I clear my throat and change the subject, “So, remind me about douche the second.”
“Brad,” she laughs, “you don't know that he's a douche!”
He's taking the woman of my dreams on a date. Of course he's a douche. Instead of voicing that thought, I just raise an eyebrow at her.
A heavy sigh, “His name is Drew, and he works in IT for the fire service. He's forty-seven, divorced, two teenage kids, and lives somewhere near Pensford. Satisfied?”
“Not even a little. I'll call you in forty-five minutes in case you need an escape again, ok?”
Grabbing my forearm, she says softly, “Brad, you really don't have to do that. I'll be fine. I'll sit through dinner and if he's a douche, I'll make my excuses to leave as soon we finish eating. I promise.”
I don't say anything to that because I'll be phoning her either way.
After she kisses and hugs our girl with a vow to see her for breakfast tomorrow, she gets in her car and Lizzie and I watch her drive away.
Elizabeth leans her head against my shoulder and whimpers a quiet ‘Mama’ and all I can think is,yeah, I miss her already too. Fuck.
SHARI
“So your daughter is almost two years old?” Drew inquires in his smooth baritone.
He's definitely attractive in a gym rat way. Even if I hadn't seen several shirtless photos in his profile, I'd be able to tell that he's buff as fuck under that suit. He reminds me of John Cena, thinking about it.
“She is! My Lizzie. Her speech seems to be improving daily, and she's now stringing three to four words together fairly often. How about your kids, you said they're fourteen and seventeen?”
“Yes, their speech regressed somewhat with the teenage grunts, but they do still string several words together every now and then,” he deadpans, tapping the table softly with his forefinger to the beat of the music trickling through the speakers.
I burst into laughter at his dryness, and he cracks a smile. We've actually been getting along really well so far, it's just a shame that I feel zero romantic chemistry with the man. Maybe it'll come the more we settle into each other's company.
“Tell me, Drew, you seem like a really down-to-earth guy, so why did you choose such a posh restaurant for our first date?” I decide to just ask outright.
Another small smile. “I am a down-to-earth guy. And in the interest of honesty, I have two reasons for choosing Moderna. One, I like to see how my date acts in such an environment. Ithink you can learn a lot about a person when they make certain assumptions about you.”
“Hmmm, I can see the logic in that. And two?” I prompt when he doesn't continue.
“Two, my brother is the head chef, so I get a huge discount,” he grins widely then, and it makes his features more boyishly handsome.
I chuckle, shaking my head.
The rest of dinner goes much the same; dry humour, raw honesty and laughter. I feel like I've gained a good friend, just not a potential boyfriend.
As he walks me out to my car, I decide to keep with the honest theme. “You know, I was a bit worried you'd be a complete prick with your choice of venue, but I'm delighted to find the opposite.”
He throws his head back, laughing, and when he looks at me again, his eyes seem to twinkle. As he leans in, I panic slightly, turning my head to offer my cheek for the kiss instead. He seems a little disappointed, but is still smiling softly at me when he pulls back.
“If I were to ask, would you be interested in a second date, Shari?”
“In honour of our candour, I have to say that I genuinely hope we can be friends. But sadly, I just don't feel any chemistry past friendship. I'm willing to bet you probably feel the same?”
“You'd lose that bet, but I appreciate your honesty,” he lifts my hand to kiss my knuckles. “I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for, Shari. And if you ever change your mind, you know how to reach me.”
Damnit, why couldn't I just fancy him?
As I drive home, I wonder if I should take Drew up on a second date. He’s objectively handsome, funny, seems like a really genuine guy, and we have great banter. Was I too hasty insaying no? Does forced proximity actually foster attraction like in my books? Can I force it by spending more time with him? No, it wouldn’t be fair for me to use him like that, especially if it didn’t work out. Ugh, stupid hormones and brain chemicals! Why don’t you work properly?
14th November2025
“Third time's the charm, right?”I ask Jaime through the phone as my cab pulls up to the curb.
