“Hmmm?” He hums, turning to look over at her. “About where we’re going? I already told you it’s a surprise,” Toni chuckles, making another turn as they draw closer to the restaurant. It’s a relatively small place and off the grid unless you’re in the know and can actually afford the place. Toni used to come here with Ty when they were trying to stay out of the paparazzi’s eye. He figures that Summer will enjoy the privacy.
“Not that question. About when this started.” Resolutely, she doesn’t look at him, but she also doesn’t pull her hand away from his. It’s important to know, though she’s not sure why.
Toni takes a deep breath and purses his lips, wondering what to say. “I think I’ve always cared about you,” he finally decides. “Just not in the way you wanted me to, at first …but then …” The young man looks over at her, setting the car to autopilot again. “You remind me of my old life, Summer. You remind me that sometimes things fucking suck, but you have to remember to smile. You remind me of …home. Stupid isn’t it?”
She colours, glancing at him. “It’s not stupid. I’m flattered.” Summer bites her lip, then smiles at him, a smile that starts out sweet and actually a little shy, but turns into something a little less innocent. “And flattery will get you everywhere.”