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6 - Spa Girl VS Comic Girl

The ride to the restaurant was talkative but uneventful. As soon as the driver got in the car though, Rose had been bent over the center console speaking with Darla, and the driver sent something through on his phone. Henry’s pinged almost at the same time, and he spasmed a little, slamming his knee into the back of the driver’s seat.

When they reached the restaurant, there was a line out the door, but Henry elbowed his way through, tucking Rose under his arm as he did. “Reservation for Mason, please.”

“Of course, Sir. Right, this way.” The host said, leading them to a quiet corner of the room. Henry pulled the corner chair out for her, sliding the chair in for her as she sat. He took the seat beside her, looking at the room at large.

“I hate not facing the door,” Jace complained. As he took the seat by the wall, across the table from Rose.

“It’s your birthday dinner,” she laughed, “We could just switch places.” Henry wore a scowl as he shook his head.

Jace laughed, “No. Thank you. As much As I hate it, Henry won’t budge, and I have someone else I’d rather sit beside.” He nuzzled into Darla, who returned his affection with a small kiss. “Besides, you keep the guy paying happy,” The waitress came and took their drink orders. Rose felt funny as she ordered a glass of wine while Jace and Darla ordered shots and Henry got himself a long island. No one else seemed to note it or care. Henry was looking at the menu with far too much interest.

“Can’t decide what to get?” She laid her menu down on the table. “I think I’d like the crab cakes and Rangoon if that’s okay?”

“Of course. Do you want me to order it, or would you prefer to?”

“You can.” She laughed, “What will you get?”

“The lobster bisque and a steak with mashed potatoes.” He smiled. As they ordered, he got a top-shelf rum for everyone at the table. “Jace, happy 35th. You're lucky you’ve been a good friend. I have another surprise for you.” He held out an envelope to Jace. The only thing in it was a key.

Jace looked at him funny. “What’s this?”

Rose bounced up and down in her chair, which brought his and Henry's attention to her. “Do you want to tell him?” Henry smiled at her.

Nodding she bounced again, and Henry waved his hand for her to go on, “You get the honeymoon suite at the Inn. It has a Jacuzzi tub and a sauna, and its own little breakfast nook and porch. Two nights stay, out by 2 on Sunday. But you’ll get lobster benedict Sunday morning for breakfast.”

“I feel like I should get the lobster benedict.” Henry frowned over at Jace.

“Tell you what, Henry,” she pat his thigh, “You show up on Sunday morning with a couple of cups from that fancy espresso machine of yours, and I'll make you breakfast too.”

“Seriously?” He looked at her in surprise. “Did I just score a second date? A morning date, no less?”

“Do you like morning dates? Most people don’t. Probably because you’re less likely to go home with them.”

Henry and Jace both sat back as their food was served. “Careful, plates are hot. Does anyone need a refill on their drinks?”

“Yes, please. Another cabernet if you don’t mind?”

“I’ll take the ultimate margarita on the rocks.”

“I’ll take another long island.” Henry set his glass to the side and grabbed Ross’s empty wine glass.

“Scotch, on the rocks. Medium shelf please.”

“Can I change my mind?” Rose mumbled, looking sheepishly at Henry. “I think I’d like to try a margarita, but frozen instead.” Henry looked at the waitress, who didn’t seem to hear her as she cleared away the empty glasses. Henry repeated the request.

“Their service is amazing here. We haven’t waited for anything,” Rose noted as their drinks came back momentarily.

“Yeah, I come here a lot. I always sit in Steph's area. She’s a single mom and struggling, so we made a deal that if she’s quick, pleasant, and makes sure no one bothers me, she gets a big tip at the end of the night.” Henry cut into what looked like a perfect medium-well steak.

“This is why women chase after you, you know,” Jace said around a mouthful. “You're too damn nice.” Henry shrugged. The conversation waned as everyone ate their food. “Shit. Incoming.” Jace sat up a little straighter to turn and scowl. Brittany Lou. She was the prettiest woman in town. Her father was a foreign official, so she had money to boot. She was an international model herself and had been featured in Vogue a few times.

“Hey there, stranger. Long time no see. I've been waiting for you to call. I thought you weren’t interested in dating right now?” Rose felt her glare and decided to meet her eyes. “I’m surprised to see you with a pre-owned. If you wanted to dip your pen, you could’ve just called. I’ve told you before I’m fine with a no-strings attachment.”

“Maybe Henry just didn’t want you, Brittany. Ever think of that?” Jace quipped.

“Just because you’re a closet gay, doesn’t mean everyone else is Jace.” She sneered. “Not that a pig like you would ever have a chance with someone like me.”

“This pig wouldn’t want one. Neither does his friend, so why don’t you take the hint and get the hell out of here?”

“That true, Henry? You know we’ve had a lot of good times together.” As she reached out to touch his hair his hand pushed hers away.

“You’ve been told it’s over. I never said I wasn’t interested in dating. I’m just not interested in dating you.”

“Yeah, you’re back to your charity dating, huh? Isn’t she a little old for you? And her son runs amuck through town all the time. I can’t believe you have any interest in her. She’s so not your normal type. I mean, usually, you have a little taste.”

“Get the hell out of here, Brit. Just because I’ve decided I wanted to be with someone with an actual personality doesn’t mean you can sit here and insult my date.” His chair scraped back as he stood, crossing his arms over his chest.

“It’s okay, Henry. She's just jealous that she had to spend thousands of dollars to get the curves our lovely Rose got blessed with naturally.” Darla and Brittany were suddenly in a stare-off. “Can’t expect someone with no personality to understand why it’s important to those of us who actually want to have a real relationship and not just sleepovers.”

“You know, these days we go to hairdressers for help with messes like that mop on your head. Oh, wait, you just can’t afford it because daddy paid for everything for you, but he died, leaving you with nothing right?” As Brittany gave Darla a nasty smile, Rose watched the color drain from her face. Rose didn’t really know Darla all that well, but no one deserved to be treated like this.

Rose shot out of her chair, “That’s crossing the line, Brittany. Do you really think coming over here and being a bitch will get you anything?” She slammed her hands on the table. Steph was suddenly rushing over with the busboy.

“Oh, I’ve ended up being the one he got to go home with after numerous encounters like this. He likes my inner bitch. Finds it to be a turn-on. I’ll see you at home, sweetheart.” She wiggled her fingers as Steph started telling her they’d have her forcibly removed if she continued to harass her customers.

“Man, I hate that woman. I don’t know how you stomached her for as long as you did.” Jace downed his scotch and placed an order for another. “We're going to have to head off to the bar soon. I think some real music and movement will do us all some good.”

“Thanks for sticking up for me. Do you really end up taking her home after dates go bad?” Rose immediately regretted the question as both Henry and Jace scowled at her. “What? After all that, it's a legit question.”

“I took her home, once, since we broke it off. By accident. I was too wasted to know how to exit the bar, my date bailed, and my wingman ran off on me.” He frowned at Jace, his hand going through his hair. “It was an awful night, and an even worse morning, truth be told.” He sat back down. “But things are definitely over between us. She had no real interest in me as Henry. It was just superficial nonsense with her all the time.”

“Was she the spa girl?” Rose asked, drinking her margarita a little too quickly.

Henry chucked. “Yes, comic book girl.” His shoulder hit hers gently. “I still like comics better than spas anyway.”

“God, Henry. You're hopeless. You're not supposed to show off your nerd to a girl until after you’ve actually bagged her. No wonder you can’t get laid.” Jace groaned. Darla elbowed him in the side.

“Jace,” she complained, “You’re the worst wingman ever.”

“Especially if you’re not nerding right.” Rose giggled.

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