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He’s the Type A-est person I’ve ever met.
Before today, I’d have said I was Type A, but dang, I have nothing on him.
The hostess looks up our reservation and assures us that it’s not a problem that we are running late. They have a fifteen-minute cushion for reservations. Trent visibly relaxes when she shows us to our table.
As we sit down, Trent orders himself a glass of wine and orders me water. I cringe at his high-handedness in choosing my drink, but I don’t say anything. I was probably going to order water anyway.
When the server returns to take our dinner orders, Trent orders scallops and linguine. My mouth waters at the thought. When the server turns to me, I open my mouth to order. Trent beats me to it. “She’ll have the grilled chicken salad, no dressing.”
“Actually, I’ll have oil and vinegar dressing on the side, please.” I feel empowered that I spoke up. Trent looks like he wants to say something but changes his mind. He smiles at the server and hands her both menus.
I briefly consider taking out my cell phone and texting the chef Ethan hired. I wonder if it’s too late to ask her to come over and cook me dinner. I woke up from my nap famished, and a salad isn’t going to make a dent in my hunger this evening.
Looking around at all the other couples in the restaurant makes me a bit envious. They all seem to be having a great time, laughing, talking, smiling. And I’m sitting here wishing I had my pink slippers on and a bowl of ice cream.
Ice cream solves all of the world’s problems.
Trent is deep in his thoughts, not talking.
At this point, I’m pretty okay with that. I’m contemplating pretending I have a headache so I can go home.
“Liz, I didn’t mean to snap at you today. I have some things on my mind, and I’m taking it out on you,” Trent says suddenly, shaking me out of my thoughts. He half smiles at me. “Can we just start over?”
“Of course we can,” I respond, relieved to know this is just a one-off. “Do you want to talk about what’s bothering you?”
“No, I don’t want to bore you with that stuff. Nothing I can’t figure out. I want to know what your doctor said at your last appointment. Is everything going okay?”
“Everything is great. I’m measuring okay. The baby’s heartbeat is perfect. The doctor is happy with my progress.”
“That’s fantastic,” he says encouragingly. “And how are things with Ethan? I’m not going to lie. I was surprised to see him show up at your apartment the other night.”
I was hoping he wouldn’t bring up Ethan. He knows Ethan is the baby’s father. After Ethan showed up at my apartment that night, I had to come clean to Trent. Other than that, I’ve steered all conversations away from Ethan.
It doesn’t feel right to talk about him.
“Everything is fine with Ethan. We’re getting along well, and he’s agreed to help with the baby.”
“Liz, you know that I am more than happy to help with whatever you need. Ethan hasn’t been here for you. You can’t depend on him.”
“I appreciate your offer. But I’m good, really. And if it’s okay with you, I’d prefer that we don’t talk about Ethan.”
“We need to talk about him at some point.” He frowns. Then he narrows his eyes. “You aren’t thinking of getting back together with him, are you?”
“No, of course not. But he is the baby’s father. I will always have a relationship with him,” I say reasonably.
He scowls at my answer but quickly recovers and smiles at me. “Alright, I’ll let it drop for now. But I want you to know I am willing to be here for you in every way. Whatever you need. I can support you and give the baby whatever he needs. I want you in my life, permanently. Do you know what I’m trying to tell you?”
“I appreciate that, Trent, but I need to figure things out on my own. I’m not saying I won’t date you in the future, but I’m just not ready right now.”
If Trent is upset, he doesn’t show it. He just tells me he understands and will patiently wait until I’m ready.
The rest of the dinner is pleasant. Trent has a talent for entertaining and conversation when he chooses. I had some major concerns when ournight originally started, but Trent’s natural charm is coming through now, and I find myself enjoying our time together.
The red flags I felt at the beginning of the evening began to fade from my memory.
He takes me home and parks the car. Before getting out, he turns to me. “I had a really nice time tonight.”
“I did, too, Trent.” After that horrible first half, anyway. I’m glad to see Trent is back to his usual self.
