Page 73 of Romantic

“What? Seriously? That’s the best news ever! We have to tell mom.”

“Tell me what?” My mom stands in the doorway in her pajamas. “What is all this squealing about?”

“Brandon has finally officially asked me on a date!”

They both jump for joy. My mom takes my hand, and we dance around the landing, after which we collapse on Elinor’s bed laughing. “When is the all-important date?” my mom asks.

“He wanted to go out this weekend, but I told him I was busy.”

“Did you tell him why?”

“No, I thought it would be more fun to surprise him.”

“He will be surprised, but pleased,” says my mom.

“Yeah, I was worried what he might think. But I’m not anymore—I think he might like me.”

“You think?” Elinor laughs. “That is probably the biggest understatement of the century.”

Colonel Brandon was now as happy, as all those who best loved him, believed he deserved to be. —Sense and Sensibility

23

Brandon

“Picnic or candlelit dinner?” I ask Pepper. It’s Saturday morning—just a couple of days until I go on my first date with Annie, and I still don’t know what we’re doing.

“Normally, I’d say picnic. Annie loves a good picnic. But I’m not sure you’re up for it.”

I’m feeling so much better. Instead of sleeping most of the day, I’m now down to a two-hour daily nap. And considering my rapid recovery, I should be nearly all better by Monday. Then again, I still need an inhaler every time I go upstairs. Pep might be right. I might not be ready to go on a picnic just yet.

“You should think bigger. Couldn’t you rent out a bookstore or something?”

I consider this. I probably could manage that. But even though I want Annie to have the fairytale romance she’s always dreamed of, I also don’t want to put too much pressure on our first date.

“I know!” Pepper claps her hands. “You should have a candlelit dinner outside under Lady Whimple.”

“That’s not a terrible idea.”

My phone rings. It’s Annie FaceTiming me. I answer immediately.

“Hey! I was just thinking of you.”

“Good, you’re home.” She sounds stressed, and she looks a little disheveled, her hair in a truly messy bun. “I got a flat tire. I hope I didn’t ruin your car.”

“A flat? Where are you?”

“Somewhere between Santa Cruz and Los Gatos.” So only an hour away. I’ve never been more excited by a flat tire.

“I’m on my way.” I’m already putting my shoes on. “Could you send me your location?”

“I didn’t want to bother you. I just need to know where the spare is.”

“Have you changed a tire before?”

“No, Elinor usually does that. But I’m certain I can figure it out.”

“I’m certain you can too. But I’d feel so much better if you didn’t learn on the side of a windy mountain road.” I grab my keys and call for Pepper. “Annie, I want to do this.”