Page 36 of Finding My Charming

“That was before last night’s disaster.”

She sighed into the phone. “He’s normal, I swear.”

“This is the last time, Ari. I mean it.”

“Yeah, sure. Hurry, or you’re going to be late. Call me when you’re done! Bye.”

She wisely hung up before I could respond. I might have believed in her plan at the beginning of the week, but after the most awkward date of my life, I was beginning to feel validated that there was a reason I hadn’t noticed the necklace changed. Maybe I wasn’t meant to meet him just yet.

Or I’m just so oblivious, I wouldn’t recognize true love if it literally walked up to me and said my name.

With exactly one minute to spare, I parked in front of Leroy’s Bakery. Although they had dozens of freshly baked options, they were known for their drinks, from flavored hot chocolates to the best lattes, they had their year-round staples and seasonal flavors. This was one of my favorite places to come to study or read, and I prayed this night wouldn’t ruin it for me.

I hadn’t had a chance to look at the picture Ari sent me. I was nearly late, and I vaguely remembered what Headphones — I mean, Alec — looked like, but to my relief, he was standing just inside.

“Elise?” He said my name with just a hint of question.

“Hi, Alec. I hope you weren’t waiting long.”

He gave me a soft smile and shook his head. “I just barely walked in.”

I took note of the way his smile reached his eyes and created the barest hint of laugh lines. He was much cuter than I remembered.

“What would you like? I’ll order while you find a table.”

“A frozen caramel hot chocolate would be great.”

His smile grew as he nodded. “Sounds delicious.”

I took a step away and smiled before he turned toward the line. So far, he’d topped the previous two dates. Not that there was much to live up to. As long as he spoke and didn’t bring up his past addictions on the first date, he was set.

After slipping into a small table for two near the front, I fought the temptation to send an update to Ari and instead looked around the bakery. A few other tables were open, but it was fairly busy. This must be the place to be on a Friday night.

Alec made his way over and slid out the other chair and sat down as he placed our number on the table, a process that helped keep the ambiance suitable for studying and quiet conversations.

“They said it would be a little longer than normal. I guess some event just got out in the neighborhood, so it’s more crowded than it typically is.”

“I noticed. I’ve never seen it quite this packed, but I’ve also never been here at this time, so I thought it was because of the weekend. On weekdays during school, there are only a few other people here.”

I cut myself off when I realized I was rambling. Stupid nerves.

He smiled pleasantly and didn’t seem to notice my awkward babbling. “Do you come here often?” He froze, and for the first time since I arrived, his smile slipped, just for a second. “That’s the worst pickup line in history, and I just said it to you. I’m so sorry.” He looked down and blushed. Actually blushed!

It was the most adorable thing I’d ever seen a guy do, and I felt myself crush a little bit.

“Given the context, it’s totally acceptable.” I chuckled and watched the blush deepen on his cheeks. I shook my head to stop from staring at him. “I usually came once a week or so during school. Coffee, desserts, and quiet. It’s the perfect studying environment.”

His eyes finally met mine, and I had to admit they were indeed puppy-dog worthy. He broke eye contact and cleared his throat.

Great. My penetrating stare into the chocolatey abyss freaked him out.

“I come here too. I’m surprised I haven’t seen you.”

“Maybe we just missed each other, or didn’t notice.”

“There’s no way I wouldn’t notice you.” His eyes widened as if he was just as shocked as I was by his words.

Instantly the blush returned, and this time I felt my face react.