“My cousin needs someone in his life that can slow him down. They both have similar personalities, so it will be interesting to see what happens.”
“I agree, same with my sister. She hasn’t found the right guy in some time so she can be a handful.”
“Enough about them, let’s talk about you,” Kevin suggested. “I’m so happy for you. Hopefully, now you will be able to move on with your life and leave the past in the past.”
“I agree, and that’s the plan.”
“I feel honored that you chose me to be your date to celebrate with,” Kevin said.
“I mean,” I began feeling a little put on the spot. “You have been there for me every step of the way. Aside from my sister, you’re the only other person that would appreciate the celebration as much as I do.”
“Mmmm…hmmm, is that the only reason?”
“Ummm…what do you mean?”
“I was hoping that you’d say you wanted to invite me because you missed my company and wanted oh so badly to see me,” Kevin said, causing me to blush a little. Thankfully, we wereover the phone, so he couldn’t see the silly smile on my face. “So, where were you thinking about going, and what time do you want to link up?”
“I’m in the mood for seafood. I was thinking we could go to Bob Chinn’s. I love their clam chowder and sushi.”
“Bob Chinn’s is a great spot to celebrate your new lease on life.” Kevin chuckled.
“I love the ambiance, and the food is to die for.”
“Agreed. I’ll call and make a reservation. Just let me know what time works for you.”
“I was thinking we could all meet around seven.”
“Seven is good. How about I pick you up and we ride there together?”
“Umm, you sure? ‘Cause I don’t want you to have to do anything extra. I’m already asking you at the last minute.”
“It would be my pleasure. I told you, whenever, whatever you need, I got you. Oh, and tonight’s tab will be on me. I’ll make sure to let them know when I make the reservation.”
“Oh, my goodness! Kevin, you don’t have to do that. Bob Chinn’s can be kinda pricey.”
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to. I’m pretty good at managing money, so affording it wouldn’t be an issue.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean to imply anything.”
“I know, I’m just letting you know for future reference.”
There was a small moment of silence between us then I spoke up.
“I appreciate everything you have done for me. You have proven above and beyond that you’re an amazing person. Thank you for being so good to me,” I gushed.
“No thanks needed, beautiful. Just know that there is plenty more where that came from. I know a good woman when I see one. I’m just glad that all that negative shit is in your past and you can now start to enjoy life. I hated to see you upset and hurt.I felt like my hands were tied, but now I can show you how you deserve to be treated.”
“I don’t doubt for a second that you won’t. I just want to take my time to make sure that all that I went through is out of my system. I don’t want to carry any ol’ baggage into something new with you.”
“I get it, and I’m a very patient man. I can handle your baggage. You’re just going to have to see. So,” Kevin said, taking a long pause, “I’ll be to pick you up around six-thirty tonight. The traffic can get a little crazy in Northbrook.”
“Okay, perfect. Let me call Dawn to let her know. I hope she wasn’t planning on riding with me.”
“She can ride with us too if she wants.”
“Okay, I’ll let her know. I’ll see you later tonight.”
“See you later, love.”
