Page 33 of It's a Date (Again)

“He was a good sport about it, and him and Anthony are great friends now.”

“I can’t wait to meet him ... I mean again,” I say.

“Oh my God. We have to double-date. That way I can help you and get a feel for these guys.”

“I’d love that, but I should probably do solo dates with each of them first.”

“Good thinking,” she says. “Anything else about Tyler?”

“Obviously he slept over, but that doesn’t mean we slept together. And he said he loved me, but I did not technically say it back. All of our dates are always dinner and some activity, so he seems fun and adventurous. I’ve had fewer dates with him than Nash, but more than Shawn.” I close up the planner and place it on the laptop while Maya finishes jotting down the rest of her notes.

“You’ve got some solid contenders here. It’s no wonder why you were dating all three of them. I’d have a hard time choosing too.”

“There is one issue, though. Debbie told me that I was going to break up with one of them because I apparently caught them in a couple of lies.”

“Okay, which one? I’ll cross him off right now and cancel the date.” Her hand clutches the pen. It stands at attention, ready to strike one of them out.

“I don’t know. I guess I didn’t tell her.”

Maya squints. “The plot thickens.”

I toss a few more Cheez-Its in my mouth and sink back into the cushions.

“Going forward, I’m going to either need you to keep a fully detailed diary or disclose way more information to myself, Robbie, or Debbie. But mostly me.” She places her notebook on the table and eats a handful of crackers.

“Noted.”

There’s a knock at the front door, and I’m the first to get up to answer it. I don’t know who it could be because I also don’t know who I know. Hopefully, it’s someone I’ve already been introduced to post-amnesia.

Standing on the porch, I find Nash. His hazel eyes appear brighter in the sunlight. Dressed in a beanie, scarf, and a navy-blue jacket, he cracks a shy smile.

“Hey, Peyton,” he says.

I give him a quizzical look, not because I’m not happy to see Nash but because I’m confused as to why he’s here. “Is our date today?” I ask. “I thought it was tomorrow.”

“It is tomorrow, but I just wanted to drop this off.” He extends a round to-go container toward me. It’s warm in my hands and looks like some sort of food, but the Tupperware is cloudy. “It’s homemade chicken noodle soup to help you feel better.” Nash shuffles his feet, then looks down and back at me like he’s embarrassed by his gesture. “I know you’re not sick ... but you know what they say, it’s good for the soul.”

I glance at the container of soup and back at Nash. I can’t believe he made me soup. I want to kiss him but I remember the research Maya and I put together. I don’t think Nash and I have kissed.

“That’s really sweet of you, Nash. Thanks.”

He rocks back on his heels. “It’s nothing. I’d stay and chat, but I’ve gotta go do some prep work for a special we have on the menu tonight.”

“No, it is something.” I quickly lean forward and give him a peck on the cheek.

His cheeks flush, and he tries to hide his growing smile. “All right, I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Nash stumbles back a step, waves awkwardly, and jogs down the porch steps. “Hope you feel better.” He pauses. “I mean, enjoy the soup.”

I laugh and call out, “See you tomorrow.” He turns back again and waves before half jogging, half walking away. The door next to mine opens, stealing my attention.

“Hello,” Debbie says.

“It’s just me,” I say, peeking my head around the corner.

“Oh, what’s that?” She gestures to the container in my hands.

“Homemade chicken soup.”

“Are you sick or something?” She lets the door close behind her and places the back of her hand against my head. “You don’t have a fever.”

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