Jane put her hands on Elsie’s shoulders. “He wouldn’t have asked if he didn’t want to see you. Will doesn’t do anything as an empty gesture. Tell me I’m not right.”
Elsie’s heart fluttered. Jane was right. He did want to see her. He could have easily thanked her and hung up. Or told Jane they should both go meet with Mary. But he didn’t.
Chapter 22 ♥Dinner Date
Will tried to keep a poker face as he explained the situation to Gianna, but all she heard was the name Elsie, and she grinned, clapping in excitement.
“She’s really coming here? Tonight?”
“Well, if she doesn’t talk herself out of it. I have a feeling Jane is trying to play matchmaker against her will. But then, every date I’ve had with Elsie has been against her will, so what’s one more?”
“You have a very morbid sense of humor. Now follow me to the kitchen, and let’s get this dinner started.” Gianna wheeled out of the den and over to the kitchen. Within seconds she had a counter full of ingredients and a heated wok on the stove.
“Start the rice cooker and then cut up this chicken. I’m getting the marinade ready.”
They worked together, prepping for something he was trying very hard not to think too much about. What did Elsie think of him now? Maybe he was being cruel to himself, letting his hopes raise again, only to be disappointed. It was vanity to think Elsie would ever like him as more than an acquaintance.
The doorbell rang just as Gianna dropped the meat in the pan, the loud sizzle almost making him think he’d imagined it. But then he heard it again. He and Jane had decided on six. It was only five-forty. Maybe they only had the one vehicle and had to drop Elsie early. Regardless, he dashed to the door, not wanting to keep her waiting.
But Caroline stood on the front step. She smiled and came up to kiss his cheek. “I hope you don’t mind me stopping in. There’s nothing to eat at my house and my favorite show has been canceled because of the President’s stupid press conference. Like anyone cares about a little tornado in Oklahoma.”
She breezed past him, her heavy purse whacking him in the arm on the way in. Will snapped out of his shock and followed her into the kitchen, thinking up possible solutions. He peered around Caroline, to meet Gianna’s eyes. “Do something!” he mouthed.
Gianna wiped her hands on a towel and smiled at whatever Caroline was yammering on about. He could almost see the wheels turning in Gianna’s head before she spoke.
“So, Caroline. Would you be a dear, and help me package up two servings of this? I was just talking to Mrs. Long, our neighbor, and her husband broke his foot last week. He usually does the cooking at their house. I bet they would love some of this.”
“Yes, but…” Caroline looked at the stir-fry hungrily, and Gianna slid a plate towards her. “By all means, have a quick bite first. I just don’t want to wait too long or they’ll resort to eating something disgusting, like ravioli out of a can.”
Caroline shuddered. “Yes, that would be horrible.” She filled her plate with rice and veggies and ate quickly while Gianna got out plastic tubs and portioned out the food.
Gianna took the opportunity to glare at Will. A look that meant he was about to owe her big time.
“Caroline, I’m so glad you’re here. I was thinking after we drop off the food… I need a new dress for this charity thing I’ll be attending, and you know how salespeople can be when I wheel through the door.”
“Say no more.” Caroline took a last bite and chewed quickly. “I’ll take care of everything. And if they are even the least bit snooty, you just watch me make a scene. I’m kind of hoping for it. I haven’t chewed out a store manager in a while.”
Will bit his lip to keep the laughter in. He carried out the bag of food Gianna had prepared and handed it to Gianna after placing her wheelchair in the backseat of Caroline’s car. Gianna grabbed his collar and pulled him down to her level. “Make this time count, Will.”
He kissed her cheek, ignoring the pressure her words added. “Have fun.”
“Sure you don’t want to come with?” Caroline asked.
“I’ll be fine. Thank you, though.”
He released the breath he’d been holding as they drove around the corner. The Long’s shared a backyard fence with them. Kind and smart Gianna had picked excuses that both helped someone and got her and Gianna out of sight quick. She was a better sister than he deserved. He hoped Gianna really did need a dress, but he also hoped she hadn’t encountered rude sales people. That was awful. As annoying as Caroline could be, she was fiercely loyal to Gianna. Some poor salesperson, whether they deserved it or not, was about to wish they didn’t work in sales.
***
The front door was massive. Elsie stared up at the polished wood and then down at the curved, wrought iron handles. Will Darcy was behind this door, waiting for her. It took another minute for her to work up the courage to knock. When she did, he answered almost immediately, catching her off guard.
“Hi.” She stood there stupidly, just staring at his handsome face. He looked nervous.
“Come in.”
She stepped into the foyer, immediately smelling something delicious.
“I hope you’re hungry. Gianna made a ton of food.” He led the way into the kitchen, but it was still just the two of them. He got out two plates and put them on the table, before moving back to get glasses and forks.
