What did I do wrong?
It has to be my age.
And honestly, who am I kidding to even drag this out? If I were her, there is no way I’d want to date me. I just need to get real about it.
The waiter comes up and leans over a tad. “Is everything all right with your steak, sir? I noticed you cut it but haven’t taken a bite.”
“It’s fine.” I stare at the chunks all neatly sliced, and I know what I need to do. I take my credit card out of my wallet and hand it to him. “I’m ready to settle up, and may I have a to-go box? Mydate—I mean, my dinner companion has gotten ill.”
“Certainly.” He disappears for a minute before returning with my card and a box. I transfer my meal and secure it in the box, and she’s still not back.
I get she may want privacy, but what kind of man am I if I leave her here by herself if she is seriously ill? Maybe I should ask a waitress to check on her? I get up from the table, box in hand, and make my way back through the dining room. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me. Living in a small town is hard, because people know your business. I’m sure they are all wondering who the female is.
Right as I get to the front foyer, El stumbles out of the ladies’ room, a full layer of sweat on her forehead.
Poor thing.
She must be running a fever.
She really is ill.
Her eyes swell huge when she sees me, and she stutters, “W-What are you doing here?”
“I was going to send a waitress in to check on you.” I gesture forward. “I can tell you’re not feeling well. I’m sorry you’re ill, but I’m happy to take you home so you can rest.”
The back of her hand finds her shimmering forehead, and she attempts to wipe the sweat off her brow. “Ah, I didn’t mean to mess up our date,” she rushes out, her complexion flushing even more.
“You’re not messing it up at all.” I walk forward until I’m next to her and place a hand on her lower back to guide her toward the exit. “You can’t help that you got ill. I’ll take you back to the lodge.”
“I’m really feeling much better,” she rushes out. “Besides, I have at least an hour before—” her voice drops off.
“Before . . . you have a curfew?” I tease.
“No, just ignore that.” She lets out a high-pitched laugh that does nothing to conceal her nerves. Then it makes sense.
Maybe she’s not sick, but she’s nervous?
She didn’t get this way until we got to this restaurant. Ihadto bring her to the nicest place in town as I was trying to impress her. She has to notice everyone staring at us. All this just made her nervous.
“Really, I’m fine.” She places a hand on my forearm and a sonic boom explodes. “I’m sorry I ruined our dinner, but I’m not ready to go home yet. I’d love a chance to talk some more.”
“If you’re sure.” I linger on the word sure, giving her a chance to back out again, but she dials her gaze into mine. I feel an intense pull that says there’s no way you are taking her home now, so I suggest something more casual than this, andsomewhere we can be alone and away from all the stares. “How about we go on a drive through Evergreen Park?”
“That sounds lovely.” She steps toward the exit, her voice pepping up.
I follow right on her heels. Now, let’s try not to mess up the next half of the date.
twelve
Arielle
My back is a bay of sweat, and it’s refreshing to step out in fresh air. I just completed the most epic bathroom performance of“Love Shack” that ever went down. There was even a granny in the last stall. Bless her heart, she didn’t ask questions when she came out. She gave me a peace sign and washed her hands while I sang. Of course, I advanced to the next round. Now I have about an hour before the final, final showdown.
As ecstatic as I am that I won my battle round, it broke my heart to see Stallone standing outside the bathroom, looking so downhearted. I feel terrible for ditching him, but I honestly hadn’t thought going to the bathroom would look so suspicious. He clearly is taking it personally, and I need to make it up to him. I link my hand into his arm and gaze up at him. “Tell me about your hobbies. What do you like to do for fun?”
“I’m basically your classic outdoorsman. I love to hunt, fish, hike, kayak, camp, anything of that sort. That’s why I alwaysfound Mapleton to be the perfect place for me to live. I have a cabin up in the mountains, and I can literally do it all in my backyard.”
“That sounds amazing. I love hiking and fishing too, but I’ve never been kayaking before.” I bat my lashes. “You might have to teach me.”
