Pam: You’re only here for a few more days and you’d like to spend some of that time with me?
Me: Yes, is that weird?
Did she think I was some creep?
Pam: Not at all. I’d love to get coffee with you.
Me: It’s a date then. Tomorrow at 9 a.m., the coffee shop on 5th and Main?
Pam: I’ll see you then.
Me: Looking forward to it! :)
I couldn’t stop the wide smile that stretched across my face.
“Why are you smiling at your phone like an idiot?” Chai leaned against the doorway, assessing me like only a daughter could.
“I’m smiling at my phone like an idiot because I just asked a woman to go on a date with me tomorrow,” I said proudly.
“No way! Your last day here and you’re going to spend it doing something other than playing Candy Smash!” she shrieked and plopped down beside me on the bed, her hands reaching for my phone. “Who? Let me see her!”
Chai squealed when I handed her my phone. “Dad. Do you know who this is?”
I shook my head no.
“This is Tegan’s mom! You know, Atlas from the gym? His mate’s mom!”
I’d met Atlas a few times when he’d stopped by to check on Chai, but I’d never met his mate. “Oh, yeah? What’s their family like?”
She stood and handed me my phone. “Well, I’ve never met her mom, but Tegan is super sweet. She owns the bakery on Main Street.”
So that’s what she meant by former bakery owner. Her daughter had taken over her business. I loved that, and in this day and age, it wasn’t all that common.
“So I guess it’s out of the question to suggest we go there after we get coffee?” I was clueless when it came to dating, even more so in a town that wasn’t my own. I needed Chai’s help.
“You should take her ice skating at the rink they put up in the park. It’s romantic. What about the rest of her profile? What does it say she likes?”
“Uhh…” I squinted down at the tiny screen. I needed readers, but I was holding out as long as I could. “It says she likes knitting, romance books, and movies.”
Chai tapped her hoof on the floor, her tail swishing back and forth behind her. “The movies are a no-go for a first date—not conducive to conversation. Stick with the coffee shop, treat her to a book at the bookstore, and then if you’re hitting it off, suggest ice skating.”
I smiled at my daughter. “You know, for someone who refuses to date, you’re pretty good at this, kid. You should follow your own advice sometime.”
She shook her head. “I’m good, thanks.”
“Chai, you can’t let—”
Her eyes about rolled out of her head. “Anywayyy, are you sure this is a good idea right before you leave? What if you really hit it off with Pam?”
I shrugged. “We both said we’re looking for something casual. It’s just one date.”
“Mhmm.” Chai crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t make her catch feelings and then break her heart. Her soon-to-be son-in-law is my boss.”
She was being ridiculous. I hadn’t been in a relationship for years. Why would this be any different? “One date, Chai. Coffee, the bookstore, and maybe some ice skating. It’s one date.”
“Whatever you say.” She turned her back to me and started off down the hall. “Sleep tight, Romeo,” she called out.
“Night, kid,” I grumbled.
