Page 33 of The Friendly Fall

“I don’t care what Nick thinks,” I say quickly, stepping away from the mirror and grabbing my purse.

“Well, I mean itisa date.”

“It’snota date,” I correct her, giving her a warning glance. “I only care about what I look like because I want to make a good first impression on the people I don’t know.”

“Right.” She giggles, folding her arms across her bright orange jack-o-lantern long-sleeve sweater.

“What? I think it’s clear that he’s just taking me to be nice.”

“I think you’re just in denial that he’s a nice, handsome young man that is clearly interested in you.”

I sigh, not wanting to talk about it anymore. “I think he’s just being nice, because that’s what he is.”

And it’s the truth.

I’ve learned that Nickisnice by default. I’ve come to terms with that. He’s easy to talk to, too, which makes for a great friend.

And I could really use some friends right now.

The sound of a truck pulling into the driveway causes my heart to trip over itself, but I brush it off.

I’m just nervous about the night in general.

It’s gotnothingto do withwhois taking me.

I take one last deep breath and hug Granny on my way out the door.

“You have a nice time,” she calls after me. “Love you!”

“Thanks! I’ll see you there, love you too.” I close the front door behind me as Nick makes his way out of his truck.

He doesn’t look like his usual self—wearing a well-fitted black Henley with dark-wash jeans and boots. His chocolate brown hair is styled off the side, and honestly, he looks straight out of an L.L. Bean catalog.

“You look nice,” I say, keeping it nonchalant as I step off the temporary ramp and head toward his truck.

“As do you, Eliza.” He follows me around to the passenger side and opens the door for me.

I stop, almost saying something about being a strong, independent woman, but refrain. He’s just being Nick, who is, by default, a gentleman. “Thanks,” I mutter, climbing up inside the truck. I take in the scent of leather and cologne and look around—it looks absolutely pristine in here … like he might have detailed it. I’malmostflattered, but quickly remind myself he might just be the kind of guy who likes to keep a clean vehicle.

“So, I figured leaving early would give us a chance to get a good spot for the parade,” Nick says as he climbs up inside. “We won’t block the kids or anything, though.”

“Of course not.” I laugh, amused by the fact that he thinks of these little details. “Just don’t get mad at me if I dive for some of the candy.”

He grins. “No judgment here. How come you’re not bringing your camera?” His eyes drop to just my purse before shifting back to the road.

“Well, it was really tempting,” I begin, shrugging my shoulders. “But I wasn’t sure how the town would respond to a strange woman running around taking their pictures all night.”

“They probably wouldn’t have minded, but you’ll have more fun without it.” The way the words roll off his tongue makes my stomach do another one of those flip-flops, but I ignore it. Instead, I turn my attention to the crowded street ahead.

It looks likeeveryonecame out tonight.

Nick maneuvers his truck to a side street, parallel parking in front of one of the houses behind Main Street. “This is Daniel’s parents’ house. I park here every year,” he comments with a smile before pushing open the door.

I nod, taking in the small-town charm that seems to ooze out from every corner of this place. Before I even realize it, Nick is swinging open the truck door for me. “Oh, thanks,” I say, giving him a sheepish smile. “You totally didn’t have to do that. I wasn’t waiting or anything.”

He laughs. “It’s all good. Come on. I brought lawn chairs.”

“You brought …lawn chairs?” I echo him with a laugh, sliding out and following him around to the back of the truck. “Why do we need lawn chairs?”

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