I clear my throat. “Thank you, wow. This is incredible, I don’t know what to say.” Spencer jumps up, grabs three cookies, and puts them in the tote.
“Come on, man, your family.” I smile bigger than I ever have, grabbing cookies and placing them with Spencer’s. Anna gives me two small paper plates and forks, along with a brownie cookie, in a bento box. I now have enough dessert to give her diabetes, potentially, but I couldn't be happier. I walk around the island, giving Anna a big hug.
“Thank you so much.” She hugs me back tightly and points to Scarlett.
“It was all her honey, she came over here with a plan, we just helped her make it happen. I hope you have the best time, honey.” She kisses my cheek before letting go and walking over to David.
He looks my way and smiles. “You look good, bud, you’ll do great. Pointers, one, pull out her chair, and get the doors. Two, don’t be on your phone.” I feel my eyes drift to Scarlett, who is smiling widely, and then I glance at Spencer, who nods, understanding my hesitation. Then he mouths, I got her. “Three, have fun, you deserve it.” David walks over and pats my shoulder.
Spencer chirps in, “If the date goes well, wrap it, or may your pull-out game be strong because, as mom says, we are babies who don’t need any babies.” Scarlett’s face drops, and she dies laughing. Then David chuckles, and Anna turns to me, walking quickly to the drawer.
“Here, honey. I need to treat both my boys the same. Spencer gets condoms instead of cookies here. Tonight, I’ll let you have both.”
David slaps his palm over his face. “Ann, sweetheart, don’t you think that’s odd for Levi to think about why Spencer needs condoms…” Anna looks at the three of us and shrugs.
“My apologies if that was uncalled for, but let’s not forget you two just swapped best friends.” She shrugs again and chuckles.
Spencer chokes on his water. “Levi, you'd best get going before Mom eats one too many cookies and starts talking about what we are swapping.” Scarlett's face turns bright red.
We all stand around the island laughing until finally I decide it is time to go pick her up. “Thank you, guys, for everything. This is incredible. You have made me feel like part of the family for so long, and this was, this was incredible.
“You are part of this family. Now, get out there and knock her socks off!” Anna yells and hollers again, just as I reach for the doorknob. “Figuratively!”
Walking out of their house, I realize I just felt more love in thirty minutes than I have in my entire life.
Driving up to Maddie’s house, she answers before I can knock. She's wearing a flowy, floral dress with a cardigan over the top, her hair curled in waves down her back. She smiles at me shyly before stepping out of the house. “Wow, you look absolutely stunning.” I kiss her cheek, take her hand, and begin walking her towards my car.
Opening her door, she slides in before I round the car, catch my breath, and hop in.
Maddie turns and looks at me as my gaze is still on her. “What is it?” She turns her body, shifting in my direction.
“You are it. You are absolutely stunning. Are you ready?” She blushes and smiles as I drive off to the restaurant.
Walking into ‘The Noodle’, it screams romance. The walls are burgundy, with hanging lights throughout, lighting the restaurant just enough to create an intimate atmosphere. The smell is incredible– pasta, bread, and garlic fill my nose, making my stomach growl. We walk up to the podium where a young lady is standing. “Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes, for King.” Maddie looks at me and smiles widely.
The lady looks at us with a soft smile and says, “Right this way.” We walk to the back corner table, “Here you are, your waitress will be right with you.” She smiles and nods before walking away. I remember Mr. Collins’ rule: pull out her chair. Igo behind her, leaving my hand on the small of her back, while pulling out her chair. She smirks at me sweetly and takes a seat.Okay, this is going well. Haven't let her touch a single door handle all night and pulled out her chair. I take a deep breath and sit down, calming my nerves.
The waitress came over, and we placed our food and drink orders. From there, everything was easy. One look at her ease of movement and the way she carries herself relaxes me. I am with my person, why am I nervous? Our food gets placed down, and Maddie chuckles at me.
“Levi, are you nervous?” I wipe the sweat off my hands.
“A little bit.” I give her a wink and dig into my pasta. The conversation comes easily, just as it always does with her. Everything comes easily when it comes to Maddie.
“This is amazing. How did you find this place? I’m also impressed you called ahead and got a reservation, very date-like.” She giggles and takes her last bite.
Wiping my mouth with my napkin, I set it over my emptied bowl. “Actually, I got the recommendation from the head coach, and I called right after work. I’m glad you like it, but this date is far from over.” I sign the bill, stand, and reach for her hand, “On to date number two.”
Looking out her window, questions pour out of her with each turn, “Where are we going? What do you have planned next? You’ve really already outdone yourself. I’d be happy if it ended here, but I don’t want it to.” She sets her head back on the headrest and rolls to look at me.
“Good, Peach, because our date is far from over. Stay here for a minute… and um, no peeking.” She looks out her window, taking in the beach. “I just gotta check something.”
Jumping out of the car, I pop the trunk and grab the essentials. The beach is mostly cleared out. The sun is just setting over the horizon as the waves crash against the pink and orange hues. I fly the quilt into the air, placing it perfectly onto the soft, powdery, golden sand. The birds sing as the waves create music. Placing the picnic basket in the middle and stacking extra blankets to ward off the end-of-year chill, it's ready. Walking to the car, I open her door. “Ready?” I say with a smile, as she laces her fingers in mine. When she sees the blanket, she gasps.
“Levi–” She slows her walking and looks at me.
“You hate it?” She shakes her head no and looks at the view.
