Mum gives my hand a squeeze and lets go so I can answer it.
“Hey.” He beams a bright smile at me when I open the door.
I swallow hard and nod. “Hi.”
“Ready? I thought we might check out that new burger place in town. It’s not a long walk to the movie theatre, and it’s a nice night.”
I nod. “That sounds great.”
“You look beautiful.”
Oh my God.
I never thought I’d hear those words out of Patrick’s mouth not once, but twice, and I blink rapidly to stop tears building up. Coming from Dad is one thing. But Patrick?
“Thank you.”
He leads me out to his car and opens the passenger door for me. It seems like he’s really going all out for this.
Tension rolls out of my shoulders as my anxiety level drops.
Patrick gets into the car and smiles at me. “Ready?”
I nod.
“I’m so glad you agreed to come out with me. This is a fresh start for us.”
I can’t help but smile. “I agree.”
“Good. I’ve missed you.” He reaches across and takes my hand in his. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a dickhead.”
For a moment, I can’t quite believe my ears, but then I laugh. “As long as you know.”
His eyes sparkle with mischief. “I do.” He gives my hand a squeeze. “Let’s go.”
It’s not a long drive, but I spend the whole ride watching the scenery go by out the window. My heart’s still pounding so hard, I’m afraid to look at Patrick and find that this is all a dream.
When we pull into a car park, he turns to me.
“Stay right there. I’ll get the door.”
My cheeks are flush with excitement.
He opens the door and holds out his hand for me to take.
This is it.
People will see us together—maybe even people we went to school with. I’m nervous, but proud, and trying to ignore the sinking feeling in my gut.
He doesn’t let go as he leads me through the door.
I lock gazes with Dave Pratt.
Patrick must see him too, as he squeezes my hand. “Ignore him. Tell me what you want and I’ll order it. You find a seat.”
“Just a cheeseburger.”
He cocks his head. “I’m paying. Have whatever you want. I seem to remember you were partial to fries.”
