I did encourage him to talk to her soon though.”

“Well, that’s something I guess,” she grumbled and started eating her food. I did likewise, and we didn’t say much until we were done. When we finished, we went our separate ways. Before headed home I stopped at the grocery store. I’d started cooking dinner around once a week, and since I didn’t have to work I figured that I would try to make something special. Over the weekend I’d found a recipe for a black olive and potato au gratin casserole that looked delicious and not too difficult, but I needed potatoes, olives, and gruyere cheese. Thankfully the store wasn’t busy, so the errand didn’t take very long.