Page 89 of Even Ground

What if this guy sweeps her off her feet?

“Just be careful. Even nice guys can be trash.”

Pania tilts her head forward a little. “I know. There’s a reason why I don’t date.” Her smile widens. “You know me. I won’t let myself be treated badly.”

I swallow, even though there’s a lump in my throat. “Good. You’re a queen. Remember that.”

“Sometimes a girl just needs to hear that.”

After I’ve said goodnight to her and we disconnect the call, I sit in the dark and take deep breaths.

Shit.

20

Pania

It’s been more than two years since I’ve been on a date. Between school and working and spending my evenings talking to Reece or Delaney, I just haven’t felt any inclination to pursue anything.

Not to mention my long unresolved feelings over Reece.

There’s a knock on my door a few minutes before six.

“He’s early. That’s a good start,” I murmur to myself.

After opening the door, I have to step back a little just to see the top of Devon’s head, which I swear nearly collides with the ceiling lamp above my front porch.

“Hi,” I say, unable to hide an awkward giggle.

Devon’s deep brown eyes drink me in. Standing there in dress pants and a collared shirt, he looks like he could be a cover model.

“Pania?”

I smile. “That’s me.”

“You look great.” He leans in and kisses my cheek.

He’d told me to dress smart casual, so I’m wearing a long black, flowing skirt and short-sleeved shirt. For the first time since Delaney’s wedding, I’m wearing makeup, which is the weirdest feeling. But it’s worth it for one night out.

“Thank you. I’m ready to go if you are.”

He smiles. “This way.”

Leading me down the driveway to what looks like a reasonably new Toyota Corolla, he opens the passenger door for me and I step in.

So far, so good. But he’s not Reece.

“So, you’re at tech with Sam,” he says as he climbs into the driver’s side.

“I sure am.”

But not for lack of trying on my part, that’s the last of the conversation until we arrive in the city and pull up outside the restaurant. I’m unfamiliar with it, but I’ve never been one to try something new.

Devon rounds the car and opens the door. I guess at least he’s a gentleman even if he’s impossible to converse with.

We walk into the restaurant, and while he sorts out our table, I admire my surrounds:

Circular tables with starched-white tablecloths, cloth napkins, and silverware that doesn’t look like it came from the discount stores I shop from. It’s a decent enough looking place.

---