Travis steers the conversation into lighter territory, asking how I’ve settled into Brookhaven, telling me about his house on the lake—one we quickly realize is only a few houses down from my grandmother’s. Small world but I guess that’s life in a small town.
He talks about Mia’s mom, how things have always been peaceful, no bad blood between them, just smooth, cooperative co-parenting and a lot of mutual love for their daughter. It sounds… refreshing. Like something out of a co-parenting manual instead of the messy reality I know most people deal with after a split.
He tells me about Mia, how she’s been obsessed with soccer, Legos and horses, lately, and I share stories about growing up in Atlanta, the years I spent in New York City and my part-time PI gigs.
It’s easy. Maybe the easiest date I’ve ever been on. Even easier than the ones I had with my ex back when we were still new, when things were light and uncomplicated and exciting. I find myself laughing at his jokes, talking like we’re old friends, enjoying this for what it is.
And suddenly I realize that’s all this could ever be. Because Icouldsee myself being friends with Travis. He’s kind, interesting and listens well. He’s the kind of guy who holds doors open and pays for the meal without hesitation. The kind of guy who would never make me question where I stood. He could be a cinnamon roll book boyfriend.
But the heat? The possessiveness? The fire I’ve realized I actually like—the fire I’ve come toneed? It’s just… not there.
And I’m not disappointed. Not exactly. But it makes me think. Is what Gabriel and I have something special? Is it somehow already more than just sex? Will another man ever be as feral for me as Gabriel is? Will anyone ever make me feel that desiredagain? Will I ever be more attracted to someone than I already am to him?
And if it’s true… that there’s no one out there better for me than Gabriel… then why am I trying so hard to run from him? Is it really because I thought he was just supposed to be a rebound? Or am I terrified that he really may be the man I’ve been searching my whole life for?
Travis’ voice pulls me from my thoughts. He wipes his mouth with his napkin; his gaze is warm and sincere. His smile is nice. But the problem is… it’s not Gabriel’s. I don’t want to appreciate another man during a meal ever again. I don’t want to look at the features I like in another person’s face and try to justify why I’m spending time with them when all I want is to be with Gabriel.
“This was nice,” he says. “Thanks for agreeing to go out with me, Aly.”
The server sets the check down, and without missing a beat, he slides his card inside and hands it back. No hesitation. No awkward “should we split it?” moment. He’s kind and he’s going to make some lucky woman so happy someday.
“Thanks for asking me,” I say, smiling kindly as the server swipes his card and hands it back. He scribbles his signature, closing the billfold with an easy confidence that tells me he’s not insecure. I hope that makes this let down easier.
“I’d offer dessert,” he says, “but my babysitter’s only on for another thirty minutes. She’s a student and has an exam tonight.”
I wave him off. “I was full anyway.”
Because while this was nice, I should probably get home.Home, where Gabriel might be awake. Waiting for me. Or maybe he’s not. Maybe he’s already decided that I’m not worth the trouble. I’m not someone worth waiting for anymore. I did tell him no. That I couldn’t do this. He wouldn’t be wrong to move on.
I wonder if he knows about the date. I wonder if Natasha told him. Heat fills my cheeks as I remember what happened after my date with Chris. The way he was so possessive of my body and attention. This is wrong. I shouldn’t be wanting Gabriel to do that again. But I do. And I also know that’s because I want this to be the last first date of my life. I just want Gabriel now. I just hope he still wants me too.
“Let me walk you to your car,” Travis offers.
We step outside into the crisp night air, walking in easy silence. His hand rests lightly against my back, guiding me to my vehicle. He opens my door when I unlock it, and when I turn to thank him—maybe offer a hug—his expression shifts into something softer.
“Thanks, Aly,” he says gently. “This was really nice. I’ve been struggling to put myself out there since Mia was born.” A pause. Then—“Do you mind if I kiss you goodbye?”
I hesitate. I should probably tell him no. But there’s only one way to test my theory that Gabriel’s it for me. And that’s to kiss another attractive man. Because I’m doing this forme. For the Aly who was wounded and hurt by someone she loved. For the Aly who wants to move forward with her life. And I need to be certain and without a doubt that I’m not going to make a mistake by running to Gabriel and being vulnerable with my heart.
Travis smiles and leans in, one hand resting gently on my waist as he pulls me closer. His lips meet mine in a very soft kiss. It’s warm, careful, and no more than a peck. There’s no tongue. Just a soft press, the kind that lingers for only a second. Practically a brush.
And when he pulls back, I know with complete certainty that it did absolutelynothingfor me.
“Thank you for dinner.”
He smiles. “I’ll text you.”
“Okay.”
But I already know. I’ll respond because he’s a good guy, he deserves a woman who’s into him, but there won’t be another date. I’ll thank him for his time and let him down easy. And I’ll be honest if he asks. The spark wasn’t there.Because the spark has only been there for one other man.
I slide into my driver’s seat, my heart beating faster—not from the kiss, but from something else. Something unsettled. Something I must do now. Travis moves toward his car, but I don’t watch him go. I drive on autopilot, barely registering the turns until I see Brookhaven Lake come into view.
Gabriel’s house comes next. That cute little home I’m only living in for two more days. But as I pull into the driveway, I note that he isn’t home. Still. And something about that feels intentional.
I park, slip out of the car, unlock the front door, and step inside to be greeted by nothing but cold, dark silence. The second it clicks shut behind me, I slide down against it, gasping for air like I’ve been holding my breath this whole time.
I let Travis kiss me. I felt nothing.
