Page 76 of The Cinderella Arrangement

What if he’s boring?

There was still the old standby in case things got unbearable, the transparent ‘my friend has a crisis and I must leave immediately’ routine. Jessica promised to call me with an “emergency” if I gave the go ahead.

The aroma from all the food was mouth-watering. Steam swirled into the air from hot plates like calligraphy and the ceiling held sweeping, colorful drapes of cloth.

This feels more like a richly decorated tent than a restaurant.

“Excuse me, are you Natalie?”

A chubby man extended his hand, and I took it. He was decent looking. Brown hair and eyes. Unremarkable.

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Thanks for suggesting this. I don’t eat out often.”

We sat at a cramped table and I hid behind the menu. Already knowing that this would not work out, I decided that I was just going to enjoy a pleasant evening.

“What do you do?”

The boring, stilted conversation of all first dates started forward on trembling legs. I could feel myself pulling back with every word. Drawing answers from him was like yanking teeth—it was as if he expected me to talk for the entire time.

This wasn’t going well.

The tall, thin waitress appeared at my elbow and I ordered the lamb and an Ethiopian beer. Without the menu, there was no distraction. We looked at each other for a few brief seconds, then my gaze wandered over the artwork on the walls.

A door opening brought in a blast of cold air and my teeth chattered. An insolent voice talked to the hostess, and I dragged my attention back toward Charlie.

“What kind of movies do you like?”

“Um—”

A man walked along our table and stood in front of us. I waited for him to leave, perhaps he was only getting out of the way of a waitress. I glanced up his torso and jumped.

It was Will.

This time, he was dressed in a black wool sweater and dark jeans, his hair groomed back. It was amazing how handsome he looked when he put in a little effort.

“What are you doing here?”

He gave me a pleasant smile, but didn’t answer my question. Then he glowered at Charlie, who balked at the pile of hundred-dollar bills thrown in his face. My eyes widened.

“Clear off,” he barked at Charlie.

Charlie looked offended. “What?”

He blew air impatiently. “Just take the money and leave. Now.”

My heart pounded as Charlie fingered the one hundred-dollar bills. There were five hundred dollars there. Would he take the bribe?

I would.

His muddy eyes slid toward mine and I pressed my lips into a firm line.

“Sorry.” He gathered them in his fist and stood up to leave.

Don’t be. I was getting bored anyways.

The dark-haired man smirked as Charlie swept from the table. He reached out and pulled the chair back and took the other man’s place. Will smiled at me as if this was the most normal thing in the world. For the love of God.He threw almost my month’s rent at my date to get him to leave.

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