Cordero and Alexandra met 11 days ago

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

He chuckled. "I didn't make them until around noon and I haven't seen her." Glancing up when he heard a noise, he closed his eyes and exhaled. Wow! Bob and Jim were right. As she got closer, he caught the scent of her perfume. "You look amazing." He pointed to a sack. "What's in there?"
Alexandra held it out for him. "I bought you some bandanas. I understand you were a little short the other day."

Cordero took it. "You didn't need to."

"I wanted to. It'll help keep you in the white knight category."

Rosa walked over and took the bandanas. "I'll take these. You two need to get going to make that reservation."

With wide eyes, Alexandra asked, "What reservation?"

"Yeah, I forgot to mention it. Ready?" Cordero held out his arm.

Accepting it, Alexandra smiled. "Yes."


TODAY'S POST:
Chapter 7b


After they were seated at the restaurant and as they studied the menu, Alexandra asked, "What do you suggest?"

"I've only been here a few times, but everything I've tried has been good. I haven't decided for tonight, but it's between the Blackened Red Fish, or Lemon Dill Salmon." When Alexandra's eyes widened, he grinned. "What?"

"I expected you to be a steak-and-potato man."

"I do come out of my cave once in a while."

"That's not what I meant."

He grinned. "Oh really?"

The waitress stopped at their table. "Cord, are you ready to order?"

He studied Alexandra. "I am, but I'm not sure about the lady. Ali, you need more time?"

"I'm thinking about the Blackened Red Fish."

"Just want to caution you. It comes with Cajun Rice. It has a kick to it." Cordero faced the waitress. "Sarah, I think we'll need more time."

"Sorry." Alexandra laid the menu down. "I'm not sure."

Chuckling, Cordero said, "Take your time. There's no rush."

"Knowing you, you'll starve in a few minutes." Again, she studied the menu.

He teased, "I'll attempt to hold off starvation for a few more minutes."

Alexandra closed the menu and set it on the table. "I know what I want. I think."

"Should I call Sarah over?"

"Yes, maybe, before I change my mind."

Sarah stood by the table, and Cordero said, "We're ready, I think." He grinned. "Ali?"

"I'll have the Lemon Dill Salmon." She held her breath. "No, I changed my mind. I want the Ribeye. I've heard they have really good beef in Texas. I'll try it."

Sarah wrote it on her pad and waited for Cordero.

Shaking his head, he said, "Half of her steak and the Blackened Red Fish."

After Sarah left, Cordero said, "I never expected a lawyer to be so indecisive."

"I'm not in the court room, but deciding what to eat, that's different."

"I haven't noticed you being picky."

"I'm not. I like almost everything. That's the problem." Alexandra hesitated and stared. What's Pat doing here?

Cordero turned. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I thought I saw somebody, but I guess not."

Sarah placed the salads in front of them. "Cord, I think Bambi has an ear infection. She keeps shaking her head and scratching her left ear."

"Sounds like a possibility." He hesitated. "Do you think she can wait until Monday morning, or do I need to examine her tomorrow?"

"I think she can wait."

"Okay, I'll be in town around nine o'clock. Is that too early?" After she agreed with the time, he continued, "If she gets worse, call and I'll see her over the weekend."

"Thank you."

After Sarah left, Cordero grinned. "Bambi's a Pomeranian. Only three pounds but a force to be reckoned with. She's Sarah's baby. I think she's bitten me every time I've seen her."

"Ouch!"

"That small it doesn't hurt, but it's a nuisance."

Alexandra took a bit of salad. "This is good." After a few moments, she said, "Your veterinarian job is almost full time, isn't it?"

"It is. There's another one in town, but it seems I keep getting more business. I didn't expect that." He released a deep breath. "Between the ranch and it, I'm busy all the time. I honestly expected it to be part-time."

"Probably because you love animals, and it shows. I left a vet clinic because I felt the doctors, and I tried them both, didn't honestly like Lily. It's important they like animals. It has to show."

"Maybe you're right." He took a drink. "I hope you like it here. I know it's not what you're used to."

"Please don't apologize. It's very nice and I'm enjoying myself. I'm relaxed."

"Please explain."

Before Alexandra could continue, a middle-aged couple, Ralph and Betty came over. Ralph said, "Cord, Sam Bailey mentioned you're missing some bulls."

Cordero's eyes met Alexandra and he mouthed, "Sorry." He faced Ralph. "That's true. We have no clue who or what's taking them."

"I think we need to have a town hall meeting about this because I heard two black bears have been scavenging peoples' garbage cans. Can you believe they actually came into the town?"

