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Another notification goes off when I leave the text unanswered. First a phone call, then a text. I’m bored enough to want to check it, so I raise a finger and motion to my purse as I slide it out. “Sorry, I just need to . . .”
I bite my lip as I swipe open my phone and see a text from Jace.
What could he possibly have to say to me while I’m on a date?
JACE: You look like you're bored to tears.
How does he . . .
My head jerks up from my phone. After quickly scanning the restaurant, I spot him in a dinner jacket that’s far too small for him, sitting across from a disgruntled looking Chris.
The second our eyes meet from across the room, Jace winks and my insides melt.
Tearing my gaze from his, I quickly text him back.
ME: WTH WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?
JACE: I was hungry. And Chris ate all the pizza, remember? Also, tell nerd boy to keep his eyes above your neck or I’ll rearrange his face.
A quick glance at Chad reveals he’s taking my distraction as his opportunity to freely gawk.
My cheeks flush as I quickly type:Go away!
Clearing my throat, I set the phone on the table beside me and Chad’s gaze jerks up to meet my eyes. “Sorry about that,” I tell him. “Anyway, you were saying?
“Um, I think I was just about to say I’m sorry.” He wipes his brow where a bead of sweat has formed. “When you’re with someone for a long time like I was with Beth, you have so much history and it’s hard not to talk about yourself without talking about them, too.”
“It’s okay, really,” I say, meaning it. Mostly because I’m not convinced this will go anywhere. If I was really into this guy, on the other hand, I would be super disappointed.
He lets out a little laugh and when he thanks me for understanding, I instantly feel guilty for even replying to Jace’s texts in the first place.
Still, that doesn’t stop my eyes from flicking in his direction to find he’s still staring at me. Leaning back in his chair, he grins, holds his phone up in one hand and starts to type.
“So, what about you?”
I pull my gaze away. “Huh?”
“What do you like to do in your free time?” Chad asks.
“Oh. Um, honestly, I don’t really have any one single hobby. I like to go to the movies, read, and visit different coffee shops. When it’s nice out, I like to go for walks and hike. I’d say I’m pretty low-key, but I’m open to trying new things, though.”
My phone pings, and I struggle to keep a straight face, but when our waitress stops by to deliver our entrees, I take the opportunity to check it.
JACE: What could you possibly be talking about with snooze fest over there?
ME: How do you know I’m bored? Maybe he’s really interesting.
JACE: Unlikely.
I set my phone down face up so I can see it, even though I absolutely will not check it again, and as soon as our waitress leaves, I tuck into my pasta, needing something to keep my gaze from wandering across the restaurant to Jace again.
“To be honest, I was really nervous about coming along on this date. These things are usually so awkward,” Chad says as he cuts into his chicken.
My phone pings again, and even though I hate myself for it, my eyes slide to the text.
JACE: You look beautiful.
My heart leaps.
