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I have no idea how long we stood there smiling at each other, but a horn blaring outside broke the spell.
Glancing at my watch, I said, “I better get to the stadium, but I’ll see you Saturday at seven. Text me your address when you get a chance.”
“Will do.”
I walked out to my car, trying to sort out what I’m feeling. As I sat behind the wheel, I realized it’s anticipation. For the first time in a long time, I’m really excited about spending time with a woman.
***
Chloe
I checked myself in the mirror one last time. Phil didn’t say where we’re going so I decided to go with a little black dress and strappy sandals.
Phil.
I still can’t believe I’m going on a date with Phillip Riddle. I’ve been quietly crushing on him for a couple years now. It all seems so surreal.
Before I could obsess about that too much, my doorbell rang. I grabbed my purse and a light sweater and went to answer it. As I opened the door, I took in the sight of fresh-from-the-shower Phil Riddle on the other side of my threshold. My eyes skimmed over his slightly damp hair, down the blue button-up shirt that’s molding his pecs and six pack perfectly, and quickly over his charcoal dress pants. Before I get caught doing a full pants check, I looked up and met his dark green eyes.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
“Thank you. You look pretty nice yourself.”
He smiled in acceptance of my compliment.
“Are you ready or did you need more time?”
“No, I'm good.”
I stepped onto the porch next to him and closed the door behind me. He gestured for me to precede him down the sidewalk. I stopped next to the black Mercedes sitting at the curb and he reached around me and opened the passenger-side door.
“Thank you,” I said and settled into the buttery leather seat.
Once I clicked my seatbelt into place, Phil closed the door then I enjoyed the view as he rounded the front of the car. He settled behind the wheel and started the engine, then lowered the volume of the radio.
“I made reservations at Bella Vita,” he said as he pulled onto the street.
“I love it there. They make the best friend mozzarella and I can’t figure out why it’s so good. I mean, it’s mozzarella cheese dipped in panko and fried. How does it taste so much better than any other restaurant’s?”
“I don’t know that, but you’re right, it does. Their calamari is really good, too.”
We discussed the menu the rest of the way to the restaurant and by the time he pulled into the parking lot, my stomach was growling in anticipation. I’ve never been one of those women who doesn’t eat on dates. I figure I might as well let them get to know the real me right from the start.
As we entered the restaurant and approached the hostess stand, they greeted Phil by name and ushered us to a private table in the back corner. I’ve been out with Dale and his friends enough to know they have their favorite places where they can enjoy a night out without much interruption. Apparently this is one of those places for Phil.
Our waitress, Karli, arrived at the table immediately and took our drink orders. I’d debated on what to get but their blackberry mango sangria sounded too good to pass up. Dale ordered a Sam Adams and she left us to peruse the menu.
I definitely want the friend mozzarella but now that he mentioned the calamari, I want that too. But there’s no way I’ll eat both plus an entree and I really want the chicken saltimbocca, which is one of their specialties.
“What are you thinking about getting?” Phil asked.
“I definitely want the chicken saltimbocca.” I glanced over at him. “And I have a serious question.”
He looked a little nervous but said, “Shoot.”
“Would you want to get fried mozzarella and calamari and split them or are you a ‘Joey doesn’t share food’ kind of guy?”
“I’d be happy to share with you,” he said. “And I appreciate the Friends reference. It’s one of my favorite shows.”
