Page 43 of One More Chance
Harper
This is actually going betterthan I expected. Steve held the door open for me, recommended a wine to pair with the menu, and even recommended his favorite dishes to me. Steve is shaping up to be pretty good, indeed. This may have actually been an excellent idea.
I read over my menu as Steve explains his job in more detail. Something about banking and loans and he drones on about it but I don’t mind. He seems passionate about it.
“That’s fascinating,” I say, pretending to have heard the last few bits.
“It’s okay,” he says. “Pays the bills.”
I appreciate his modesty. Points in the positive column for Steve. “I don’t do anything quite as fancy on the farm, but I always have fresh air and every day is a little different,” I offer, hoping it doesn’t sound as lame as it feels.
“I would love to come out there. I’ve been meaning to but haven’t had the chance,” he says.
“You definitely should.”
“Would you give me a personal tour?” he asks, his gaze meeting mine.
Okay, Steve, not too bad. Smooth, pretty smooth.“I’m sure that can be arranged.” I laugh.
“What day is best?” he asks.
“Oh, um…this week is busy with my sister’s wedding, so—”
“Oh, right. You mentioned that. How’s that going?” he asks.
I get into the details of the wedding plans and upcoming bachelorette party, appreciating what appears to be his genuine interest in the topic. More points for Steve. Maybe this whole ordeal doesn’t have to be so terrible.
“Wow. Sounds like you have your hands full. You need any help, just let me know. I’d love to help if I can,” he offers.
Oh, Steve.Where in the white knight have you been? “Really?”
“Yeah, I’m your guy,” he says, smiling. “Do you have a date?”
“Technically yes but it’s not a real one,” I answer honestly.
“Not a real one?” He laughs.
“Just a numbers game.”
“Ahh,” he says. “What a shame.”
Honestly, I don’t know what I was working myself into a frenzy over. This is pretty easy so far. Of course, it’s just talking. Who knows how anything else will go.
After the waitress takes our orders, we settle into easy conversation, both of us exchanging information and questions. There’s no lull, even when our food comes or as we begin to eat. Each bite of food is punctuated with an exchange and everything feels…nice.
“Would you like another drink before we go?” he asks.
I look down at my empty glass, weighing the question.
“I’ll be honest, Harper,” he says. “I know once we leave, the date is over. And I don’t want it to end just yet.”
Ugh. Break me down, Steve. Break me right down. “Okay, yeah. Let’s have one more,” I say. Why not? I can be the woman who has one more.
Our drinks come and we sip them slowly, laughing and talking. My stomach flutters as I think ahead to the possibility of a goodnight kiss or embrace of some kind. I look down at my drink and realize there’s only one sip left. After I down it, Steve calls for the check and pays, insisting we don’t split it.
He walks me to my car, guiding me by the small of my back. He’s not as tall as I would like, only just slightly taller than I am. I’m not tall to begin with, so that’s pretty short for a man. But whatever, it works. He’s nice. Everything else has been very delightful. Okay, Harper, are you describing chocolate or a date?
We stop just shy of my car and I stand there, clutching my purse in front of me, unsure what else to do.