He disagreed with her on that part but decided to go with it. “Fine. Any suggestions on where I should take her?”
Angie grinned and slipped her arm back through his. “So many! Does she like seafood? What about shrimp and grits? Or you could go for soul food—but you don’t like collard greens.”
Tink sighed. He may not regret the date, but he would definitely regret asking Angie for advice.
Getting ready
Abby’s phone pinged. She wiped her hands on the dish towel and grabbed the phone from the counter, briefly seeing Tinker’s name before the notification disappeared.
She stared at the blank screen. Their date was that night. She hadn’t heard from him since Naomi had agreed to go out with him on her behalf.
Was he confirming or canceling? Why didn’t she know which one she was more nervous about? Her thumbs hovered over the screen.
Mmmm…I don’t have time for this. She set the phone face down on the counter.
All through finishing breakfast and getting ready for work, she ignored the heavy presence of her phone. Just there, within easy reach, his text waiting to be read. It was ridiculous, but it was like she’d been handed Pandora’s box. As soon as she opened it, she wouldn’t be able to close it.
She had first period free—she’d read it then. Decision made, she tossed the phone into her purse and tried to forget about it. Easier said than done. As soon as the last student filed out of homeroom, she closed the door and rushed to her desk, fingers itching to open the text.
I was told to let you know we’re going to Lavender and Sage for dinner.
That was it. That’s what she’d spent all morning stressing over.
“You are such a dork,” she whispered.
Her thumbs wiggled over the screen while she tried to figure out how to respond.
Okay was too impersonal.
Can’t wait was…just no.
She settled for:
Thank you. I like that restaurant.
Simple, polite, agreeable. In no way, shape, or form, easy.
This was so stressful. She was not cut out for this. Tony had pursued and wooed her. At the time, she’d described it as a whirlwind romance and she’d been swept off her feet. Many years of therapy later, she knew it by a different name: love bombing.
Maybe this way wasn’t easier, but it was smarter.
Her phoned pinged and this time she checked immediately.
You’ve been there before?
Once for a friend’s birthday. You?
No. Dani & Angie recommended it.
Are you in class?
No. I have this period free.
Her phone rang almost immediately. She bit her lip and answered. “Hello?”
“Hey.” His voice was low and deep.
She sank into her chair and spun so her back was to the door. “Hi.”
