Page 143 of My Rules

“Then I would have called you that very day, and I would have asked you out on a date that night ... because I couldn’t have waited one more hour to see you. I would have been nervous before I picked you up, and you would have worn my favorite red dress, and I would have worn your favorite pair of blue jeans.”

My heart swells as I listen.

“And we would have gone to our favorite restaurant, Little Italy. You would have ordered the beef ragù, and I would have ordered the fettuccine,” he says softly.

I smile as I listen.

“And we would have drunk a bottle of red wine and ordered dessert, and then by the end of the tiramisu ... I would have known that you were the one.”

Chapter 15

Confusion runs through my body ... then panic ... then, like an avalanche, an overwhelming sense of relief.

“That sounds ...” What’s the word I’m looking for? “Perfect.”

Silence.

I close my eyes, unsure what that silence means.

“Bec,” he says softly.

My heart is beating so hard in my chest that I can hear it in my ears.

“Yes.”

“Can I have your number?”

I smile softly. “It’s 555-7289.”

“Okay.”

More silence.

“I have to go. Good night, Rebecca.”

“Good night, Blake.” I hang up. Did that really just happen?

My phone begins to ring, and the name Blake lights up the screen. I laugh out loud. That idiot.

“Hello,” I answer.

“Hi, Rebecca, it’s Blake Grayson. We met the other day. I’m not sure if you remember me.”

“Ah, yes, Blake.” I smile as I play along. “I do remember you.”

“I was wondering if you’d like to go on a date with me?”

My stomach flutters. “I’d like that. Where do you want to go?”

“I know this fabulous Italian restaurant.”

“You do?” I smile. “What’s it called?”

“Little Italy. Shall I meet you there, or ...?”

“Why don’t you pick me up?”

“I can do that.”

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