ME: Goodnight xx
I set my phone aside and try to read, but I can’t focus. The entire day keeps replaying in my mind the way Zane told me he liked me, how he might have hinted at love at first sight, the kiss in the bookstore, the fact that he opened the bookstore just for me, and the dinner at Black Pearl Restaurant. My cheeks ache from smiling so much.
I eventually close the book and head to my bedroom. The moment my head hits the pillow, I drift off to sleep.
My alarm goes off, which feels like five minutes later. I slowly open my eyes, still exhausted but far too excited to keep it to myself. I need to tell Tess everything.
I get ready quickly and arrive at the bakery in record time, relieved to see the lights already on. Tess is inside.
“Why did we decide to open on Saturdays again?” I ask as I step through the door.
“I want to know everything!” Tess calls out, hurrying toward me and pressing a cup of coffee into my hands. “How was it? How was the second first date?”
“I don’t even know where to start,” I admit before the words start pouring out.
I tell her everything about the dinner, the bookstore, and how kind and attentive Zane was. I’m just finishing when the back door opens, and Leo walks in.
“And then he said he wanted to kiss every inch of my body,” I say to Tess.
“La, la, la, la,” Leo interrupts loudly, covering his ears as he walks in. “Gwen, you’re like a sister to me. I do not need details about this.”
“I thought you were the queen of gossip,” I say, giving him a confused look.
“What?” Leo shrugs as he hangs up his jacket.
“Well, I do want all the details,” Tess says with a smirk. “So… did he kiss every inch of your body?”
“He was a gentleman,” I tell her with a wink.
“Ok, that’s it. I’m leaving,” Leo says, and without another word, he turns and walks back out through the door.
“What really happened?” Tess asks, her tone softer now.
“We kissed in the bookstore… and when he walked me home, but that’s it,” I laugh lightly. “It was magical, though. Really.”
“Well, this definitely sounds like an amazing first date,” Tess says with a happy sigh.
“I told him I’d plan the second date, but I’m drawing a blank. Where do you take a famous ice hockey player who already has everything?” I chuckle.
“Don’t treat him like a famous hockey player,” Tess replies. “Treat him like Zane. What does he like to do?”
I pause, thinking for a moment.
“He really likes watching movies,” I say. “Maybe I could cook meals inspired by a movie, and we watch it while we eat… or something like that?”
“Gwen, that’s such a cute idea,” Tess says, smiling. “What movie are you thinking of?”
Before I can answer, the back door opens again, and Leo reappears. He grabs his jacket, avoiding eye contact as he heads toward it.
“And that all happened before the bedroom, you can imagine,” I add with a wink at Tess, knowing Leo can’t see me.
“Gwen!” Leo groans in frustration before quickly rushing back out again.
“Sorry, not sorry, bro!” I call after him as he disappears from view.
“You are evil,” Tess laughs.
“I guess that’s called sisterly love,” I say with a shrug and a grin. “So… which movie should we watch?”
