She made a face. “I didn’t even think about that.”
“Would you like to go out with me? Just the two of us?”
Seraphina shifted, removing her elbow from the table and taking hold of her wine glass. “It’s been a long time since I let anyone in. I’m not sure if I remember how.”
“Me either.”
“Really?”
“We’re at the age where we’ve loved and lost,” I said. “It makes us more cautious than we should be, maybe?”
“Maybe. Or maybe not.”
“I haven’t dated since my divorce. I’ve not been in the head space to try again,” I said.
“Same.” She turned her wine glass slowly, staring at the table. “I’ve just focused on my work and my son. I tell myself that’s enough. Most days it is.”
“Is it hard writing romance when you have none of your own?” I asked. “I’ve been wanting to ask you that for a while now.”
“Sometimes. Sometimes I feel sad, thinking about all the happy endings I’ve written, but have yet to find my own.”
“Do you believe it’s possible?” I asked.
“I always believe love is possible.”
“Is that a yes, then? You’ll let me take you out?”
She tugged on her ponytail, smiling. “It’s a yes.”
“You have plans on Sunday?” I asked.
“No, Sunday evening’s free.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up at six.”
Before she could answer, Tyler galloped back to the table carrying a pizza box, reminding me slightly of Trevor.
“What’s up?” Tyler asked, sliding back into the booth.
“Are you done with your dinner?” Seraphina asked.
“Yep. You?” Tyler asked, looking between us, his eyes sparkling.
“We are, yes.” Seraphina said, with a quick glance up at me.
“Hunter, do you want to take some of this home?” Tyler gestured toward the remaining pizza.
“Go for it,” I said.
“Great. Because sometimes I get hungry before bed.”
“Enjoy that metabolism while you can,” I said.
“Why do grown-ups always say that?” Tyler asked, as he lifted the lid of the box.
“Bitterness mostly,” I said, laughing.
I slid out of the booth and offered my hand to Seraphina. She took it, meeting my gaze for a split second, as I helped her to her feet. Tyler walked ahead of us, opening the door. The sky had darkened, but there were only a couple stars visible, as well as a sliver of the moon.
