He quickly showered off the stink of a shift at the restaurant and changed into what he thought of as “casual but nice” clothes. He didn’t go out very often, so his choices were limited, but standing at the bathroom mirror, fixing his hair, he thought he looked presentable.
Just as he finished tying his shoes, his phone rang.
“Hey, Char,” he said. “What’s up?”
“I just wanted to wish you luck on your date tonight,” she replied. “Did you find out where you’re going?”
“Yeah. Will texted me yesterday. The Artisan Pig in Plymouth,” he told her. “You and Cee Cee have been there, right?”
“Yeah. A few times, actually. The food is excellent,” she gushed. “The dirty fries for an appetizer are really good, and the last time we were there, they still had a summer-special pizza with corn puree, summer squash, and red onions. It was heavenly. They’ve probably switched it up by now for the fall, but we’ve never been disappointed in any of the pizzas we’ve tried.”
“Good to know,” Tom said.
“So what are you wearing?” she asked.
Tom rolled his eyes, happy they weren’t on a video call. “Dark jeans and a sweater,sis. That’s okay, right?” Although they were the same age, she never ceased to act like an older sibling. He felt butterflies in his stomach and began to second-guess himself. Why had he even agreed to go on this date?
“That’s perfect. The place is really casual, and I know you look amazing,” she told him. “Now stop worrying. You’re gonna have a great time.”
“How do you do that?” Tom asked, feeling himself relax in response to his friend’s words.
“Do what?”
“It’s like you can read my mind, and you always know the right thing to say.”
“Gee, Tom, who knows you better than me?” Char chuckled. “No one, that’s who.”
“You’re right. Thank you,” he said quietly.
“Okay, I’ll let you go. Just please don’t worry. And remember, I love you.”
“Love you, too, Char.” He was so lucky to have someone like her in his life.
Tom grabbed his jacket and descended the stairs. It was still early, but he didn’t want to spend time with his mom right then, for fear of what she might say. “I’m gonna wait outside, Mom,” he told her. “Will should be here soon.”
“Okay, babe. Have a good time,” she said. “Just don’t go leading him on,” she continued as he opened the back door. “You know this can’t really go anywhere.”
Dammit! Why did she have to say that? Tom’s good mood evaporated instantly. He sat on the squat stone wall that bordered their property, trying to slow his breathing. He recalled Char’s words and replayed them over and over again in his head until he felt his peace returning. No matter what his mom said, he was going to do his best to enjoy himself tonight. Who knows, maybe Will was different. He’d stay positive and keep telling himself just that. Willwasdifferent, and this relationshipcouldwork.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Will
“Tonight’s the big night, isn’t it Will?” Jeff asked. Jeff was working the overnight shift, and Will was relieved to see him walk through the door almost twenty minutes early.
“Yup, my first, but hopefully not my last date with Tom.”
“I thought you might like a few extra minutes to get ready, so why don’t you take off, and I’ll start my shift now?” Will didn’t normally work on Saturdays, but Melissa had asked him if he could work that afternoon for her. Since the extra money would come in handy with Christmas just around the corner, not to mention tonight’s date, he had agreed.
“Thanks so much, Jeff!” Will effused. “I owe you one.”
“Just have a good time. And relax, dude. It’s gonna be fine.”
“I sure hope so,” Will said, loading up his backpack and heading for the door. “See you later.”
Home was only seven minutes away from the B&B, and he greeted his mom with a quick kiss on the cheek as he hurried through the kitchen.
“How was your day?” Emily asked him.
