Page 73

Sophie

It’sthemorningafter my date with Drew and I’m walking into my Wonderful Widows meeting with a smile on my face. I keep trying to stop smiling and play it cool, but the smile seems to be permanently plastered on my face.

I have read Drew’s text about a million times. Good morning, beautiful. My heart flutters every time I read it. I can practically hear him saying it in his deep, manly voice.

Taking a seat in the circle, I glance around the room and notice everyone has stopped their conversations and is staring at me quizzically.

“What?” I ask, looking around at the group of women.

Gerda smirks. “That’s an awfully big smile on your face, young lady.”

Bernice pulls her sunglasses out of her handbag and puts them on her face. “There, that’s better.” She sighs dramatically. “Now I won’t be blinded by Sophie’s beaming smile.”

Ashley giggles. “Care to inform us what⸺or who⸺put that smile on your face?”

I feel my chest and face heat. “Well, a lot has happened in the two weeks since I’ve seen you all.”

Lisa claps her hands together. “Okay, spill the tea, girl.”

I roll my lips together to contain a girlish giggle, but it escapes, anyway. “I’ve gone on two dates in the past few weeks.”

“With the hot surgeon??” Lisa asks.

I blush again. “Yes, well, my second date was with him. And our date was amazing. And …” I pause, deciding how many details I should give them.

“And what??” Ashley asks impatiently, literally sitting on the edge of her seat.

“We kissed.”

The room erupts in claps, and squeals like we’re all a bunch of middle schoolers.

Bernice waves her hands and shushes the ladies. “Quiet down. We need more details here. Was it like a peck?”

Slowly, I shake my head from side to side. “No. It was more like he’d been waiting to kiss me for a thousand years and finally found the right moment.”

A collective swoon fills the small room.

Gerda smiles. “Sounds like a pretty amazing date. How are you feeling, emotionally?”

I ponder her question for a few seconds before answering. “Fantastic, actually. I don’t feel guilty at all. I feel lighter, happier than I have in a long time.” I swallow a lump in my throat. “But it was only one date. Who knows what will happen.”

“I hope it continues to go well. It’s wonderful to see you so happy!” Bernice says with a sweet smile. “But didn’t you say you had two dates?”

“Ugh, yes. The first one nearly convinced me I shouldn’t even bother dating. My parents sprung a blind date on me, and I humored them by going,” I say. “I figured it might be good for me to just rip the band aid off and go on a date. The guy was super stuffy though.” I roll my eyes and the girls laugh. “Anyway, enough about me. Ashley, how are your wedding plans coming?”

Ashley grins. “Great!” She grabs a stack of envelopes from her backpack. “I brought an invitation for you all.” She stands from her chair and passes them out. “Sorry it’s so last minute, but our engagement was pretty short.”

I open the envelope and slide out a white invitation with gold foiled letters. Her wedding is in one week. I wonder if Drew would go with me? I think he’s on-call next weekend though. And maybe he’s one of those guys who hates going to weddings.

Bernice slides her arm around her sister. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

“I’ll be there unless Drew gets called into work and I need to watch Penny,” I say. “Your invitations are lovely! I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you! And please bring Drew as your date if you’d like! You’re all welcome to bring a plus one.” Ashley is beaming with excitement as she speaks. The joy on her face is contagious. If I wasn’t already in a really good mood, Ashley’s smile would be enough to put me in one.

“Can my four-year-old be my date?” Evie asks.

“Of course! I’d love to meet your adorable son, Evie,” Ashley answers, then pats Evie’s shoulder.

Lisa smirks. “How about cats?”

“Animals are welcome too.” Ashley winks at Lisa.

We all chuckle.