Jack:“What time are you done at work?”
Eve:“Unless the day goes sideways, I’m off at 5:00.”
Jack:“How about I pick you up from work?”
Eve:“Sure, that could work. Anything in particular I should dress for?”
Jack:“Bring lots of warm layers. It’ll be chilly.”
Eve:“I hope you’re not planning on skating at Rockefeller center. I’m a terrible ice skater.”
Jack:“Nope. Arizona boy here. Can’t skate worth a damn.”
Eve:“Are you planning on feeding me?”
Picking me up at 5:00, he’d better be planning on feeding me!
Jack:“Of course! I’m not a monster, remember?”
I sent a laughing emoji then,
Eve:“See you Friday at five o’clock. Come to my office.”
Jack:“Can’t wait.”
Then dots…
Jack:“Good night, angel.”
I burst out laughing. It was a good thing we weren’t FaceTiming! He certainly would not call me angel if he saw the mud mask.
Eve:“Good night, Jack.”
And I went to wash off the mud and go to bed. And probably dream of Jack.
Chapter 13
The week flew by, and I was jittery with anticipation by Friday. Jack had sent funny good morning and good night gifs all week, letting me know he was looking forward to it, too.
Friday morning, I packed a bag with an extra chunky sweater, thick tights, jeans, thick socks, and boots. Diane, of course, noticed the bag sitting in the corner of my office. I hadn’t told her about my plans for the evening.
“Eve, what’s with the bag? Are you going camping this weekend?” As if.
“I’m going…on a date,” I said cautiously. Just as I’d expected, her face lit up.
“With Jack? Where are you going with Jack? Are you going away for the weekend together? A romantic getaway?” She looked like she was about to explode with excitement.
I smiled a bit. “I don’t know. He asked me out, then said to bring extra warm clothes. But I have no idea what his plan is.”
“Are you going to meet him somewhere after work?”
“No, actually, he said he’d pick me up from work when I was done.”
I saw the struggle on her face as she waged an internal battle. Finally, it came out in one breath.
“Eve, can I stay and meet him? Can I please? I promise not to be a pest or say anything to embarrass you. I promise! Please!!” She ended on a pleading note, hands clasped.
“Sure, Diane. I think he should definitely meet you. After all, you’re his number one cheerleader.”