"It's strange they came into a populated area. I doubt they'd steal two bulls. I think there'd be evidence of a fight."

"Yeah, you're probably right." Ralph held out his hand. "Good to see you again."

After shaking Ralph's hand, Cordero stood and kissed Betty's cheek. "It's good to see you again, too, Betty."

When he sat, he shook his head. "I'm sorry."

"I see you're very well-known and liked in town." Alexandra attempted to hide her smile. "I'm beginning to think you need to feed Samson more, he's ransacking the garbage cans." She giggled.

"It's a real problem. If bears are coming into town, something's not right with the ecosystem. For some reason they're not finding enough food in the wild. That can be dangerous."

She studied her salad and whispered, "Sorry."

He reached over and touched her hand. "I'm the one who's sorry. I didn't mean it the way it probably sounded." When she continued to stare, he reached over and raised her chin, so their eyes met. "I hate the way that guy must have treated you."

Alexandra blew out a deep breath. "I'm sorry I'm so sensitive. I didn't used to be. Of course, having bears roam around a populated area would be dangerous."

Sarah set their meals on the table. "Anything else I can get you?"

Cordero asked, "Ali, you good?"

"Yes, but there's no way I can eat all this."

Chuckling, Cordero said, "Go figure."

Sarah pointed at the table. "Ma'am, I forgot your baked potato. I'll be right back."

"No." Alexandra's hunched down a little. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so loud. Please don't. "I can't eat all this."

"But it comes with the meal you paid for."

Alexandra glanced toward Cordero for help. He grinned. "It's all right, Sarah. Please, leave it in the kitchen."

Smiling Alexandra said, "Thank you. I need to watch my figure."

Cordero's eyes twinkled. "No, you don't. I'm watching it for you."

Blowing out air, Alexandra said, "You can be frustrating."

He touched her hand. "I hope in a good way."

"The verdict's still out," teased Alexandra as she motioned for Sarah. "Could you please bring another plate?" When she said yes, she added, "Thank you."

After Sarah brought the plate, Alexandra cut her steak and set the larger portion on it. Her eyes met Cordero's. "This is your portion."

"I was wondering what you were going to do with the plate." Cordero cut part of his salmon and moved it to Alexandra's plate. "It's only fair I share."

"How does that help me? I can't eat all of this." She cut the piece of salmon on her plate in two and gave part back to him. "Now, I think we're right."

Cordero stared at her eyes. "Your blue eyes sparkle when you're happy and that blue dress highlights them."

Alexandra avoided eye contact, cut her steak, and took a bite. "This is really good."

"I'm glad you like it. You're uncomfortable with compliments. Why?"

"How's your salmon?"

"Subject changed. My salmon's very good."

When they were almost finished, Sarah came to the table. "Save room for dessert?"

Alexandra tapped her stomach. "Nothing for me, thank you, but do you have ice cream?" After the waitress nodded, Alexandra continued, "Good.
I've learned this cowboy loves ice cream."

Sarah tapped her pen on her pad. "Cord, your usual?"

He shook his head. "It's not fair. You're ganging up on me." After he ate the last bite of steak, he added, "Yes, and bring two spoons. I have a feeling she'll find a spot for at least one bite."

After they shared the cup of ice cream, Cordero took care of the bill and tip. He held her chair as she stood, placed his hand on the small of her back, and they left.

Alexandra studied an image. It's Pat, but why would he be here?

As they left the restaurant, Cordero said, "I hope you enjoyed dinner."

She leaned her head against his arm. "I did, thank you."

Cordero grinned. "Good. I hope you enjoy dancing."

~~~~~
I'm not sure when I'll post chapter 7c, next week, either Friday or Sunday. We're going down to Victoria, Texas to visit our son, Steven, it's his birthday. We will be traveling home on Saturday, so can't post.
~~~~~



CHARACTER LIST:

Cordero Ortiz: 'Cord' runs his parents Texas ranch

Alexandra Black: 'Ali' is a New York City corporate lawyer, is junior partner in huge family law firm

Jorge and Rosa Ortiz: Cordero's parents who own a large West Texas Ranch

Jim: One of the ranch foreman's and good friend of Cordero. He takes care of the main house and surrounding ranch area.

Bob: One of the ranch foremen and good friend of Cordero. He works the entire ranch.

Pat: bank owener, possible suitor for Ali

Sam Bailey: Alpine's Sheriff.

Dale and Dorothy: ranchers who own the mare and the twin foals

Sarah: waitress and owner of Bambi

Ralph and Betty: towns people