“Haha, no worries. I’m flexible,” I said. “I’m excited to see the movie.”
“I hope you enjoy it. I realize that maybe it’s not the best first date.” He made a face. “Sorry. I guess I’m not a good dater.”
“It’s fine.” I laughed. “I’m not a good dater either, so I guess we’re in good company.”
“I guess I got lucky, then.” He gave me a lopsided smile and once again his brown eyes looked into mine warmly.
“Oh?”
“To find someone I’m so compatible with,” he said and then ran his hands through his dark locks. “Now, let’s get you a drink.”
“Sure, thanks.” I nodded and followed him to the line. I stared up at the menu and looked at my options.
“Know what you want? I recommend their vanilla lattes,” he said after a minute or so.
“Sure, I’ll try that.” I smiled at him.
“Want to share a blueberry muffin as well?” he asked with a hopeful smile, and I just grinned as I nodded. He placed the order and we walked over to the table in the corner that he’d saved for us. “I hope this is okay,” he said as he waited for me to sit. “Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so nervous. Actually, I do.” He grinned at me. “When I saw your profile online I was shocked to find someone as cool as you, and now meeting you in person has me wondering if I’m in a dream or something.”
“Really, why?” I asked him in surprise as I sat down and sipped on my vanilla latte, which was indeed delicious.
“Because you’re even prettier in person, but more than that. You have a really sweet aura about you. Does that sound weird?” He made a face. “Do I sound like some crazy hippie New Age person?”
“No, that sounds nice. Thank you. I think you have a cool aura yourself.” I grinned at him, and he laughed.
“So, Lara, tell me about you.” He leaned forward.
“What do you want to know?” I smiled at him, feeling really and truly happy for the first time in what seemed like forever.
“Cats or dogs?”
“Dogs—definitely dogs.”
“Me too.” He grinned. “Tea or coffee?”
“Coffee, baby.” I laughed.
“Sweet or savory?”
“Ooh. That’s a hard one. Depends on the day, but I like both, a lot.” I laughed again.
“Cupcakes or cookies?”
“Cupcakes. You?”
“Cookies.” He grinned. “I’m an enigma.”
“Oh?”
“My favorite cookie is oatmeal raisin.” He laughed. “My sister says I’m a weirdo.”
“Oatmeal raisin cookies aren’t bad.” I grinned. “My favorite cupcakes are red velvet.”
“I love red velvet cupcakes,” he said and then he groaned. “Actually, I can’t lie. I hate them. Just give me chocolate cupcakes without the food coloring.”
“Haha,” I laughed. “Not the same.”
“I beg to differ.” He grinned, his teeth white and shiny and slightly crooked, which gave him an even more endearing look.
