West Of The Sun by Edgar Pangborn (children's ebooks free online TXT) 📕

had a gentleness about him that set Julie at ease. They eyed each other for a few moments, completely forgetting about the hostess standing beside them.

“I’ll send over a server shortly. In the meantime, if you need anything please just let one of the busboys know.”

Harry pressed his index finger to his lips for a moment in thought, then scratched the back of his neck. “I do apologize for being a nuisance, but do you think we could sit somewhere else?” he asked.

Julie eyed the hostess carefully and apart from a slight nose flare, there was no sign of offence. Yet, Julie was certain that this woman did not want to find another table in the busy restaurant.

“I had assumed you wanted to be seated somewhere quiet?” she began, a tinge of annoyance in her voice. Harry nodded.

“I wonder if your balcony is free?”

The hostess nodded slowly and closed her eyes for a long moment.

“If you just give us a few minutes, I’ll have it ready for you shortly.” She turned and left without so much as a glance in Julie’s direction. Julie looked back at Harry and eyed the perfectly tailored suit he was wearing.

“I’m all right sitting here. We don’t need to cause any trouble,” she offered tentatively. Harry leaned forward and squinted at her.

“Yes, thing is… I can’t see you. When Emily said this was a blind date, I didn’t think it would be one of those… you know, blind dates.”

“Where the lights are off?”

“That’s it.” Harry laughed. His hair was darker in the low lighting and his face was shadowed.

“You do look like a tall, dark, and handsome stranger though,” Julie blurted out before her brain caught up. She gawped at Harry for a moment, realizing she said her thoughts aloud. To her delight though, he chuckled appreciatively.

“I didn’t even know they had a balcony,” Julie added, mostly to herself. Harry looked sheepish.

“I’m a friend of the owner,” he said shyly. Julie cocked a brow.

“Of this restaurant? Or the entire Martinelli franchise?”

Harry clasped his hands together, interlocking his broad fingers and tilted his head side to side.

“Tommy and I went to Eton together.” He shrugged lightly.

“Tommy… Martinelli?”

Harry nodded. Julie wanted to whistle and slump back into the chair, but her tightly fitted bodice held her in place.

“You mentioned Eaton… are you from England?” Julie asked, almost hopeful. It would be nice to meet another Brit in the city. Harry, however, shook his head.

“No, I was born in Idaho.”

“Oh, don’t tell me, your parents are potato farmers?” Julie asked without thinking. As soon as the words escaped her lips, blood rose to the surface of her cheeks.

That is so offensive, why did I say that?

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it to come out like that,” she added quickly. Harry waved his hands.

“It’s fine. I like your humor,” he said lightly. “Yes, my father was a potato farmer. I have no idea why, but he loved his work,” he explained.

The hostess reappeared before Julie could comment.

“Your table is ready, if you will follow me.” She turned on her heels and walked slowly, while Julie scrambled to her feet. As if he possessed spider-senses, Harry lunged to her side and held out his hand just as Julie’s ankle gave way. She cried out and grasped his arm as his grabbed her waist, pulling her upright again. For the briefest moment, the heat of Harry’s hands warmed her back and she glanced into his beautiful eyes as she clutched his arm.

“Thank you, I’m so clumsy in heels,” she said breathlessly as they broke apart and Julie regained balance. Harry’s cheeks were flushed. The corners of his eyes creased as he flashed her a grin.

“I promise I’m not judging. I have no idea how anyone can walk in them.” He held out his arm and Julie slid her hand to rest on the crook. They followed the hostess in silence, Julie grinning despite herself. Her heart was doing a tap dance and her ears were ringing.

Harry held open the glass door and Julie stepped out.

The black sky was dotted with twinkling stars and a small table sat in the middle of a little garden. Large palm trees and potted flowers surrounded them, and if it wasn’t for the small iron fence behind the table, Julie would never have guessed they were on a balcony. Fairy lights glowed like candles all around and a single red rose stood proudly on the table. Julie took a seat and watched Harry take his. He looked out at the huge moon shining in the sky. Its mystical rays illuminated his face and the sight made Julie want to sigh.

He’s so dreamy.

“You can see Central Park from here,” he mused. He was right. The huge trees framed the view of the grass banks and Julie could just make out the horse-drawn carriages going up and down the paths.

“Good evening, I am Merlin and I’ll be your server today,” a deep voice rumbled at them. Julie jumped and looked back to see a tall African American man with broad shoulders and chocolate brown eyes. His head was totally bald, and he had a smooth accent.

“Merlin, is that your real name?” Harry asked. Merlin flashed his white teeth as he shifted his weight and raised his hands as if he was caught red-handed.

“Yes, sir. My mom was a big fan of the story,” he said. “Bless her soul.” He looked up at the heavens and kissed his fingertips.

“Me too, Sword in the Stone. My grandfather used to read it to me,” Harry exclaimed. Julie clapped her hands with excitement.

“Me too. Well, I watched the movie almost every day of my childhood.” She laughed. “At least, that’s what my memory tells me.”

The three of them smiled fondly for a moment, reveling in the memory of their childhood, when Merlin snapped his fingers and broke the spell.

“Are you ready to order?”

“So then I was talking to this actor, who did not want to relocate to Vancouver, and