“Are you looking for your sketch pad again?” she asked.
“No. A planning tool. I put it back here…” He stretched until he snagged something from behind her seat. “Got it.”
“Planning tools. Now you’re speaking my language. How did you know I was a planner?” She looked pleased.
“I didn’t. Something else we have in common.” He fumbled with the bag. “Excellent, but this is meant to turn our date into more of an adventure.”
“Okay. That sounds fun.” She wiggled upright in her seat, twisting to face him, anxious to see what it was he had in that bag.
“So, Maymont is huge. I’ve walked every inch over the years, but I swear it takes a lifetime to really love it and learn all it has to offer.” He pulled out a hunk of plastic and set it on his leg.
A puzzled look crossed her face. “What is that?” She touched the edge, seeing the multiple colors and numbers. “Is that the spinner doohickey from The Game of Life?”
He grinned. “It is.”
“I loved that game when I was a kid.”
Matthew said, “I’m not sure I ever played a whole game of it. Being an only child has some disadvantages, but I did love this spinner.”
“Do you still have the board game?”
“Yeah, it’s on the bookcase in my den along with a few other board games.” He raised a finger in the air. “Fair warning, I’m pretty great at Scrabble.”
“You haven’t played me yet. We Winters are known to be competitive.” She looked cocky, but she wore it beautifully. “Weare totally having a game night. LifeandScrabble. I’ll bring the popcorn.”
She’d met her match, and he couldn’t wait for game night. “A double header? Don’t tempt me with a good time.” He could see her wheels turning, her eyes twinkling with a hint of playfulness that he liked.
“Tell me what this big game plan is that you have for us today.”
He held up the plastic spinner. “Ten colors and numbers on the spinner.” He handed her a list. “You’ll see that I’ve divvied up all the cool stuff to see here at Maymont and numbered them. You’re going to spin this, and wherever it lands is where we’re going to start today, because there’s no way we do it all in one visit. Next time, we’ll spin again.”
“Next time, huh?” She twisted a long tendril of her hair. “Are you inviting me on more dates before we’ve even finished this one?”
He lifted his chin confidently. It was all or nothing. “That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Her eyes narrowed, but she seemed to like the idea. “Well, you’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“Pretty sure we’re going to have fun.” He took a chance and added, “and I’m looking forward to it.”
“Okay, and next time, we go in numerical order to explore the next part. I get it.” She nodded. “Good idea. Count me in.”
“I will, but that’s not exactly how it’s going to work. I’m an artist. You’ve got to give me a little more credit on the creativity side than that.”
“Excuse me, Mural Guy. I didn’t mean to underestimate you,” she said with a giggle. Folding her arms across her chest, she played up her next response in a serious, but rather flirty fashion. “Please do fill me in on the creative process of this adventure.”
“I fully intend to, but you know what, I’m going to get you to hold that thought. I want to get this day rolling. I’ll explain the process over lunch. You ready?”
She feigned disappointment, snapping her fingers. “Fine.”
He held the wheel against his leg so she could spin.
With a flick of her finger, the little spinner ticked and whirled, finally landing on seven. “Lucky number seven, blue.” She picked up the key he’d written out. “You know, you have really nice handwriting.”
“Thank you. What’re we doing?”
She scanned the list. “The Maymont Mansion.”
“Oh, you’re going to love it. Let’s go!” They hopped out of the car, and he walked around and caught her hand in his. Over his shoulder he’d hoisted the canvas tote bag by its leather straps, which held the lunch he’d packed for them.
