Checking the mirror, I see her smirk to herself in the reflection. “I’m not ner—” She gives me the warning scowl not to finish my lie. “Fine. Ooh, if you move back, then I can totally set you up with someone.”
“Up for consideration, but no diverting. I guess this isn’t your usual date, considering you both share a daughter. Still, he'd better bring his A-game to woo you.”
Grabbing my lipstick from the dresser, I pause as one thought comes to mind. “I have zero doubt with Hayes in that department. He’s someone who goes all in. I’ve learned that quickly. I’m just curious what romance is to him.”
“I don’t know, but thankfully, Savannah is watching Lola so your date can turn into breakfast.” Hayes picked Lola up and brought her to Julian and Savannah’s place.
“Only if he impresses me,” I joke. Deep down, I’m very aware of how this night is going to end. It would have to be a colossal disaster for it not to.I step into the middle of my room and smooth my dress. “What do we think?”
Sutton’s eyes blaze open with a smile on her face.“Love it. Black, tight, yet classy. Ditch a sweater so he has no choice but to give you his blazer.”
“Uh. One, we don’t know that he’s wearing a blazer, and two, it’s November in Chicago, so I will take a pass on the lack of sweater.”
She shrugs. “Logic wins. Seriously, no hints? He hasn’t said anything about where he’s taking you?”
I shake my head. “Since the chickenpox fiasco weekend, he has been super busy and had a business trip.Our contact has been about Lola, with the occasional flirty text thrown in. I’m not sure if keeping it all under wraps was intentional from Hayes or simply that work has been chaotic.”
“Both explanations are fair.” She claps her hands together like a little penguin. We share an elated look until hers simmers down. “Elodie.”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t want to dampen the mood, but I’m your friend and I also work in law. Just… be careful. Friends who work infamily law have shared stories how things can get out of hand. Don’t be blindsided or put in a position where arguments happen. Not saying that’s going to happen. Nothing about the guy says red flag. But I care about you, so all I’m saying is go at your own pace.”
Wow. That’s a mood killer, even if from a place of concern and love. I only consider it for a second and send it to a corner of my brain. “Thanks, but it will be okay.”
Sutton’s assurance returns across her face. “Good.” Her smile grows wide. “I am so excited for you. I really wish I could hide to watch him pick you up, but I need to head to the airport.”She stands and begins to gather her purse and phone.
“If you decide to take a job here, then we won’t have to worry about airports.” I give her a knowing look.
“Yeah, and I’ll also have to deal with my parents telling me to come home every weekend for dinner. Speaking of which, how are your parents coping?”
My shoulders sag, and I blow out a breath as I return to my dresser. “They haven’t met Hayes yet.”
Sutton laughs. “Take photos of that first meeting. Lola will want to see someday.”
“They’re meeting at Thanksgiving.”
She looks at me as though I’m crazy. “You two arebrave, but at least united in bravery.”Her phone beeps, and she checks real quick. “My ride will be here in five.”She comes to give me a hug, and it’s tight. “I guess I don’t even need to tell you to send an SOS text if needed. You’re with Hayes. You put on the new lingerie, right?”She’s double-checking considering she brought me the gift.
I shake my head, amused. “Yes, thanks for the, uh, thoughtful lace.”
“It was a joint effort. Savannah was in on it, too.”
I walk by her side as we head to my front door. “Thanksfor stopping by. Sorry, we couldn’t meet somewhere for a coffee or something, I just didn’t have a lot of time today.”
“This is ten times better. You’ll have a great night. I know it.”
“It’s odd to feel calm yet nervous at the same time. It feels unusual but makes sense, too,”I admit.
“Probably because it’s right. Enjoy it, Elodie. You deserve it.” She smiles. “Have fun.”
One last hug, and she’s gone.
The momentI open the door, deep red roses nearly hide Hayes from view where he stands in the hallway. Instantly, I form a giant smile.
“Last time I showed up at your door with flowers, you didn’t want them. I’m hoping my luck has changed,” he explains and steps to the side as he hands me the bouquet. His shirt is fresh, a dark blue with the top two buttons undone. This is Hayes’s out-of-a-suit-yet-still-formal outfit. Either way, his eyes stand out.
“Debatable.” I catch Hayes eyeing me up and down.
