“Yeah, well, get with the times, old man.” I grin when he tosses a throw pillow at me.
“You little shit,” he chuckles.
The conversation turns to the Red Sox and their epic win against the Yankees in the eleventh inning last night. I try to follow along, but my mind keeps wandering to Elsie and our date tomorrow. I’m planning a picnic at the small park by the fishing docks, where there are a handful of picnic tables under a pavilion and benches that overlook the shore. I’d stumbled across it when I was out on my bike one night, getting some fresh air and exploring the town.
It occurs to me that Elsie still hasn’t texted me with her address like she said she would. I decide to text her instead, not caring if I sound desperate. Where she’s concerned, it’s a given.
Me:Still waiting on that address
It’s not until after I’ve hit send that I wonder if maybe it was intentional, her not reaching out. Maybe she’s had second thoughts and doesn’t want to go out anymore. Maybe she was putting off telling me, or planning to ghost me entirely. Maybe she –
My phone chimes with an incoming text. I check the message and see an address with a smiley face emoji. I can’t help grinning back at the tiny yellow icon.
Me:Was starting to think you’d changed your mind.
Her response is almost immediate.
Elsie:Definitely not! I’m so used to everyone knowing where I live, I forgot you needed the address.
Elsie:When you get to the wooden sign that says Lavender Dreams, turn left and head all the way to the end of the drive. You’ll see my cottage along the back of the property, on the right.
Me:Got it. I’ll see you at noon.
Elsie:See you then!
When another text comes through with an emoji, this one showing all of its teeth with squinted eyes, my answering grin is so wide I can see it in the reflection of my phone screen. I’m tempted to text her again, to keep the conversation going until I get to see her tomorrow, but I leave it alone.
It doesn’t stop me from opening our conversation and staring at our texts throughout the rest of the night, though. Those tiny yellow faces reassure me that I’m not the only one eager for this date.
I might be a fucking goner for her already, but I’m starting think she just might like me, too.
CHAPTER 28
Elsie
“No teal,” Grace says the second I step into frame so she and Olivia can see my outfit. I’ve already tried on five or six options, and between the three of us, one or more has vetoed them all. I video called them to help me get ready for my date with Declan, but I didn’t expect it to take so long. He’s going to be here soon.
“What’s wrong with teal?” Olivia wonders.
“Dark teal like that is a fall color,” Grace explains. “She can’t be wearing that in July. I do love the bodysuit and skirt look, though. Go find a different skirt.”
I see her hand make the shooing motion where my phone is perched on top of my dresser. I don’t think she can see from this far away, but I roll my eyes before stepping out of frame again to dig back through my closet. I tend to wear more dresses and pants, but I have a few skirts that I haven’t worn in a while.
I find a pink one with a white and orange pattern and slide it on over my white tank top bodysuit. It swishes around my ankles whenI walk, just long enough that you can see my sandaled feet poking out and not much else.
I step into Grace and Olivia’s view and plant my hands on my hips. “Well?”
“It’s perfect,” Olivia declares.
“I love it,” Grace agrees. “Pair it with some gold jewelry and you’re set.”
Just then, the doorbell chimes. “Is that him?” Grace asks excitedly.
“I think so.” I hurry over to grab my phone from where it’s perched. “I’ve got to go. Thank you guys for your help!”
“You better call us later and tell us everything,” Olivia says.
“Will do. Love you guys. Bye!
