Me
What do you think?
And the second I press send, I realize he’s probably on his date right now.
Did I subconsciously know that?
Oh, man. I’m in trouble.
CHAPTER 20
Ryan
Tonight’s date is…actuallygoing well.
I chose a restaurant that wouldn’t have weird lighting, and she’s not vegan—again, not that there’s anything wrong with that. But I’m not getting lectured or distracted by reflecting flames, and that’s two points in the right direction.
It’s not the absence of negatives that makes this a good date. Amber is a surfer, like me. She’s grown up going to amazing beaches around the world and heads to the sand and water any chance she gets. And her opportunities are more frequent than mine because her day job is teaching ballet.
She’s stunning—tall and slender with tanned skin and sun-bleached blonde hair. The turquoise dress she wears accentuates her slight curves and brings out her blue-green eyes. In every way, she seems like the perfect woman for me.
But a small thought keeps poking at me:She’s not Claire.
I tell that thought to shove it and focus on Amber. The sun is just beginning to set behind her, which is a nice touch for our date. “So, tandem surfing? I’ve never tried that.”
“It’s really fun. And all my ballet training makes the lifts feel natural.” She pulls out her phone, swipes the screen, then turns it to face me. “This was my most recent competition this past summer.”
My mouth drops open. A man is standing on a board, riding a wave, lifting Amber high above his head. His hand holds one of her feet across his chest, the other hand stretched up to grip the top of her thigh. Her other leg is extended behind her, and her arms float above her head. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a picture of tandem surfers, but she’s got an incredible physique and the most grace I’ve seen anyone possess.
“How did you place?” I ask.
She blushes slightly and pulls her phone back. “We got first. But there were so many other incredible couples.”
Humble, too.
I nod at the phone. “Who’s your partner?”
“My cousin, Jayce. We grew up surfing together, so our movements are instinctual.” She tilts her head, eyes shining. “But I’d love to teach you, too.”
“That sounds awesome.” Unlike how I told Rena I’d potentially teach her to surf, I really mean it this time with Amber.
The waitress comes to take our order, and I’m especially relieved when Amber orders a starter of ahi poke and the salmon entrée. Definitely not a vegan. When I order the steak, she says, “I’ll want a bite of that.”
I grin back at her. “No problem.”
We spend a moment smiling at each other, and the waitress chuckles. “I’ll be back with those appetizers in a bit.”
“So, math teacher?” Amber asks. “I’m sorry to say I never liked math.” She bites her lip, like she’s worried she’s offending me.
“Most people don’t,” I say. “Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt my feelings.”
“Okay, phew.” She motions wiping her forehead with a big grin.
“Let me guess, it started with either fractions or long division.”
Her eyes light up. “Fractions.”
I nod. “There’s some research that it might have to do with the number of memory spaces you have as a child. Everyone develops at different times. And if you didn’t have those memory spaces totally ready when the teacher kept going with the material, then you just got further and further behind and never felt like you could catch up.”
