Page 67 of Royally Rivalled

“Picking out a card?”

“Yes,” I said. “Birthday.”

“Oh, cool. Well, I’m having some people over later to watchTasker.Niall said he’d come ‘round?—”

“I have plans,” I said.

“Oh, really?”

“Plans, yes.”

In a state of panic, I nervously reached for a card. Not wanting to admit I shat where I lived, I raced to the self-checkout and rang up my small purchase. Bianca stared as I did.

“Have a good night,” I left in a rush.

It was awkward, but I had to shower, shave, and look presentable in the next 90 minutes. I promised I’d meet Astrid at the restaurant, a new Italian place hidden away. People said the wine list was good. She’d appreciate something nice, right? It’d been years since I’d made proper dinner reservations or sourced a date night spot, so I could only hope for better.

I went through my routine, trying my hardest to look dapper but probably failing miserably. I suspected Astrid could pull me together better than I could, but I tried. Astrid needed to see I cared about her. Truthfully, she frightened me, but I also couldn’t avoid her. She was beautiful.

I waited until the last minute to sign the card, soon discovering that it said, “Happy Birthday to a great granny!”

Fuck.I glared at the face of an adorable puppy on the front. Puppies didn’t seem exclusive to cards for grandmothers. I figured a dog was safe, but Astrid seemed like a dog person. Oh well, I’d come this far. I scratched Gran out and wondered what to call her. My girlfriend wasfartoo premature. I figured that wouldfreak her out. I settled on something neutral--a great scholar—and shoved it in the gift bag with the chocolates.

I packed off to the restaurant—a quiet place off the high street. Decorated with low lights and romantic candles, it felt homely enough but not pretentious. I was seated first, grateful I didn’t arrive last. I took a deep breath. Then, I looked up to see Astrid arrive. Both elegantandsexy, this vision of her in a red dress lived rent-free in my mind.

“Hi,” Astrid gave me a quick kiss.

“You look lovely,” I said.

“Thanks. You look…“ Astrid was honest but kind. “You look very nice, too.”

“I’m not a clothing person, Astrid.”

She snickered as the waiter approached. “I know, Parker. It’s okay. I can tell you tried. Youdoclean up nice.”

Our waiter asked, “Can I get you something to drink beyond water?”

I passed Astrid the wine list.

“This burgundy is good.” Astrid returned it. “Does that work?”

“I was going to get the Bolognese, so that works,” I agreed.

She smiled at the waiter, who nodded. “Be right back.”

“I got you a gift,” I said. “You don’t have to open it?—”

“Ooooh! You did?” Giddy, she looked at the bag on the table. “May I open it?”

“Go ahead, it’s your gift.”

She peered inside, pulling out the card.

“About the card… long story. “

Confusion spread first, then laughter as our wine arrived. She got a kick out of it, at least. I was relieved. The waiter poured the wine, waiting for me to give an opinion, but Astrid usurped me.

“Good, thanks,” she said

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