“Someone handsome, I presume?”
“That’s a bold assumption. Why would you suppose he’s handsome?”
I look over at him in a deep violet button-up and slacks, leaning back into the corner of the elevator, his arms crossed, assessing me.
“Well, if he’s not, it’s not a fair date. You’re compromising,” he replies.
“Who says it’s a date? And is that your backward way of saying you think I’m beautiful?”
The questions taste bold as they roll off my tongue, but Evan doesn’t even flinch at them. No, I think he enjoys them by the way his face seems to glow.
“You’re dressed for a date, and yes. It’s unfortunate I’m not the one you’re meeting.”
Then he winks at me before straightening up as the elevator doors open in the lobby.
Obviously, Evan Michaels didn’t really hate my dresses as much as he let on when we first met.
“Ladies first.” He gestures toward the lobby.
I step out of the doors, unsure where to go from here. I Googled a few bars within walking distance but couldn’t decide. I’m kind of hoping Evan has a suggestion, but Evan isn’t exactly Evan right now. He’s just the cute guy on the elevator.
I look around the lobby.
“So, is he late?” Evan questions, pretending to look around.
“It appears he’s a no-show.” I shrug my shoulders.
“Well, I can’t let you be stood up,” he says, offering his arm for me to loop mine through.
We start walking toward the large glass doors framing Nashville at night, glittering with the white, red, and amber lights of vehicles passing by.
“I’m sorry, what was your name?” I question, tilting my head up at him.
“Evan Michaels,” he replies smoothly.
“I know a guy named Evan,” I reply, waiting for him to take the bait of my comment.
He does.
“Oh, really? Nice guy?”
“Actually, no.” I smirk at him. “Horrible guy. In fact, I even swore to loathe him forever.”
I watch as his lips twitch in amusement, but he fixes his expression into one of concern.
“That’s too bad. I’m always disappointed when I hear of an Evan that gives our namesake a bad reputation.”
“Well, maybe you can change my opinion on guys named Evan then,” I suggest, squeezing his arm.
“I’m sure going to take this opportunity to try.”
And I love flirty, bantering Evan. I could speak in banter all day and all night long.
He leads me out the doors. The night is balmy, its warmth pressing into my bare skin. It feels reminiscent of home, and it makes me miss it. Just a little.
He leads us left, and I’m relieved that he’s taken charge again.
A few steps down the sidewalk and I spot Lily ahead of us, walking in our direction. Oh,right. He said Lily loved Nashville, and he was not kidding. Lily is wearing diamond-studded cowgirl boots and a short white dress that has fringe for the skirt, and of course, long nails to match.
