Page 8 of We Can Forever

“Really?” Carol asks.

“Yeah.” Why did it take her so long to respond?

“With whom? Someone on the island? How did you meet him? Send me a picture. Or his Facebook. He’s on Facebook, right? It’s a red flag if someone isn’t, you know. Or if they have more than one Facebook profile. Gail Douglas’s cousin?—”

“Carol,” I cut in. “It’s a blind date. I don’t know anything about him.”

“You… Oh.” I can nearly feel her worry, the source of both her silence and then sudden rapid-fire interrogation.

“Don’t worry. We’re going somewhere public. It’ll be fine.”

“I know. You’re a smart girl, Hannah.” Another loaded silence. “Do you still have that pepper spray I gave you? Keep it on your keychain.”

“I will,” I say, though it’s so old, it probably doesn’t even work anymore. “I need to go. He’ll be here soon.”

“Okay. You have a good night. Love you.”

“I love you too. Bye.” Hanging up, I let out a long sigh.

Carol tries to hide her worry about me, but every once in a while, something pushes it to the surface and it becomes glaringly obvious. And as much as I love my aunt, the woman who raised me, the only family I have, and I crave her company…sometimes it’s a bit much. I’m already nervous enough as it is, which is why it’s best we continue this conversation after the date.

That way, if there’s anything to worry about, we can do it in retrospect and not from a place of anxiety.

Refocusing, I pivot to the shop’s books, the last task on my list for the day. After crunching the numbers, I do it a second time and get the same result. One that makes me smile.

Knit Happens is doing even better than I thought. I’m beyond breaking even. I’m actually thriving.

Not too shabby, considering many businesses fail in their first year, and others only make just enough to keep going. But look at me, living the dream.

Still grinning, I close my bookkeeping software and open my email for one last check. The message at the top of my inbox makes my stomach do a flip.

Nerves racing through me, I open the message. It’s a reminder about the deadline to apply for private craft funding. I have two more weeks to get my submission together. After that, fingers crossed, maybe I’ll receive the grant that will let me hire employees so that I can teach crafting classes out of the store.

I had meant to at least start my application by now, but between the store and limiting my tasks so I don’t have flare-ups, I just haven’t had any free time.

Quickly, I close the tab and shut my computer. I have enough to worry about tonight, and Michael will be here in less than twenty minutes.

Hurrying to the bathroom, I pull out my makeup bag and start touch-ups. My hair is a little limp, but I didn’t bring anything to freshen it up so I settle on a small French braid on either side. My shoulder-length blonde hair is a little short for the look, but it ends up pretty cute.

Add some mascara and powder, and I’m starting to feel good about myself. Pulling out my nude pink lipstick, I start to apply a fresh coat, but a knock on the front door makes me freeze.

Lipstick to my mouth, I stare at myself in the mirror. He’s here!

Just like that, all my nerves return. Quickly, I finish my lipstick, stow my makeup bag under the sink, and head to the front of the store.

At the sight of the man on the other side of the glass door, I freeze. Ho-lee…

“Shit,” I breathe.

Based on what Maya said, I’d expected Michael to be attractive, but what’s standing in front of me is a whole different level of hot. Tall and muscular, with a square jaw and thick, dark brown hair, he looks like he just walked out of a magazine.

Are people this attractive even allowed out in society? Shouldn’t they be kept somewhere behind glass display cases? A man like this probably causes car accidents every time he walks down the street. Because what driver, with this in front of them, could ever be expected to keep their eyes on the road?

My whole body buzzing, I walk to the door. When he catches sight of me, his eyes widen slightly, and then…he smiles.

Genuinely smiles, like he’s happy to see me.

My heart tittering, I unlock and open the door. “Hi. Michael?”

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