“I’ll try not to.” Raimo’s kind to think of me, but everyone in this room is paired up already.
As if sensing the direction of my thoughts, he snaps his fingers. “I know. I will set you up on a blind date.”
Steff claps her hands together. “Great idea, honey.”
“No.” I shake my head vigorously. “Such a bad idea. I don’t need to be set up.” I can find my own man.
Really? So you’re not shockinglysingle?
“When was the last time you went on a date?” Steff asks.
Ouch. She doesn’t have to be mean and call me out like that. My mind is doing enough without her help. “It’s been a while,” I admit grudgingly.
“I’m sure.” Steff gives a toothy grin. “Do not worry. I will make sure Raimo picks the best one.” She squeezes his bicep and looks up at him with so much affection a fist grips my heart.
They’re like a Hallmark greeting card, and I can’t take one more minute in their presence.
“You know what? I’m gonna head home.” I point behind me. “I have a busy day tomorrow.”
Raimo studies me. “You sure? We’ll probably meet up at a restaurant after a quick trip to the hospital.”
“I’m sure. Enjoy your celebration.”
“Bye, Val.” Steff hugs me, then Raimo follows suit.
I wave good-bye and walk toward the exit. I rode the Metro in, knowing the transit would be easier to maneuver versus sitting in traffic with everyone else who chooses to drive in downtown DC.
The winter chill greets me as soon as I step outside, so I tug my scarf over my chin and don my blue Warriors beanie. The Metro stop is a couple of blocks away, and I’m there in no time. With a tap of my Metro card, the turnstile gate blinks green, allowing me to push through. A glance at the meter sign shows two minutes until the train will arrive. Thank goodness it’s much warmer underground than in the mid-January elements. Meteorologists are predicting snow next week, and I don’t know whether I’m looking forward to the white glitter or dreading the havoc snow in DC will wreak.
The ride home is short, and soon I’m walking up the subway steps that lead to the sidewalk. Another block and I’ll be in my home, ready to cozy up with a book. The redbrick exterior of my condo building comes into view thanks to the streetlights shining brightly in the night sky. As soon as I near the lobby door, the doorman pushes it open.
“Evening, Ms. Elliott.”
“Good evening, Simon. Quiet night?”
He nods. “What about you? Date?”
What is it with everyone and their obsession with my dating life?Lack of datinglife.I swat at my mental self to hush.
“Actually, I went to a Warriors game.”
“Hoo-wee. Did you see that last goal?” He shakes his head in wonder. “I hope we win the Cup this year.”
“That would be fantastic.”
Simon hums. “It’s been a minute since we’ve had that beauty in our hands.”
A minute’s putting it mildly. We’ve only won the Stanley Cup once in the seventy years of team history. Winning it again would surely bolster fans’ morale, not to mention the team’s.
“Let’s hope this is our year,” I say.
“Amen, Ms. Elliott.” Simon tips his hat. “Have a good rest of your evening.”
“You too.”
I push the button for the elevator, and when the doors close, I sigh with relief when no one else enters. Finally, I can power down before having to power back up again for church tomorrow. As much fun as hanging out with Steff was, having to carry on a constant conversation while simultaneously watching the game sapped me of energy. I can only hope my little sister is out or already asleep.
As soon as I close the condo door behind me, Fran calls out. “Val?”
