His lips curve into a smile and the thrill of anticipation hits me low in the belly. I smile back, forgetting I still have company, until Sean’s soft laughter catches my attention.
His hand lands on my shoulder. “Remember what we talked about, and let us know how it goes.”
“Will do.” Although I’m not confident there’ll be much to report back. It’s just a drink.
I mentally give myself a slap for being so pessimistic, because there won’t be with that attitude. That voice in my head sounds suspiciously like Sadie, which reminds me I’ve got a bone to pick with her in the morning.
But that can wait.
Because while I’ve been all up in my head, Charlie’s grabbed his notebook and is on his way over. Vic and Sean are barely out the door when he reaches my table. That’s got to be a good sign, right?
“Hey.” He smiles down at me. Maybe I’m reading him wrong, but judging by the way he’s gripping his notebook, he’s as nervous as me.
That settles my own nerves and I smile up at him, hoping it’s as warm and welcoming as I want it to be. “Hey.” I gesture to the chair next to mine. “Have a seat and I’ll go get us a drink. What would you like?”
He scrunches his nose as he sits, like it’s a hard question, and I’m struck again by how young he looks when he does it. Cute too, but yeah... young. “Um... Coke?”
My smile widens. “Are you asking or telling me?”
He huffs and sets his notebook on the table. “I’d like a Coke, please. I’ve got a bit more work to do tonight, so I need a clear head.”
Work?
Definitely going to be asking about that when I get back with drinks. “No problem. I’ll be back in a sec.”
Hailey’s behind the bar and when it’s my turn to be served, she smirks at me. “What can I get you?”
I ignore her knowing look. “A Coke and...” I glance at the beer on tap but hesitate. I don’t have work tonight like Charlie, but I’m driving and I do need to be up early, so that’s alcohol and coffee off the menu.
“Hot chocolate?” Hailey offers, because it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve finished off a meal here with one. I’m about to say yes, but again, I hesitate. I’m trying to impress Charlie, and hot chocolate doesn’t exactly scream exciting and interesting.
But I really fucking want one.
You’re overthinking this, Pete.
I am. I know I am, so I take a breath, shake off the doubt countless failed dates have left me with, and smile at Hailey. “Yeah, I’d love one, thanks.” I can’t start out by pretending I’m someone I’m not.
She hands me Charlie’s Coke. “I’ll bring yours over to you.”
“Thanks.” I pay and take Charlie’s drink back to our table.
He eyes the solitary glass in my hand and frowns. “Not having one?”
“Hailey’s bringing mine over.” I rub a hand over the back of my neck.
“Oh, you having a coffee?”
“Hot chocolate.”
Charlie’s eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles. “Ooh, good call. If I didn’t have work to do later, I’d be tempted to join you.”
I immediately relax.
Wow. My self-esteem issues are getting way out of hand if I need that much validation for the kind of drink I’ve ordered. With a vow to work on that, I focus on what Charlie said for the second time tonight. “Work?”
His eyes widen this time and a flush creeps over his cheeks. “Oh, um... yeah.”
What kind of work elicits that reaction? Before my imagination can run riot, I ask, “Not just here for a holiday then?”
