We eat our food in silence, but chatter from other customers fills the air.

My mind ventures to this so-called business trip. And how for the first time in forever I’m able to let down my hair and not worry about bills or stress out about money.

It feels good to be able to breathe for once, go with the flow, and not worry about what tomorrow brings.

The waitress brings us our bill and asks, “This bill is together or separate?”

“Together,” I tell her. I made sure to transfer five hundred dollars from my saving to my checking, so I’ll be able to cover our food. Gunner reaches for his wallet in his pocket, and I place my hand over his. “I got it.”

He’s already done more for me than anyone else in my life, the least I can do is pay for his meals.

“No, Gia. I’m the man. I should be paying.” His face is serious.

“No, let me do something nice for you, please.” I dig into my purse and hand the waitress my debit card.

“Thanks.” Surprise flickers on his face, and his smile feels like he’s kissing me in the rain on a summer day.

“You’re welcome.”

“No, I really mean it. Thanks. Most women I fuck tend to expect me to pay for everything. I don’t mind. I was raised to take care of women, but sometimes that shit gets old real quick when it isn’t appreciated and instead expected.” He scoots the crumbs from the table in his hand and dumps it on his empty plate. “Most women care about what’s in my pocket more than me.”

Sadness seeps through my pores. This explains why he’s so closed off toward women. I’m a little surprised he’s confiding in me because Gunner isn’t the sharing type.

Before I can respond, the waitress brings back the receipt; I sign it and leave her a ten-dollar tip.

“You ready to go?” he asks, getting up from the table.

“Yeah.”

* * *

The aquarium is packed with families and teenagers. We stroll through a long tunnel surrounded by sea creatures in different colors, shapes, and sizes.

I have Gunner take pictures of me touching a few stingrays in shallow water. We watch a dolphin show. I should have brought a jacket because it’s freezing in the building. Gunner entwines his fingers with mine the entire time. Weirdly, I don’t mind. His touch feels wild and free. I haven’t held hands with a guy in a long time.

I take pictures of everything. He asks me what made me get into photography and I tell him about how my mom loved it and that I want to capture every good moment in my life. Because when bad moments hit, I want to be reminded of the good. We stop by the souvenir shop, and he buys me a stuffed orca.