Why do you have to date a dozen frogs—okay, so Malachi isn’t a frog, but you get the imagery—before you find a prince? My thoughts turn to Jabari. Does he have the same issues when he dates? Am I his frog? And what do you call a date that turns into a friendship?
“What about you?” Malachi asks. “What’s your place like?”
“Oh, I actually share a place with Fran. My room and the living room are overrun with plants, but it’s cozy and I adore it.”
“Ah, that’s why you asked about plants.”
“Guilty.” My face heats. “I can’t have a long-term relationship with someone anti-beauty.”
Malachi laughs. “What if I’d said all my plants were silk or plastic?”
I exaggerate a shudder. “In all honesty, I’ve never dated a guy who liked plants or had them in his house. I’m curious why you do.” Great, does that sound rude?
His gaze softens. “My mom always had plants in our home. When I moved, she bought a couple for me as housewarming gifts. Now, whenever she visits, she repots the ones that need more room and...” He shrugs. “All I really have to do is water them.”
“That’s awesome.” He has a good relationship with his mom. That’s certainly a plus.
I think of Jabari asking me to meet his mom ... asfriends.Obviously, it’s not like “meeting the parents” since we’re not a couple. I’ve met plenty of friends’ parents. It’s just, I often wonder what my reaction to him would’ve been if hehadn’tbeen Jackie’s ex. If he hadn’t cheated on my sister. If he was just a hockey player Raimo knew. Would our date have gone well? We never run out of talking points.
“Do you ever plan on moving out of DC?” Malachi asks.
I blink, trying to bring my attention back to my date. The one that’s not so terrible but I do plan on telling Fran is a no go. There’s absolutely no spark. He might as well be my dentist sitting across from me.
“I don’t know. My sisters ask me that every now and again, but I like the city. I like how many things there are to do. The history here. The whole atmosphere. Are you originally from the area?”
“Yeah, I grew up in Fairfax, went to Georgetown.”
“So did Fran. You two never ran into each other?”
“Not once.”
“How old are you again?” My gut tenses. That’s definitely a taboo question, right?No way. His age wouldbe on a dating profile.
“Twenty-nine.”
Only two years older than me, but that means he’s five years older than Fran. Okay, so yeah, they would’ve never met in college.
Our conversation continues all the way through dessert, and soon we’re standing outside the restaurant. We met here, and I’m hoping we’ll part ways here too.
“Can I take you home?” Malachi asks.
I shake my head. “That’s not necessary. I came in on the Metro.”
“Come on,” he groans. “I’ll be a total gentleman. I won’t invite myself in or kiss you outside your door. All I want to do is ensure you get home safely.” He pulls his beanie down lower. “Plus, it’s kind of chilly today, so why not take advantage of my car?”
Yeah, March may come in like a lion, but it’s a winterized lion in the DC metro area. “I don’t know,” I say.
“Val, can we agree this was a nice date?”
My stomach tenses. Do I have to let him down now? But I keep my panic locked in my head and simply nod.
“Can we also agree we’re better off as friends?”
My breath whooshes out and is clearly visible in the night air.
Malachi laughs. “You thought I wanted another date, huh?”
“I was a little worried you were headed that way.”
