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“Oh my God, what more of a sign do you need?” Sophie said. “Next time you see the man, ask him out.”
My thoughts must have shown on my face and these women know me way too well not to read them.
“What’s that look?” Anjannette asked.
“He may have already asked me out,” I said. “And when I turned him down, he also may
have programmed his number into my phone so I could let him know if I change my mind.”
I finished my wine in one long gulp.
“Pick up your phone and call the man,” Keera said. I’m feeling a little fuzzy around the edges and her staccato tone made me giggle. “I’m serious. Do it now.”
“Okay. Geez.” I picked up my phone and brought up Max’s number. “Do I have to call or do you think I can text him?”
They debated and discussed for what seemed like forever, but finally came to a unanimous decision.
“A text is fine,” Anjannette said.
I typed and deleted three texts before the ladies and I were happy with the message. It’s simple and to the point.
Hi Max,it’s Eve. I’d like to take you up on your offer of dinner if it still stands.
“You think that’s good?Nothing else?”
“It’s perfect,” Sophie said.
Anjannette and Keera nodded in agreement.
My index finger hovered over the arrow and I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly before touching the glass, sending the text on its way.
“Done.”
* * *
Max
“I’m happy you texted,”I said, for probably the fifth time since I picked up Eve.
She looked up from the menu and smiled. I took it as a good sign that the expression on her face is less nervous than the one she wore earlier.
Instead of taking her to one of the establishments in Seaside, I decided to venture to a quaint Italian bistro Dex recommended about a half hour away. Aside from offering us some privacy from the peeping eyes of the town, the ride gave us time to chat and shake off some of the first-date jitters.
She glanced down at the menu then back at me.
“Have you been here before? What’s good?”
“I haven’t, but according to my friend Dex, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. But, he also said that sometimes they have a pork ragu and parmesan overpappardelle pastaon special that he supposedly dreams about.”
“Wow, that’s a pretty solid recommendation.”
“Dex takes his food seriously.”
“Apparently.”
The waitress approached to take our drink orders and also recited the specials. As soon as she mentioned the pork ragu, Eve glanced at me and smiled. A dimple popped out in her right cheek making her look even more adorable.
I don’t know what it is about this woman, I feel something different with her. Granted, this is only the third time I’ve been in her presence, and the other times were short. But the feeling is there, warm and fuzzy deep inside. It’s definitely something I’d like to explore.
