Devon clapped a hand on my shoulder, still smiling. “You’ll do fine, big brother. Just don’t overthink it. Did you pick a good restaurant?”
“I think so?” I was suddenly second thinking the Italian place I booked for our date.
They had raving reviews and I did remember Zack mentioning he loved carbonara.
“You’ll be great. Just relax. I can’t remember I’ve seen you this nervous,” Devon remarked.
“Yeah, okay,” I said.
I was thinking if I could cancel my reservation but what if I couldn’t find a decent replacement? I shook my head. I was overthinking this.
“Good luck,” Devon said. “I’m gonna check on Dad before bed.”
As he disappeared around the corner, Mom leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek.
“You look wonderful, sweetheart. Have fun and behave,” she said.
“Mom,” I said with a groan.
“What? I’m just saying.”
She winked at Chris, who looked far too entertained by the whole exchange.
As she walked off down the hall, humming to herself, I shook my head.
“She’s getting nosier by the day,” I commented.
Chris chuckled, leaning against the doorframe.
“You can’t blame her. She’s been in a good mood lately. Between Dad getting better and the move to Pecan Pines, she’s finally breathing again,” Chris said.
That made me pause. He was right. I glanced toward my parents’ room.
“Yeah. It’s good to see her like that again,” I admitted.
“It is,” Chris agreed. “So just endure the teasing. Devon’s mated, I’m between disasters, and you’re the only one currently dating. You’re all she’s got to fuss over.”
I let out a quiet laugh. “Guess I should’ve seen that coming.”
He grinned. “Exactly. Now go, or you’re gonna be late.”
I glanced at the time and cursed softly. “Right.”
As I headed for the door, I muttered, “Next time I’m not asking either of you for fashion advice.”
“Lies,” Chris called after me. “I’m the most fashionable one in this family.
I pretended not to hear.
Twenty minutes later,I parked outside Zack’s apartment building. My stomach flipped as I looked up at the familiar brick facade.
Then it hit me. I was empty-handed.
“Damn it,” I muttered.
Flowers. I should’ve brought flowers. Or something. Cursing under my breath, I pulled back onto the main road and drove until I spotted a little flower shop still open.
The sign above the window read ‘Open’, and the place smelled nice.
