‘So you’re one of these smug settled types with a long-term boyfriend and no relationship drama?’
I shake my head. ‘No, not smugly settled down.’
‘You haven’t found The One yet?’
‘That’s a very personal question, Zach. Can I let you into a secret? I’m not convinced The One exists,’ I whisper.
‘And why’s that?’ he whispers back, his brows furrowed as he looks at my quizzically.
‘I guess I just feel like my job and my friends are enough. I’m happy, you know? Right now my best friend can’t even find the lid to her lipstick, and let me tell you that she is normally incredibly organised, and that’s all because she’s had her heart broken. I guess that’s just a reminder that love is hard.’ I pause, realising that if I don’t get down from my soapbox soon this handsome man might run off before I’ve had the chance to enjoy his company a little longer. ‘I’m a bit of a cynic when it comes to all that,’ I add with a shrug.
‘So you’ve sworn off love because it might cause havoc with your make-up?’ When Zach smiles his eyes crease, ramping up that ruggedly handsome thing he’s got going on.
I feel the thrill of anticipation shoot through me. ‘You know what I mean!’
He’d been sitting with his legs kicked out in front of him, leaning back on his arms, but now he shifts to mirror me.
‘Well, I hear what you’re saying,’ he says thoughtfully. ‘But I’m more the “I love love” type. There’s nothing like that feeling of connection, of adventure, of finding another person who you can’t get enough of. It’s … it’s the whole point, really.’
His eyes light up as he talks and for a split second, the passion and intensity in his voice makes me wonder if he’s actually right. Then I remember that he is categorically not. We couldn’t be more different and yet for some reason I want to stay right here in his company, all night long. And that’s when I remember my trump card.
‘I don’t think I’ve met a woman who carries a pack of Uno around with her at all times before,’ Zach laughs as I fold my arms in mock-protest. We’re five rounds in and I am not winning.
‘I can’t believe this. I’m usually the champion of all Uno players ever.’
‘The score speaks for itself,’ Zach grins. ‘Four wins for me. Does that make me the champion of all Uno players ever?’
He’s a teaseandhe has a competitive streak? I congratulate myself on suggesting a card game before we called it a night. We play some more, me getting increasingly competitive as his winning streak continues.
‘Lady luck is shining on you tonight,’ I say as he calls out ‘Uno’ again.
Zach looks up from his cards, his eyes locking onto mine.
‘I am very much inclined to agree with you,’ he says after a pause. ‘How can I say this without it sounding awful? I’m very sorry that your friend is having a hard time but I’m also … quite pleased?’
I drop my own cards. ‘What? Don’t make me add you to my hit list, Zach.’
‘You have a hit list?’
‘Yes I do. Natalie’s ex-boyfriend is the only one on there … for now.’
‘Okay, I get it. Don’t mess with Alice’s friends. I’ll make a mental note of that for next time. Look, I don’t know about you but tonight has been exactly what I needed. I’ve had a lot of fun.’ Our eyes move over to the papier-mâché penis/moon now discarded on the floor next to us and he bites back another laugh. ‘Thank you for my art lesson. I will keep it all in mind when I’m back in the studio. As non-dates go, this has been a good one. And, well … I’m wondering if you’d like to do it again some time?’
‘Are you saying you’d like another art lesson?’
‘How about a proper date?’ He suggests. ‘The things is, I’ve been thinking about my chance meeting with Alice at the art exhibition tonight. How our names bookend the alphabet. So maybe we should do something beginning with B next time, work our way through the alphabet …’
Alice and Zach. He’s right. I feel my cheeks flushing as I’m struck by his thoughtfulness. I don’t think anybody has asked me out quite like that before. Usually it’s the offer of a drink down at the pub, or maybe a dinner, though I generally avoid dinner for a first date because what if I realise my date is awful before I’ve even made my order and then we have to endure an ENTIRE MEAL of awkwardness.
Zach’s watching me, looking adorably expectant and hopeful in equal measure, and it dawns on me that there have been no why-did-I-order-a-starter regrets here, tonight. He’s right. As non-dates go, this has been perfect.
‘Did you just invite me on twenty-six dates?’ I finally manage. ‘Because that’s quite keen.’
‘I am keen,’ he says, more confidently now.
WOW. This guy is cute. I’ve had way more fun than I expected tonight and it would be fun to do this again. I mean, there’s no way we’ll make it to the twenty-sixth date, because of my strict three date maximum policy, but one or two more chances to hang out with Zach could be alotof fun.
‘Let’s stick with one for now,’ I reply, taking a sip of my drink to cool myself down. ‘But it will have to be good for us to get to C.’
