Page 4 of Keeping Score

“That never ends well.”

“Come on,” I scoffed, affronted. “Have a little faith in me.”

“Last time you planned date night, it was bowling on senior night.” She shot me a glare.

Maggie wouldn’t let me live that down anytime soon.

“Hey, I like a quiet atmosphere!” I held my hands up. “Sue me!”

“I could,” she teased.

“On account of?” I asked, directing us toward the corner where my car was parked.

“On account of you not letting your beautiful girlfriend pick where she wants to go on her very special night.” She frowned at me, but let me hold the car door open for her anyway.

“Special night?” I whipped my head back dramatically. “What’s tonight?”

Her face paled, mouth opening and shutting in disbelief.

I threw my head back and laughed.

“You have major trust issues, babe,” I told her, leaning in to kiss her beautifully pouty lips. “I’m not going to let you down. I promise.”

She relaxed, breathing out in relief, before her hand shot out to lightly smack my arm.

“Don’t do that,” she ordered. “It’s not funny.”

“It’s a little funny,” I told her before shutting her door and making my way to the driver’s seat.

“I knew you were lying. You’re dressed up, so we must be going somewhere.”

We were, but she’d just have to wait and see.

Even though the thought of waiting for anything made Maggie practically combust on the spot, I was willing to risk it tonight. The payoff would be worth it.

As soon as I turned the keys in the ignition, the audiobook I’d been listening to started playing. I turned it off in mortification, looking at her sheepishly.

“Are you listening to Fourth Wing?” Maggie giggled, sending me deeper into the depths of humiliation.

“I just wanted to see what all the hype was about!” I defended.

“And the verdict is?”

“It’s pretty good,” I admitted under my breath, eyes focused on the road ahead of me.

She laughed, scrolling down my Spotify until she found the playlist she’d created titled “Maggie,” while I drove us to the destination that I hoped would be the backdrop for her perfect night.

I parked a little ways down the street from our destination, just to throw her off my tracks until the last possible minute.

I opened the door, lending her my hand so she could climb onto the sidewalk before grabbing the bag I’d packed in the backseat.

“Newbury Street,” Maggie noted, eyes taking in our surroundings. “Are we going on a shopping spree?”

“Not tonight,” I told her, feeling my palms start to sweat a bit with anticipation.

Maggie was so smart. She saw every move coming. It was hard to ever really surprise her.

But tonight, I think I had her.