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When Rob pulls up to the front of the resort, I thank him and Savannah for the ride, step out of the vehicle, and walk through the lobby to the elevators. I look around, while waiting for the elevator and see the entrance to the restaurant where I’m supposed to meet Ellie tomorrow night. I can feel the nerves hitting me, just as the elevator dings its arrival.
I step in and push the button to my floor. I get off on my floor and walk to my room. When I walk in, the beauty of the lake calls to me, so I walk to the sliding doors and walk out on the balcony overlooking the water. I stand there taking in the air and beauty. It helps calm and relax me. I don’t know how long I stand there, but eventually; I go back inside and take a look around the suite. There is a living area with a sofa that looks comfortable, a kitchenette with everything you could need, and a bedroom with its own ensuite.
I decide it’s time to take a shower, so I walk in the bathroom to turn the water on and heat it up. I undress and step in, quickly realizing this is the first time in four years that I’m not in a communal shower with other guys, there is no rush, and I can enjoy the hot water. I do just that.
I get out of the shower and get dressed. Looking at the time, I realize it’s almost eight pm, so I unpack my laptop, take it out to the living area, boot it up, then click on my email. I begin typing.
Hey Ellie,
I made it to Maine safely. I had a wonderful dinner tonight with my friend and his family. I’m looking forward to our dinner date tomorrow night, and finally meeting you in person. I don’t know if you are as nervous as I am, but I promise I’m not nervous enough not to show up. I will be the man wearing a nervous smile waiting for you.
Ryan
ELLIE
I hear the ding of my email and quickly walk over to my laptop to see if it’s from Ryan. I know he was supposed to land in Maine today. Part of me is hoping he made it, and the other part of me is scared that he made it.
I look at my email and see it’s from one of my authors. I feel a little disappointed that the email was not from Ryan, and I quickly realize that I’m afraid he’s going to cancel. I try to push the feelings down and focus on my author, pushing through with work, and trying not to think the worst.
Just as I’m ready to shut my laptop down, my email dings, and it’s from Ryan. My heart starts beating fast, I click it open and read his email. I laugh out loud. I’m happy to know I’m not the only one nervous about this meeting.
Ryan,
I’m so glad you made it safe and that you had a wonderful dinner with your friend and his family. I’m also looking forward to our dinner and finally meeting you in person.
No, you are not the only nervous one. I’m about half and half, nervous and excited to finally see who I have been chatting with all these months and get to know more about you. I’m going to sign off before I say something that could cause you to run back to the airport before tomorrow night. (hahaha)
Seriously, I’m looking forward to our dinner, and I will equally be wearing a nervous smile.
Ellie
I click send on the email, but now my nerves have kicked up to the highest degree. In comes the self-doubts, “What am I going to do?” I mutter to myself. I pick up the phone and call the one person I know who can calm me down.
“Hey Ellie, you know you don’t have to check up on me every day. I’m doing better.”
“Brianne, I know you are doing better, I can hear it every day, and I’m so proud of you.”My best friend was kidnapped by her stalker at our book signing in St. Louis. That was the most terrifying time in my life. I wasn’t sure if Scott and his guys were going to find her in time. She had to go through more therapy once she came back, but now she’s doing so much better, and she has the love of her life helping her through it.I’m calling for help.”
“Help? What’s wrong, Ellie?”she asks, concern lacing her voice.
“Ryan is in town.”
“Ryan? Who’s Ryan?”
“The guy I’ve been talking to for months,”I say, exasperated.
“Internet dating app guy?”
“Yes. He’s here, in Largo.”
“Ooooh,”she drags out.
“What am I going to do?”
“First, you are going to breathe. That’s right, take a deep breath.”
I do as she says and take a deep breath.
“Now, tell me why you are so worked up?”
