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“You don’t have to do that.” Hayden glanced at Violet with a question in his eyes.
“Therise abovething,” she whispered.
Understanding widened his eyes. “I’m saying that sometimes you have to shake it up and try something new,” Hayden said. “Have you asked Jamie if there’s a place she’d like to go, something new she’d like to do? How about a hike in Elephant Rocks? Or visiting the site of the Battle of Pilot Knob? Even if you’re not into history, it’s still a lot of fun.”
“Hayden’s right. Women are impressed by a man who takes the time to plan a special outing,” Violet said. “That shows he’s invested himself in the…relationship.” She hesitated to call it a “relationship” since Trace was clearly young. In some ways, giving him advice, sweet as it was, could be trickier than dealing with an adult.
“I’m not allowed to…” Pause. “I mean, I, um, don’t drive, so we’re kind of limited where we can go.”
“Here’s an idea. Set up a card table in your backyard,” Hayden said. “Drape a tablecloth—a sheet will do fine—over it. Then put a vase of flowers, fake or real, on the table. Use the good stuff if you can—dishes, silverware, and glasses instead of paper products. Linen napkins are great.”
Violet shot Hayden a sidelong glance. “I’m impressed. I didn’t know you could be a romantic. Trace, do you cook?”
“Not really. I’ve heated pizza rolls in the oven and made Pop-Tarts but not a real meal.”
Hayden mouthedThe food of champions!and punched a fist in the air.
Violet grinned. “Does she like pasta?”
“Who doesn’t?” Trace sounded more enthusiastic.
“Fettucine and spaghetti are both easy to make,” Violet said. “You boil noodles and heat sauce to pour over them. Easy peasy.”
Hayden spoke up. “You can buy frozen meatballs and heat them in the microwave. Warm a loaf of Italian bread in the oven. A little hint—no garlic bread if you’re hoping for a kiss.”
Violet elbowed him.He’s just akid, she mouthed.
“Trace, did you know you can buy salad in a bag?” Hayden made it sound like the greatest invention known to man.
“Am I the only one who’s hungry?” Violet said as her co-host chuckled. “You can keep it simple, and I guarantee Jamie will be impressed, Trace. You could have fresh fruit or pudding for dessert. Add a dollop of whipped cream to the pudding, and voilà! Perfection.”
“Dollop,” Hayden mused. “Nowthat’san intriguing word.”
“Trace, one of the most romantic things a guy ever did for me was take me on a picnic.”Oops.She’d almost slipped and saidWhen I was your age. “After we ate, he made a necklace and a crown out of dandelions for me.”
When Hayden pretended to play a tiny violin, Violet waved him off. “It was an incredibly sweet gesture and meant more to me than if he’d spent his hard-earned money on a meal and expensive jewelry.”
Her co-host snorted. “Not sure I believe that.”
“Thanks, guys. I’ll try what you said. Wish me luck.”
“Would you mind if we say a prayer?” Violet asked.
“Yeah, sure. I mean, that’d be nice. Thanks.”
“If that’s a concern, sure, but mainly for God’s will for your future.”
When Trace hung up, a satisfied camper, Hayden high-fived her during the commercial break. “Listen to us, giving that kid practical tips to woo his girl. He couldn’t be any older than what, twelve?”
“If that,” she agreed. “Did you have a girlfriend when you were that young?”
“I did.” Picking up a pen, Hayden made a note on his notepad. “Did you have a boyfriend?”
“I wasn’t allowed to date until I was sixteen.”
He didn’t seem surprised. “To clarify, I didn’tdateat that age, but I had a girlfriend. Ah, sweet Katie.” He adopted a faraway look. “Long blonde hair, big baby blues, and the cutest—”
“Details aren’t necessary.”
