Page 10 of Love in Design

“I was having a total girl moment in the bathroom. I need you to talk me down.”

Bethani’s laughter comes through the other end. “Let me guess. You’re trying to get out of the date with Laura because of Victoria?” Bethani knows me better than myself sometimes, it seems. “Stop hiding behind your daughter. You need to put your big boy panties on and enjoy life!”

“Big boy panties, really, Beth?” I chuckle. “What if—”

“If you lived in a state of what-ifs, then you wouldn’t be a father to Victoria. You wouldn’t be living in Cupid’s Cove thriving. You wouldn’t be co-owner of a business with your best friend that has celebrities seeking you out. The phrase what-if needs to be removed from your vocab.”

“I know you’re right, but I’m scared.” Bethani is the one person in my entire life that I can say shit like that to because she doesn’t judge me and understands me a lot better than anyone in our circle of friends.

“I met Laura. If I had to pick someone for you, then she would be it. Don’t think about the studio or Victoria. Get to know Laura. Call me in the morning with details and not the sex part because I don’t want those.”

“Who says I’m going to sleep with her?”

She wishes me good luck and tells me to wear something sexy. I always wear sexy. I finish getting ready and head out to my truck to pick up Laura. As I drive down the streets with the town lit up with the red lights against the snow, it’s beautiful. Laura messaged me late last night with her address since I forgot to ask. She lives in a nice neighborhood; she even has a white picket fence.

I get out of the truck and start up her walkway when the front door flies open. Laura stands there with a red dress shirt and dark jeans. I swallow hard.

“Hi.” I finally get out after staring at her.

“Hello. Are you ready to go?” She smiles. I nod as I forget what the fuck I’m doing. As I open the passenger side of my truck, I help her into it. I take my time walking around behind the truck to calm my nerves. It’s like I’m sixteen again, going on a date for the first time. “Where are you taking me?”

“There is a playing of Casablanca at the movie theatre, so I thought we could watch that then head over to the Brewery for dinner, or is there something else you’d prefer to do?”

“Sounds good to me. I love the old movies. My mom and I would watch them all the time together. I was afraid that I wouldn’t have anyone to watch it with this year.”

“My dad would take my grandmother to see this movie every Valentine’s Day when my granddad died. I would take my mom. It was a family tradition. I’ll take Victoria when she gets older.”

“I don’t think a lot of people realize how the trivial things like that go a long way for someone.” She weakly smiles back at me. Lily had told me that Laura’s mom passed last year, and it was hard for her. She’s by herself. I hope we can keep this up even if we agree not to see each other romantically.

We are in line to get popcorn, and she’s been saying hi to everyone. Laura’s talking to the group of women who have been trying to get my attention.

“Here is your drink. I asked for extra butter; I hope that was okay.” I walk through the circle of people straight to Laura, who blushes when the women start whispering about us. “Sorry to interrupt. I’ll get our seats while you talk. Have a nice night, ladies; I know I will,” I wink at Laura.

As I find my seat, my cell phone vibrates in my pocket.

Lily: I have Victoria. She didn’t want to stay the night. She tried to bake cookies with me.

Me: Is she sick? Do I need to come to get her?

Lily knew about my date with Laura, as I told her when she dropped Victoria off to get her sleeping bag and stuffed animal. We chatted for a little bit.

Lily: She’s fine. Not sure what happened, but she was crying. Granny Lily will get it out of her. Enjoy your night.

Me: Please don’t hesitate to call me

A night out, and my daughter needs me. Is this an omen?

Chapter Twelve

LAURA

The movie is full of people, and Nate and I are getting stares that are priceless. He is playing it up, though, by putting his arm around me. Leaning in to whisper something when the women are watching us makes me giggle.

“Will you stop it?” I push him away.

“This is better than the movie. Busybodies,” Nate whispers. “I’ll stop if it bothers you.” He goes to move his arm, but I snuggle closer to him. “This is what I’ve envisioned for tonight. You in my arms for the movie.”

“I’m going to keep asking why me when there are so many more beautiful women in this town.” Nate removes his arm and leaves the movie theatre. I follow quickly behind him. He’s out there pacing, moving his hands like he’s talking to someone. He notices me on one of his turns.

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