Archer: Hey, it’s me. Sorry it’s been really busy. Would you be interested/able to get coffee tomorrow?
Seeing the time stamps between our conversation further twists the knife of guilt in my gut. It really does seem like she was being sincere and I was a complete ass to her.
Ellie: I’m sorry. I actually can’t.
I feel like a deflated balloon. I don’t know why I feel so shitty. Is it the rejection? It probably is, between Cassie cheating on me and Elle rejecting me for coffee, I’m starting to really believe it is me. Well, I know the situation with Elle is all me but it doesn’t make it sting less. I look at the conversation again and see the three dots flash on the screen.
Ellie: sorry, I didn’t get to explain. I was using my watch to respond. One of my kids tied their shoes to their chair and I had to take care of that. I would love to get coffee with you but it is a school day. I could meet for maybe 15 minutes during my lunch break.
I grimace; teachers get notoriously short lunch breaks. I can’t take that from her.
Archer: We could do dinner tonight instead? My treat since you got coffee last time. It can be an early dinner. I’m sure you get up early for work.
Ellie: Dinner sounds great. Where should I meet you?
Archer: I can pick you up, that way you can have a drink or two, sounds like you need it.
After ironing out all the details with Elle about where and when to pick her up I turn to Ty.
“Where shouldI take her to dinner?”
“Does she have any dietary restrictions?”
“Shit, I didn’t ask.”
“Well, that’s kinda important. Ask her because if she does you have to pick the restaurant accordingly. How the hell did you end up engaged? I’m serious, you’re clueless.”
“Fuck off, I had been with Cassie since my junior year of undergrad. Our first dates were to Chipotle and Applebee’s. And then once the cash started coming in I let Cassie pick, especially when I was in season because I always had to eat healthy. I just figured it was easier to let her pick what she wanted since I basically had some variation of protein, greens and good carbs.” I punch my text a little too forcefully, a bit defensive from Ty’s comments.
Archer: dietary restrictions?
Ellie: too much garlic hurts my stomach but honestly doesn’t stop me.
Archer: too much garlic? Are you a vampire? Are you also allergic to the sun? You know it was cloudy the day we went out for coffee.
Ellie: shit you caught me.
Ellie: but aside from the garlic thing, no. I can and will eat anything. And like I said, too much garlic DOES NOT stop me.
Archer: Noted. I’ll see you tonight.
Ty and I bounce various restaurants off each other and ultimately decide on our favorite taqueria. It’s downtown, has an awesome view of the city with the river and the food is incredible. It’s not too formal, the perfect mixture of vibes and great food. Plus if I remember correctly, Elle loved Mexican food in college. I really hope I remember that right or this will be an awkward dinner.
Chapter 4
Elle
Ipractically sprint through the halls of the school immediately after my bus duty. “SADIE ELIZA THOMPSON! CODE RED”
Sadie’s head snaps immediately from her grade book. “Like a real code red? Cause Henry didn’t come over the PA.”
“NO!” I grimace, we have an actual code red in our school… it’s not good. “Wrong choice of words, no, a code red with my life. Archer asked me out for dinner tonight and my dumb ass said yes, he didn’t tell me where we are going, only that he is picking me up so I can drink after the day I had.”
“Happy Thirsty Thursday to you.” Sadie grins. “I see why it’s a Code Red now. We don’t have time to go shopping. What’s wrong with what you’re wearing?”
“Well last time we said my teaching clothes wouldn’t do.”
“That was before he asked you at 3 pm for a day-of dinner. Plus, you look cute today, not that you don’t look cute every day, but this is more daily cute versus teacher cute.” Sadie explains. “What time is he picking you up?”
