The Hungry House by Elizabeth Amelia Barrington Read Free Book Online

excited, because I had heard a lot about Esparza's but had never been to the restaurant.
    When we walked in, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant décor, some would say a bit kitschy, but full of pleasing eye-candy. Carvings of brightly colored, tropical birds hung from the ceiling and the seats, booths and bar were aqua and red. At 4:45 p.m., Esparza's was already filling with customers, some sitting at the bar. We were immediately shown to the last available booth and given menus.
    I did not open the menu. "I want chicken tamales."
    "Okay, you . But, could you just humor me by looking at all the interesting items on this menu? You won't see them anywhere else."
    "Well, okay ," I teased, "just to humor you ."
    I studied the menu for a few moments. "This is interesting. Cow tongue and buffalo."
    "See, I told you it was interesting."
    Paul carefully scanned everything on the menu. "I always look at everything on here and then order a big burrito."
    Sud denly, he looked as if he had seen a ghost. "Don't turn around. Three o'clock. May day, May day, going down." He hid his face behind his menu and slouched down in the booth.
    I turned to look and saw a lovely, tall young woman dramatically approaching with a large margarita in hand. Everyone turned to stare at her as she walked by.
    "I told you not to turn around."
    I turned back around to face Paul. "You mean the "ooh la la" girl walking this way. High heels, blond hair, and skirt up to here?"
    "Yup . That's the one."
    The "ooh la la" girl now stood at their table and fixed a murderous gaze upon Paul, ignoring me.
    "Where in God's name have you been? It's been over two weeks."
    "I'm fine, thanks . And who is this, you ask? This is my date, Vicky Howell. Vicky, Mary O'Malley."
    Fi nally, Mary turned toward me and looked me up and down. "Well, it is cute, but I didn't know you were into cradle robbing. I suppose this explains why you haven't called."
    She s uddenly flung her margarita into his face, set the empty glass down on their table, turned on her high heels and walked out the door of the restaurant to the laughter of a few people at the bar.
    Pau l dabbed at his face with his napkin, every once in a while glancing at me. I began to laugh and could not stop.
    "Oh, yeah, very, very funny. Hah, hah." But, he looked relieved that he would not have to face two angry young women in one night.
    When I was finally able to stop laughing, I teased, "You didn't tell me there would be a floor show."
    Then I became serious. "She seemed very upset."
    "You picked that up, huh? You know, on our first date she started talki ng about how many children we would have. I never called her after that. She's a little nuts."
    "Oh, I see. Well, hopefully that's the last you'll see of her."
    The waitress brought their meals. Each was absorbed in eating for a few moments.
    I broke the silence. "Well, here we are, not talking again." We both smiled.
    "You know, your mom is really special. She was sizing me up but in a nice way."
    "I'm sorry about that . She feels she has to be the mom and the dad."
    Paul shrugged . "Hey, I have no problem with it."
    "Well, I am getting a little old for that type of parental oversight, don't you think?"
    "Yeah , probably, but just barely." He was looking into my eyes with a lover's longing.
    He reached across the table offering his hand. When I put my hand in his, the feel of his work-roughened skin gave my body a sensual jolt. My attraction to Paul frightened me. I didn't want to make another heartbreaking mistake.
    " I, I really want to get to know you, and I hope you feel the same way," Paul said.
    "I do . I feel the same way, but the thing is I have a lot on my plate right now. We must move very slowly." I wanted to act from my head and not from my throbbing body.
    "I wouldn't have it any other way."
    I set down my fork. "I'm getting full. I'm not used to eating this much."
    "Oh, who would have ever guessed that? What are you, about five foot seven and 110 pounds