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“Because he attributes the quote to Mother Teresa.”
I snort a laugh. “Oh.”
“Maybe he means it as a joke? Being ironic? I can’t tell. Everything else on his profile seems genuine. He’s cute, and we messaged some. He seems nice. And if I don’t go soon, I’ll be late.”
“Where are you meeting him?”
“Pinkston’s Brewery.”
I raise an eyebrow. I can’t help it. “That place is for college kids. How old is he?”
“Thirty-six.”
Too old for Pinkston’s. Doesn’t know it’s a Gretzky quote. And he’s going out with Autumn. It’s official. I hate this guy. “Are you sure he’s the best you can find on the app?”
“Not at all. I’m just dipping my toe in the dating pool, Rowan. I’m not looking for anything serious right now. Romance is out of the question tonight. But I need the practice, you know?”
All too well.“Got it. I’m just hoping he’s not a serial killer—
She laughs hard. “Why would you go and say something like that?”
“A woman has to be careful. There are a lot of crazies out there.”
“Oof, no more. I have too many friends who are into true crime podcasts. I do not need any more of that in my head before a date, thank you very much.”
“I understand,” I say with a smile. “I just worry about you. That’s all. I don’t have many friends I’ve known for over a decade. I’d like to keep you around for when Ellie starts her period or starts dating. Seems like a woman should help her with all that.”
“I am happy to.”
“Not if you get axe murdered.”
She laughs hard. “Gee, thanks for that mental image. That’s all I need tonight. I’ll sit across the table from Bill, order a glass of Riesling, and think about him murdering me. How romantic.”
“You said you weren’t looking for romance.”
“Fair point.” She finishes her wine and waves Wendy over for the check.
But I shake my head, and Wendy goes to another table. “Absolutely not. You’re my guest. My guests don’t pay.”
“Thank you, Rowan. I should be off.” But she lingers.
“What is it?”
“Okay, maybe you got into my head, but I’m going to call you after my date. That way you know I didn’t get axe murdered.”
I shake my head. “I was just joking—
“I know. But also because we haven’t spoken in a long time, and I had wanted to call you after we ran into each other at the wedding, but I kept chickening out because part of me felt like it was awkward, and I didn’t want you to feel awkward, and I got all up in my head about it.”
I belly-laugh at her nervous ramble. “Same here about not calling you after the wedding.”
Her warm brown eyes widen. “Really?”
“Yes. Definitely call me, okay? There’s no need for things to be awkward between us about anything. Agreed?”
“Yes,” she says enthusiastically. “It’s only weird if we make it weird.” Then she sighs and stands up. “And speaking of weird and awkward, I am off to my first date after my divorce. Wish me luck!”
“Good luck!” But I don’t mean it. Something inside twinges as she leaves. I don’t want her to go. I could have spoken to Autumn Sherwood all night long. Sighing hard, I get back to work and try not to think about her date.
