Page 8 of Colby's Lost Binky

“The munch, there were a bunch of daddies there. Lots of other people too. They seemed like a nice group.”

“I don’t know everyone who was there, but the ones I know are nice.”

“I need to start my shift.” But he didn’t move.

“I understand. Glad I ran into you.” I didn’t move either.

Finally, he looked up at me, his gaze serious. “Did you really want to go out with me?”

“Very much.”

“Like on a date?” He tilted his head and a lock of hair fell over his forehead, absolutely adorable.

“Exactly like on a date.”

“Okay.” He gave a decisive nod. “Let’s do that.”

I held out my hand. “Give me your phone.” I sent myself a text so we’d have each other’s numbers. “I’ll call you tomorrow and we can make plans.”

The door opened and Colby’s sister stuck her head out. “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be working?”

He flushed. “Older sister syndrome.”

“I have one too.” She was a lawyer. My parents were thrilled. But I had a date with the cutest little ever, and I’d take that over parental approval any day.

Chapter Seven

Colby

Tonight was the night. I was going out with Barrister. Every time I thought of his name, I smiled. It was silly, but it reminded me of a banister. When I was little, I used to love watching a movie where the main character slid down the banister instead of taking the stairs like his mother always requested he do.

I was one of those kids who did what I was told. The fear of disappointing my parents or teachers was all I needed to stay in line. But when I saw that movie, I often wondered, what would it be like if maybe I was just a little naughty? Not that I ever followed through. I always liked being a good boy. Still did.

“You look great.” I looked over to my sister, who was carrying a basket of laundry.

“Thanks. Did you want some help with that?”

She shook her head. “I got it. It’s just towels.” She looked me up and down. “Are you going someplace I should know about?”

She knew exactly where I was going. She’d been there when Barrister came in with a gift card. She saw me flirting with him in the parking lot.

“Maybe,” I teased.

I checked myself out in the mirror one last time and attempted to press the random wrinkle out of my jeans. Not that it was really going to go away, but I felt like I was doing something to make my outfit look a little nicer.

“Is he coming to get you? Do I need to step up and ask him all of ‘the questions’ to find out if he is a suitable date?” At first, I thought she was teasing, but then, she met my eyes. My sister was serious. She wanted to screen my date.

“No, he’s not coming here.” Something I’d arranged out of embarrassment, but which was increasingly sounding like a good idea for many new reasons I hadn’t considered. “I’m meeting him at Finn’s.”

“You don’t want someone like that. You want a gentleman who shows up at your door and brings you flowers.” She spun around with the laundry basket in her arms as if it were her dance partner.

“That’s what you’re saying your husband did?” I already knew their story. He very much did not. My sister had left that first date unsure if it even had been one. But it all worked out for them.

“No, but we met in a bar, so it’s different.”

“I’m not going to get into the myriad of ways in which you are wrong.” Meeting in a bar had nothing to do with anything other than how they met. “But to answer your question, no. He’s not coming here. I didn’t want to make it weird for you.”

“Or you didn’t want him to see where you live.” Dang, she didn’t mince words.

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