When the server brings the check, Tate reaches for his wallet, but I put my hand on his arm. “My treat,” I say. “Consider it a thank you for defending my outburst.”
He looks like he wants to argue, but then he smiles and nods. “Okay, but next time is on me.”
I pull out my phone as we’re leaving the restaurant, the morning sun hitting us as we step outside.
“I have a question,” I say, turning to face him.
“Hit me with it.”
“Can I have your number?” I ask, my heart racing. “I mean, only if you want. But I’d like to grab breakfast again sometime.”
Tate’s expression softens, and he reaches for my phone. “I would really like that.”
He types his number in and hands it back to me. He’s entered the contact name as Tate with a coffee cup emoji next to it.
“Text me?” he says. “So I have your number too?”
“I will,” I promise.
He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering against my cheek for just a moment. “I’m glad I ran into you today, Abby.”
“Me too,” I whisper. “And I will text you to organize our next coffee date.”
We both get into our own cars, and I wait until he pulls out before I reverse. Once he leaves, I slap myself on the forehead.
I used the word date; I probably scared him off.
God, I’m an idiot.
Chapter Nineteen
Abby
Being back in my hometown without my best friend has its drawbacks, and being lonely is one of them. Landon and Levi are always at practice or away, and I’m often home alone with my thoughts. I have been keeping myself busy by filming content every chance I get, and I have been growing my subscribers day by day. I’m shocked at how many want to watch even though they don’t get explicit content.
My phone vibrates, and it’s a text from Tate, which is even more shocking since I said our next catch-up would be a date. I sent him my number anyway because I said I would, but I figured since I hadn’t heard from him that I’d scared him away.
Tate
So I have been thinking about our date.
Clearly he didn’t miss me mentioning that like I’d hoped.
Me
I thought I scared you away with that word.
Tate
Are you taking it back?
I ponder for a second—am I taking it back?
Me
That depends. I completely understand if it made things weird.
Tate
