AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Wow,” he finally said. “It sounds like things have been pretty rough for you, with your mom and grandmother. I’m sorry.”
I waved a hand dismissively. “It happens to everyone eventually.”
He shrugged. “That doesn’t make it any easier.”
I took a deep breath, feeling strangely lighter after saying all that aloud. But also a bit like an ass for blurting it all out on a first date with someone who barely knew me.
“I’m sorry for laying that all on you. I don’t expect you to help me analyze anything, but it felt good to get it off my chest. I probably shouldn’t have come out with you, given everything,” I said apologetically.
“Don’t be silly. I’m glad you did. I’ll admit, I’m a little disappointed, but I like having dinner with friends too, you know.” He put his hand over mine. “You don’t have to be looking for romance to share a meal with someone beautiful and interesting.”
He was too good to be true. A lot of guys would have left me feeling like a heel at that point, but he was apparently the good guy I thought he was. “Thanks, Lucas.”
Lucas cleared his throat and, bless his heart, changed the subject. “You said you want authors to come by and do book signings or read excerpts from their new novels. How would you feel about collaborating on something like that with me?”
“Oh! I’d love that. Do you have something new coming out?”
“It just so happens, I do.”
Lucas told me about his new project and said he’d already sent it off to his publisher for edits. We planned for when the book signing would work best in his schedule. He’d be reading and signing at the Sparks well before Kristen Stein’s event.
The rest of the night was pleasant, with no more outbursts from me about Chris or anything else. The food was delicious. We talked and joked while we ate. I offered to split the tab, but he insisted it was on him. I saw the check, and I was secretly glad he insisted. I did not have that type of cash sitting around.
He dropped me back off at the bookstore where he hugged me goodbye. I had a good feeling about him the first time we hugged, and that feeling seemed accurate. Lucas was a nice guy and would be a great connection to keep in contact with.
“I’m always available if the situation with Chris turns out to be nothing, after all,” he said with a grin.
“Believe me, I won’t forget that,” I said, smiling back.
I drove home, putting on my favorite indie rock playlist and singing at the top of my lungs. I hadn’t been on a date in such a long time, and they usually weren’t as fun as this one. They were all forced situations with people I’d met on a dating app or set up by Penny and her husband.
I couldn’t wait to tell her about this one.
I pulled into my driveway, realizing a familiar truck was parked by the road. Chris was parked outside, but Sean wasn’t. Maybe they came to visit Grampa together.
As I inched closer to my apartment, my headlights lit up the short porch I had on the side, and my breath caught. Chris was sitting on the small bench I’d found at a thrift store years ago. He glanced up and squinted as the headlights blinded him.
I shut them off and parked. My heart hammered in my chest as he stood, hands in his back pockets.
If he’d come to interrogate me about the date that wasnone of his business, I was prepared to put my foot down with him and send him on his way.
15
CHRIS
“What are you doing here?”Sav asked as she rounded her car. Relief spread through me for multiple reasons, including that she was home early, alone.
Her outfit, makeup, and hair were still intact. It didn’t look like anything had happened with Lucas.
She stopped at the bottom of her two-stairs porch and waited for a response. I couldn’t read her expression, but she was definitely guarded. That was my fault.
I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m sorry for many things, including being confusing and indirect with you about my feelings.”
The porch light shone on her face, and I saw her beautiful expression shift from apprehension to confusion.
“Okay,” she said hesitantly and took a step forward, climbing the short steps to her porch. Even under the harsh, unflattering porch light, she looked like a gorgeous angel.
I swallowed hard, steeling myself to say the words clearly so she’d understand. I rubbed my sweaty palms on the front of my jeans.
