“That means a lot to hear you say that, Madeline. I think this could be the start of something nice,” I state honestly, and she smiles wide, showing me her perfect teeth.
Damn, she is stunning.
“I think so, too. Okay, shall we have something to eat? I’m not sure what I feel like. Do you know what you want? Maybe…”
“Eggs Benedict,” we say in unison.
I wave to Tamika and glance sideways at Scott with a sly wink.
The rest of the date with Madeline went amazingly well—so much so that we decided to stay for lunch, turning the outing into an all-day event. We talked, laughed, and got to know each other better until she eventually had to leave to get ready for work. At one point, she casually mentioned noticing Scott sitting at his table all day, occasionally glancing our way. She’s sharp, that’s for sure, and I couldn’t exactly deny it. She guessed he was here with me, but to my relief, it didn’t bother her. In fact, I think that’s when it hit her that I might actually be more famous than she initially thought. Even then, she brushed it off like it wasn’t a big deal—a reaction that was more comforting than I’d expected.
By the time we were saying our goodbyes, I felt comfortable enough to ask her if she’d be willing to come to Danger’s wedding as my plus one. It’s this weekend, and honestly, I’ve officially run out of time to ask anyone else. To my surprise—and relief—she said yes. She admitted she’d be a little nervous about meeting everyone, but promised to be on her best behavior. The way she said it, with that mix of sincerity and humor, made me smile. She even said she was honored and genuinely excited for our official second date.
As I watched her leave, I couldn’t help but think about how much I enjoyed spending the day with her. If all goes well at the wedding, I’m hoping I might convince her to come back to my place afterward. I know it’s only our second date, but it would be nice to spend more time together, just the two of us, in a comfortable and private setting.
Scott and I walked her out the back, then around to the parking lot to her car, and I kissed her goodbye. It wasn’t a passionate kiss, it wasn’t lust-filled, it wasn’t brimming with ecstasy, it was a first kiss—gentle, tender, and nice. It wasbasically lips touching, no open mouth, and no tongue. It was the definition of a good girl kiss.
It was what I expected from the woman I want on a first date.
She passed the test.
My somber mood is all but lifted as I watch Madeline drive off, and I turn, walking with Scott to our car.
“So, that went fucking well,” he cheers, looking down at his watch.
I smirk like a fucking giddy schoolboy. “Didn’t it, though? I have no idea how I lucked out, man. Did you see her?”
He chuckles while nodding. “Um… yep, I saw her. Matt, man, fuck.” His eyes bulge out of his head, accentuating his approval, and I chuckle knowingly.
Then it dawns on me, Alex’s message.
I always answer her right away, and her message has gone unanswered for hours.
“Shit,” I murmur and quickly pull out my cell as we reach the car and slide in.
I read the message and slump.
Alex:Can you come to the gallery? I wanna talk to you about something…
Fuck!
This was at like eight this morning, and it’s now close to her getting ready to come over for Taco Tuesday. She’s going to think I ignored her all day. I grimace and swipe my cell to dial her number. It rings a few times, and I think she isn’t going to answer when she finally does.
“Hey…” She doesn’t answer with her usual rhetoric or chirpy manner. She seems down, and I know that’s because of me.
“I’m a shit friend,” I blurt out, and she lets out a small laugh down the line.
“No denying that. Are you being held captive by Afghan Hounds?” she asks, and I furrow my brows.
“What? No. That’s so weird.”
“You say weird, I say creative. Can you imagine those long-coated pups with AK47s and headbands yelling at you to get on your knees and put your hands behind your head?” she asks with a slight chuckle.
“Are you drunk?”
“No, I’m always this weird, Matt. You used to like my weird.” She sighs.
Furrowing my brows, I swallow hard. “I still like your weird, Alex, but you watch too many Japanese cartoons. That sounds like something from one of them.”
