Page 20 of Going All In

He shakes my hand before sliding into the seat opposite me. “Chip, actually. I’ve heard good things about this place, but I’ve never eaten here before. What about you?”

No mention of your tardiness, huh,Chip?

I force a smile. “No, this is my first time here. I was thinking about getting the veal.”

He wrinkles his nose and looks at the menu.

Oooo-kay.

* * *

It’s not a bad date. I mean, it could be much worse. But it’s just… not good. Not like when I had dinner with Maddox, even though that was just as friends.

The conversation with Chip doesn’t flow. I don’t wonder what it would be like to kiss him. The thought doesn’t even cross my mind. I don’t get butterflies in my stomach, wondering whether he’ll ask for a second date, because I already know there won’t be one. I pick at the last few bites of veal on my plate.

“Would you like to see a dessert menu?” The waitress pauses at our table, picking up Chip’s empty plate.

I put my fork down on my plate and slide it toward her. “No, thanks. Just the check.” I’m ready for this night to be over. I just want to relax with JJ and start looking for the next prospect for Mr. Right.

Chip doesn’t argue, and when the check arrives, he doesn’t argue over that either. He lets me reach for it, then slides his card in, too.

I’m a modern woman. I don’t need men to buy me dinner. Just… the gesture is nice. That’s all.

* * *

It’s fucking freezing out here.

Chip offers his hand again, shivering in the icy wind. “I had a nice time tonight.”

Did you, now, Chip?

I shake his hand, grateful he didn’t go in for a kiss that I’d have dodged. “Thanks, Chip. It was nice meeting you.”

“Have a good night, Holly.” He gives me a wave and turns to walk down the sidewalk, pulling his coat up to his ears.

I only have to wait a few minutes for my rideshare to pull up. It’s a safe area, and I’m in front of a well-lit restaurant, so it’s pretty unlikely that I’ll end up as a victim on a true crime podcast, but it’s still freezing, and it’s the nice thing to do.

Maddox would have waited with you. He would have offered you his coat.

I push those thoughts to the back of my brain, rationalizing. Of course Maddox would have waited. He’s my friend. That’s what friends do. Charles—Chip—was just a date, a bad one at that, and I’m not going to see him again. He doesn’t owe me anything.

So, it’s fine that I’m waiting here alone, trying to shield myself from the wind.

Unbidden, my thoughts turn back to the baby we took into custody today. He was all alone. Tears prick my eyes. I don’t get emotional over my cases usually, but this one tore at my heart.

I wish I had someone I could tell about the little guy. Jack. That’s what we called him, since he didn’t have a name. JJ would understand, but she’s a master at separating personal from professional.

My phone buzzes to alert me that my ride is here. I look down at the screen to swipe away the notification.

There’s a text from Maddox waiting, too.

Maddox

How’s your date?

I climb into the waiting sedan after checking the license plate against the information in the app and type out a reply.

It was fine.

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