“You? Snaked out the line?” he asks in shock.
“‘What, like it’s hard?’” I state in my best Elle Woods voice fromLegally Blonde.
He chuckles, so he must get my movie reference. “I’m impressed, is all. I didn’t know I was dating such a do-it-herselfer.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” I taunt.
“Yes, and I can’t wait to change that.”
Chills run through my body and lust pools in my stomach as I take a deep breath when all the ways he can learn about me swarm my thoughts.
“So, what are we watching tonight?” he asks.
The thought of sitting on the phone with him again breaks my heart. I want him closer. I want to be able to sneak glances at him when he’s not looking. I want to hear him breathe or smell his cologne even if it’s across the room.
A thought comes to my mind. “How about you come here?”
“Um …” I hear the hesitation in his voice.
“I’ll make us a picnic in my front yard.”
“A picnic?”
“Yeah. Only for dinner instead of lunch.”
“Sounds perfect. What time?”
“How’s seven?”
“I’ll see you then.”
* * *
It took time to figure out what to make us for dinner. Since this is the first time he’s going to try my cooking, I want it to be my best, but what if my best isn’t something he likes? The stress is for real. Then, add on not wanting to go to the store if I didn’t have to, and I was a ball of frustration.
After trying to put together four different meals, all missing one ingredient that was vital, I settled on lasagna after I found some ground beef in the freezer.
I’ve heard people say they slave over lasagna, but I have a recipe that is to die for and surprisingly easy to make with the no-boil noodles.
Once I’m ready to put it in the oven, I race to the shower to finish getting ready while it cooks. I spend my time picking out the perfect outfit that is both cute and comfy since we’ll be sitting on my grass in the front yard.
Before our food is ready, I remove silverware and a plate from the dishwasher, holding a clean towel to grab each item and setting it aside, being careful to not touch anything he will be using.
My text goes off with the familiar baseball-hitting sound just as I take the lasagna out of the oven.
Drew: I’ll bring wine. Red or white?
Me: Great! Red for sure.
I snap a picture and send it his way.
Drew: I’m literally drooling right now. Lasagna is my favorite. How’d you know? ;-)
Me: Good guess. See you soon!
I head outside and set up our makeshift picnic in my front yard. With two blankets, I place his spot and then mine, keeping them spread apart. Next to each blanket, I place boxes that I stuff with books to give us each a little table to eat our dinner on.
As he pulls up, I stand and hold out my hands, showing off the work I’ve done.
