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“Woohoo! It shipped sooner than we thought, Dolly. Isn’t that great?” She looked up at me, still not sure about the robotic voice, and immediately put her head back down. She was tuckered out.
I set my phone alarm for thirty minutes from now, which would give me exactly twenty-five to make the drive to the restaurant, which was across town. It was no use, though, something made me feel jittery the instant I closed my eyes. Yes, I was a tad nervous about the date, but why? It is either going to be good or bad. Why worry about it? My alarm went off all too quickly and I got Dolly’s bed back on the floor, double-checked her food and water and took her to her grass pad one more time before leaving. Now, I was rushing, which I don’t like to do, but boy, did it make me feelalive.
“Virtual assistant, play soft music on low.”
I scratched Dolly’s head, grabbed my new pink coat, and ran out the door, shoes banging loudly on each step. Marge and her friend were no longer outside, but her blinds were open as her apartment window faced my door. I could see her looking out. I should introduce her to my mother if she visits. They would get along royally.
CHAPTER 10
BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE
When I was at my car door, I heard a voice call out. “Have fun tonight.”
I was expecting it to be Marge, but the voice wasmale.I looked up to see Eli.
“I thought you had to work late?” I couldn’t hide the look on my face and realized I was now questioning him like I was the detective.
He nodded, “I was supposed to. But when we got home, Carter had a bit of a limp.” I looked down at Eli’s feet, Carter was sitting on his hind legs on his leash.
“Is he okay now?” He looked normal to me.
“Yep, right after I called in to say I couldn’t come back, he straightened out again.” Eli shrugged and laughed.
Feeling the weight of the car keys in my hand, I was being pulled in two different directions. “I better get going, I’m running a few minutes late.”
“I imagine you’ve never been late in your life.” He smiled at me.
“Well, I don’t like to be, that’s for sure.”
He was still staring at me, but now slyly analyzing my outfit.
“You look nice.” A respectful comment that I wasn’t sure how to take, but appreciated, nonetheless.
“Thank you. What are you up to tonight?” I’m already late, what’s a few more questions?
“We’re just making it a boy’s night in. Got to catch up on our favorite show. I have a new true crime documentary.”
I burst out laughing. “Don’t tell me you're into that, too!?” I chuckled in disbelief.
Eli was surprised. “Into what? True crime? Yeah, I like the show alright. I try not to focus on true crime things, but some are just interesting. Bringing justice to the families and all.”
“You and my mother would be best friends.” I smiled ear to ear.
“That’s good to know.” He winked.Winked!I felt my cheeks reddening and he gave me the out.
“Have a nice time, Katie.” He turned away, Carter’s little steps running ahead of him before they disappeared behind the large wall of hedges that separated our buildings. I could hear his feet climbing the steps.
The drive to the restaurant was shorter than I remembered, or it might have been I felt like I was floating on moonbeams. I pulled into a parking spot close to the door. I was only one minute late, and I ran inside.
The hostess smiled at me and asked to take my coat the moment I stepped up to her podium. She came behind me and slid it off my shoulders. “What a beautiful outfit,” her voice was sincere.
“Thank you.” I smiled back. It was a boost of confidence before my date. “I’m Katie Fitzgerald, meeting Taylor Wylons.”
“Taylor is waiting for you.”Taylor.Not Mr. Wylons. First-name basis. How many dates did he bring here?
She escorted me to a table in the lounge. Taylor was looking over his shoulder at the stage. A band was just assembling. “Here you go,” the hostess pulled out my chair for me to sit. Taylor stood.
“Katie! You look beautiful.” He said it so quickly, I wasn’t sure he’d even seen me yet.
