I cut him off from spiraling. “I love the idea. We can have a little dinner party at my place. I might even take out the good plates.”
“No paper plates?” he said with a chuckle.
I laughed with him. “No,” I said. “We can all dress fancy like it’s a real dinner party. Would Gio be down to do something like that? I already know Emma will love an excuse to dress up.”
“I’ll convince him, don’t worry. He owes me one.”
“How’s tomorrow?” I asked. “I work later tonight because I have a book club meeting.”
“For which book?” he asked.
“I totally forgot to tell you when we started talking about dinner parties,” I admitted. “I pitched the idea for the book we’re reading by the local Arizona author to be the first book club of the month. The author can’t make it, but she has signed copies for everyone.”
“Looks like I do have plans tonight after all.”
“What do you mean?” I asked quizzically.
“I have to finish the book tonight and come to the book club meeting, obviously.”
I took in a breath.Would he actually come to my book club?I couldn’t figure out if I was nervous or excited. Honestly, probably a little bit of both.
“Guess I’ll be seeing you tonight then,” I tried to say confidently.
“See you soon, sad girl.”
“See you soon, buff boy.”
I hoped to always end our phone conversations the same way. But I wasn't a sad girl anymore—at least not nearly as much as before I met him.
I went to make some breakfast before work when I ran into Emma in the kitchen.
“Good morning, sunshine,” I said, walking to the fridge to take out a yogurt and fruit.
“What has you in such a good mood?” she asked, sitting at the dining table.
I looked back at her. “Grant wants to come over tomorrow and make dinner for both of us.”
“Both of us?” she asked skeptically. “Is this your way of asking me to join in a threesome?”
I snorted. “No, you perv. He wants to meet the most important person in my life, and if you’re going to feel like a third wheel, he’ll bring his best friend. What do you think?”
“Is he as good-looking as Grant?” she asked with a wink.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re supposed to agree out of the kindness of your heart.” I gave her a chastising look.
“I mean, I’ll be there, but do I dress to impress or what?”
“Oh yeah!” I practically yelled. “Dress as if you’re going to a fancy dinner party.
She stood up and smirked. “Okay, that’s perfect because I have a dress begging to be worn. I bought it for five dollars at a thrift store but haven’t quite had a reason to wear it.”
“Go get it and show me,” I said, pointing her toward her room.
“I want to surprise you,” she said. “I’m heading out for the day. Let me know if I should pick up anything for tomorrow, okay?”
“I will,” I said between bites. “Have a good day.”
“I’ll try.” She waved while heading out the door.
