Page 35 of A Fighting Chance

Despite myself, I laugh. “Yes, it was so romantic,” I say sarcastically, recalling our encounter.

“Did you get my note?” he asks.

Nectar.

Date!

I’m not prepared for this conversation. For one thing, I’m naked. And in the shower. And this gives me a disadvantage against my opponent when I need to be serious.

“I did,” I say. When he doesn’t say anything, I go on. “I don’t know how you think a date is a good idea.”

“Why would it be a bad idea?” he asks.

“Well, what if we have a terrible time?”

“What if we have a great time?” he counters.

“Exactly,” I say, opening the curtain and meeting his gaze to make my point.

He nods slowly. “But hear me out. What if we’re just two people, having fun, without expectation or intention?” he asks.

I consider his words.

But can two people go on romantic dates just for fun and then part ways, without it getting complicated?

I do miss dating. Going on dates. Dressing up, holding hands, laughing. I haven’t been on a date in a few years.

But…nectar?!

“Nothing will get messy?” I ask, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Cross my heart,” he says, using his index finger to draw an invisible X over his chest.

“Or complicated?” I ask.

“Stick a needle in my eye,” he says, pointing to his eyeball somewhat dramatically.

I roll my eyes at him. “Fine.”

“Try not to sound so excited,” he says.

I grimace, but that’s fair. “Okay, you’re right. Yes, Gentry, I accept.”

His face lights up into a big smile and I duck my head back inside the shower because I need to shield myself from his exuberance. It makes him too attractive. I smile in the shower where he can’t see it.

“Okay, I need to get going. I’ll pick you up tonight at seven,” he says.

“Wait, you want to go on a datetonight?” I ask. I thought it would be later in the week.

“Why delay what you can do today?”

“Did you really just rhyme?” I ask, rinsing my hair.

“I didn’t even mean to. Pretty impressive, huh?” he says, pride in his voice.

I laugh. “Okay, get out. You have to go. I’ll see you later.”

Then comes the sound of the door opening and closing again and I’m left to finish my shower alone. Considering the pending date, I need to shave now, wash more thoroughly, and possibly condition my hair a second time because I’m suddenly nervous.

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