Grant: Excited to see you tomorrow. Do you want me to pick you up or meet you at Boise Pawn and Thrift?
Emma: Do you have a preference?
Grant: I’m happy with whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
I glanced to the side and chewed on my bottom lip. Riding together meant more time spent together. And after talking to Jane and Mom, I promised them both I would try to give it time to see if it could work.
Emma: I’m fine to ride with you, but parking can be nasty near my apartment.
Grant: I’m sure I’ll manage.
He wasn’t a man of many words. I chuckled.
Emma: Deal.
Grant: Is it okay if we start around noon? I have a few things in the morning first.
Emma: Yep, noon is great!
I sent him my address and got back to dusting.
The store had never been cleaner.
I shookout my hands to calm my nerves. Why was I so nervous to see Grant? I put in my pearl stud earrings and added a coat of my pink lip gloss. I tucked my light blue shirt into my high-waisted jeans and tied a light pink scarf in my hair. Our date was only two days ago, and we’d texted in between, so why did this feel different?
Deep breaths.
I didn’t get to know the ending early.
I repeated the phrases Jane gave me.
A knock sounded from my front door, and I took a calming breath.
“Coming,” I hollered toward the door as I grabbed my cardigan and purse from off the hooks.
I opened the door and felt the cool spring air swirl around me. Grant was giving me serious James Dean vibes with his leather jacket and jeans. So yummy.
“You ready?” His eyes drank me in, and I felt beautiful without him saying a word.
“Yep.” I nodded and locked the door behind me. He held his hand out for me again, palm up, waiting. It was a bold gesture, but respectful, and I loved it.
I set my hand in his and grinned as his hand enveloped mine, soft but firm, and when his thumb started tracing mine I lost all coherent thought and my steps stuttered again.
“Whoops,” I chuckled, “guess I’d better pay attention.”
He winked and led me down the rest of the stairs to his black Chevy truck. “I like that color on your lips.” His eyes were on my mouth, and I tried to swallow.
“Oh, um. Thanks.” My heart was trying to sprint out of my chest.
He opened the truck door for me and waited for me to sit,then he shut the door and went around the front of the vehicle. The car smelled like him, a mix of leather and something earthy. I took a quick peek around. For a single guy, his car was pretty clean. There was a gym bag in the back and a trash bag that looked to be full of Red Bulls. Grant opened his door, drawing my attention back to him.
He smiled and shifted his truck into drive and merged onto State Street. We drove the twenty minutes to the thrift store, relaying stories from elementary school. He pulled into the parking lot.
“This is kind of a long shot to find film canisters, but I figure it’s worth a try.” I shrugged.
“Sounds good.” He stepped out of his truck.
I had called three auction houses and asked them to watch for movie reels, but so far no luck.
