Page 27 of Small Town CEO Grump

“How often do you come here?” I asked.

Ryan laughed. “At least twice a week. I know, it’s not exactly the healthiest habit, but I can’t help myself. I love being here, and you’ll see that the food is incredible.”

“I believe it,” I said. “It’s not like there is a shortage of pizza places in Manhattan, so if you are coming to a place twice a week, I’m sure it has to be fantastic.”

Five minutes later all doubt was removed as the server placed a basket of steaming, tantalizing garlic bread in front of me. I took one bite and knew that I was about to enjoy some of the best food I had ever eaten.

“Oh my word,” I said.

Ryan smiled and said, “Yep.”

The pizza was even better than the garlic bread, and an hour later I headed back to my hotel room, feeling completely full, and completely happy. Ryan and I had truly enjoyed our evening, and when he left me at the entrance to my hotel, he had asked if he could give me a hug.

“Is that okay?” he asked. “I feel like we’ve actually become friends now, and I always hug my friends.”

“Of course that’s okay,” I said.

He had wrapped his arms around me, and aside from it lasting shorter than I wanted to, it was a perfect hug.

That night I fell asleep with a smile on my face, and the next morning, I woke up, giddy with excitement over what the day would bring.

The morning was a buzz of activity, and when Shanna arrived it only added to the excitement.

She had called me from the airport to let me know she was on her way, and she was chattering so excitedly that I couldn’t help but smile. She brought the same energy with her when she came into the hotel room about an hour later, and I knew we were going to have a fun evening.

“I cannot believe that I am in Manhattan,” she said, throwing up the curtains and looking out over the city. “I mean, I’ve been to New York City before, but this was just such a fun, last-minute trip and I feel like I’m doing something so spontaneous and exciting.”

“I am so glad that you were able to make it,” I said. “I know that was last minute, and such a strange thing to ask you to go and be someone else’s date, but I am happy you’re here, and I appreciate you just being so willing to just jump in.”

“It’s going to be so much fun! I have a great dress, and I just can’t wait for a fun night.”

I looked at my watch. “Well,” I said. “It’s noon. The guys are picking us up at three, so how about we go and get some bagels so we have some food on our stomachs, and then start getting ready for the evening? How does that sound?” .

“That sounds perfect, and so very New York!”

I laughed. “Yeah, as I was suggesting it, I realized I sounded like a local. Well, either a local, or a complete tourist. But either way, there’s a bagel shop about three blocks away from here, and I have heard that they are delightful.”

“Well, let’s go,” Shanna said.

We headed out to get our bagels, and during that time I enjoyed getting to know her even more. She was usually pretty reserved whenever she was at the ballfields, but understandably so. The field is a strange environment to try to make friends. However, that morning she was very friendly, and I realized that we had a lot in common. She had also played softball, and she was studying to be an English teacher.

After we ate the bagels, we returned to the hotel room and helped each other get ready. We zipped each other’s dresses, helped each other put the finishing touches on our hair, and by the time it was 2:55 I felt like I had made a lifelong friend.

Ryan called to let me know that he and Kevin were downstairs, and Shannon and I excitedly grabbed our purses and headed out the door.

Shanna got off the elevator before I did, and I smiled as I watched Kevin’s face light up.

“Wow,” he said. “You look absolutely incredible.”

“Thank you,” Shanna said, smiling. “You look very handsome, too.”

I turned from them, glanced at Ryan, and couldn’t help but notice he was staring at me.

“Hello,” I said.

“Hello,” he answered. “You are beautiful. I mean, absolutely beautiful.”

I was a bit surprised by his compliment and his intensity, but I appreciated what he said.

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