“Good point. Actually, we could walk over from my place if you want to meet me here. Driving would be ridiculous when it’s right across the street.”
“That’s super convenient for nights you don’t want to cook.”
She laughed. “I’m afraid to admit how often I order out for that exact reason.”
“Don’t be. It can’t be more often than when I order food to go. I’m trying to get better, but I can work crazy hours and ordering on the go is easier.”
“Have you eaten at the diner yet?” she asked.
“From, yes. At, no. We’ve done a bulk order for work twice, but I haven’t taken the time to sit down and eat inside.”
“It’s nothing fancy but has consistent high quality and great service.” She glanced at the clock. “Would seven work? If that’s too late, I can probably be ready by six-thirty.”
“Seven is fine. Do I knock on the store door?”
She found herself shaking her head, despite the fact Judah had no way of seeing her. “If you go behind the building, you’ll see a flight of stairs leading to a back door. You can meet me there.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
After ending the call, Maegan went upstairs to her apartment to get ready. What did one where for a first date that wasn’t a date? If she hadn’t worn her current outfit all day, and if it wasn’t dusty from unanticipated work in the stockroom, she wouldn’t have to worry about changing. The pink and white skirt she wore could be dressed up or down and was perfect for a casual outing. She had a similar one in solid black that she could wear with one of her sweaters she’d knitted.
That’s what she’d do. She wouldn’t be over or underdressed, and more importantly, she’d be comfortable. Going through her closet, she debated which sweater to choose. Once she’d narrowed her choices down to three, she decided on the aqua raglan sweater she’d knitted for last year’s Spring Fiber Fest.
Her hair needed a good brushing. She freed her wavy, chestnut hued locks from the claw clip and brushed them until the shine returned before twisting them behind her head and securing the hair again with the clip. Several tresses stayed free and framed her face.
She’d never been one to wear much makeup, but she touched up her blush pink lipstick and added a fresh coat of mascara.
“Not too bad,” she said, looking in a mirror.
Too bad she couldn’t say the same about her stomach. It dawned on her that she hadn’t been on a date since before Jess left her, which meant the last first date she’d gone on had been with him.
“But this isn’t a real date,” she told her reflection in the mirror.
The only solace she found came when she thought of Judah and how he’d gone out of his way to approach this scheme with no pressure on her. Combined with Nancy’s endorsement of him, Maegan trusted Judah, an odd feeling since she’d previously believed Jess had shattered that ability.
She had a half hour to kill before Judah arrived. The urge to talk to Katelyn grew. She was thrilled Katelyn had the opportunity to take this trip, but Maegan missed her already. In lieu of calling, Maegan opened her laptop and drafted an email. She didn’t include anything about Judah but asked how the trip was going and if she had any specific prayer requests regarding the mission. Depending on how the night went, she might send her best friend another email later. Real-time advice would be best, but delayed insight was better than none.
Her doorbell rang at ten minutes to seven. She doublechecked that it was Judah before opening the door.
He carried a small bouquet of pale yellow and blue carnations. “I noticed you had fresh flowers in the shop, and I thought these would go well with them.”
“That’s really sweet, thank you.” The gesture touched a dormant part of her heart. “I’ll put them in a vase for now and add them to the arrangement downstairs tomorrow. They’ll be a lovely addition.”
She withdrew a clear glass from the cabinets in her kitchenette, added water and then the flowers. They were beautiful as they were. “Or maybe I’ll keep them up here. They will add a nice touch to the table.”
“I’m glad you like them.” He darted a glance out the door. “I parked in front of the store. Is that okay? I won’t get towed afterhours, will I?”
His question brought an amused smile to her lips. “You’re the law enforcement officer.”
He let out a low chuckle. “Yes, but I don’t work in traffic enforcement, and I haven’t been here long enough to know all the rules and regulations. In my defense, I did look for any sign or posting, but I didn’t see anything.”
“You’re good. There’s no issue parking along the street unless you stay parked there for twenty-four hours without a permit.”
“That’s a relief.” He gave an exaggerated swipe of his brow. “It’d be pretty embarrassing to have my truck towed on our first date.”
“Imagine the rumors that would incite. I can see the headlines now for the gossip rag-Local deputy’s vehicle towed while wooing local girl. A match made in the impound lot?”
His eyes widened. “Does Dogwood Creek really have a tabloid?”
