I stand, not breaking eye contact, then say with confidence, “I haven’t tried Japanese hibachi. Bring your wallet.”
I just wish I was as confident with my heart.
The Porch is now on social media!
THANK YOU, ZOEY!
We’re meeting this week to talk about branding and messaging and all kinds of things, but it’s really happening.
I’m going on date #2 with Duffy. He’s picking the place. I’m betting it won’t be anywhere with cats.
I hired two people! I’m officially an employer. I’m going to start off doing all the baking myself, but I have two college students helping me at the counter. They’re really sweet and make me miss Minnie, but since she’s coming home in a few weeks, I guess that makes sense.
Oh.
It’s been three days since Miles punched Barry at the bar—and since our team won at trivia—but I haven’t seen him since.
Chapter 25
I’m doing a Duffy double down.
All in on the date with the dentist. There are definite feelings there for Miles—ones I can’t lie to myself about anymore—but I’m so conflicted. He’s taking up alotof mental energy, and I need a break.
I need stability. No drama. Someone to go to the art museum with or to try new restaurants with. Someone who doesn’t make my insides tumble around like fake snow inside a snow globe.
I suppose one could argue that snow-tumbling isexactlywhat one needs in a date... but I’ve had my fill of butterflies and electrically charged moments as of late.
So when Duffy shows up at my apartment on Sunday for the date he planned, I’m more determined than ever to try to make this work. A nice, dependable guy is exactly what I need right now.
I open the door and am shocked to find him posed, dressed in an Aragorn costume, holding a plastic garment bag.
My determination slips.
“Duffy? Hi... uh... what’s all this?”
He holds up the garment bag.
It’s another costume.
For a woman.
I’m a woman.
Oh no.
“Surprise!”
I half laugh, but when I catch movement in the courtyard behind him, I grab onto his arm, pull him inside, and close the door.The last thing I need is for anyone to see my date has shown upin a costume.
“I’m taking you to your first comic convention!” He holds up the dress. “I’ve always wanted to be Aragornwithan Arwen!”
I never readThe Lord of the Rings, but I did watch the movies. Sometimes I play the soundtrack when I’m baking. I know which characters he’s talking about, but never in a million years did I ever think about dressing up as one of them.
I didn’t even go trick-or-treating when I was a kid. I hung out with Gram and made popcorn balls. It was one of my favorite nights.
Duffy holds the dress out and shakes it at me with a huge smile on his face.
He’s clearly incredibly excited. “Have you ever been to a convention?”
