* * *
Emma does text me the next day, but she doesn’t ask me out.
Emma
It was fun talking to you last night.
I read that about ten times. Then I slowly text her back.
Carson
Yeah, same. Thanks for the drink.
Okay. Should I ask her out?
She was pretty and funny and smart, but… I don’t know.
The next day, though, she texts again.
Emma
I have to go to an art gallery opening on Thursday. Would you like to come with me?
I’m not into art galleries. Or art. I like sports and documentaries about guys who live among grizzly bears.
Emma
There will be food and drinks
What the hell. We have a game tonight and Wednesday and then Friday, we head out on the road.
Carson
Yeah sure.
Emma
Great! Do you want to meet there?
Carson
Sounds good
She sends me the address of the gallery in Chelsea and we make arrangements for Thursday night.
I can’t believe it. I’m going on my first date in… a long time.
2
AYLA
“Well, Miss Russo, how was your dinner?”
Isla Russo beams at me, sitting at the table with her parents and grandmother. They’re regulars here at Uncle Ernie’s Café and Bar.
“It was delicious,” she states. “And I ate it all. That means I can have dessert.”
I quickly glance at Laura, Isla’s mom, who gives a tiny nod of assent.
