Page 79 of Broken Grump

“You have the control here. You!”

Oh, right.“Um, I mean. Yes. Yes, that is what I’d like to do.”

I hear him laugh again. “Okay, weirdo.”

He’s right. I am being unbelievably weird.

I’m about to back out of the whole thing when he says, “How do reservations atLe Petit Parissound?”

“You’re kidding?” That’s one of the hottest restaurants in town, and I just read somewhere online that the waiting list for a table is like a month’s long.

“No, I’ve got a guy who can hook us up. I’ll plan to pick you up around 7:30, then?”

Oh, no.“No, why don’t I just meet you at the restaurant. That’s easier.”

“Easier, sure. But I meant what I said, Addie. I want this to be the real deal. No more fake Mr. and Mrs. Cohen.”

My stomach fills with butterflies.

Suddenly, I hear the water upstairs turn off.

Luna.“Um, but what about Luna? If she catches even the slightest sight of you, the night is done for.”

“I’m sure it will be fine. But why don’t I come around seven instead. Just to be sure. So, if Luna wants to hang out for a bit, we’ll have plenty of time. Besides, you’ll never hear me complain about getting to spend more time with her.”

Sam is close enough that she can hear his every word. And after that, she pouts and makes a heart with her hands.

After that, I’m truly out of excuses. So, it’s happening. I’m going on a date with Hayden Cohen.

Oh, my God!

***

“Luna, we need to help your mom get ready for tonight,” Sam later explains as she brushes my daughter’s wet hair.

In response, her nose scrunches. “Ready for what?”

My friend looks to me to take charge.

“Um. I’m having dinner with a . . . friend.”

Her eyes then light up. “With Hayden?”

Oh, Lord.I often forget how perceptive she can be.

Since she’s guessed it, I see no reason to hide it. “Yes. I’m going out with Hayden. Is that—is that okay with you?”

Sam stops her brushing while we wait for her response.

“Seriously?”

I’m holding my breath while I wait for what I hope to be a positive reaction.

A smile spreads across her face as she says, “Of course, it’s okay! Hayden’s the best. And he’s very, very handsome, Mom.”

Sam makes a funny face at me, and I giggle like a maniac.

When Luna is all sorted for the night, she wastes little time scurrying from her bathroom and into my bedroom.

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