Page 28 of Elevator Pitch

“Oh, I’m aware,” I chime.

“Still on for Tuesday?” she asks.

“I wouldn’t dare miss it. Goodnight, Selah.”

“Night,” she says and saunters down the hallway.

This woman is something else.

We press the button and wait for the elevator. I pull out my phone and send a text to theFools In NYgroup chat with Alex and Elena to tell them the news.

I look at Clifford and say, “I’m going on a date with Selah.”

He wags his tail in response.

Looks like we’re both excited.

1 Grey

13

first date, kinda nervous

Selah

Brooklyn, NY | October 21, 2023

I lookmyself over in the mirror and hold my breath as I spritz perfume on my chest and neck. My doorbell rings, and my eyes widen.

He’s here.

As I step into the hallway, I do another quick spritz in my hair and fan myself. Smoothing my hands over my dress, I approach the door, exhaling deeply before I answer it. He stands there drinking me in before he speaks and I suddenly feel hot.

“Hi.”

“Hey, you look amazing.”

“Thank you.”

He smiles wide and fishes his wallet from his pocket, waving it at me.

“I didn’t forget.”

I raise my brows and do a clapping motion.

He guffaws. “Selah, I’d like to prove that I have a paycheck since you think I’m unemployed.”

“Are you trying to seduce me?”

“Is it working?”

“No. Ask me at the end of the date.”

“Fair enough. Are you ready?”

I nod, shutting the door behind me.

The car ride to Brooklyn is unique. He opened my door and buckled my seatbelt for me. I worry he may have heard my heart beating out my chest, but he didn’t acknowledge it. We locked eyes for a moment when he pulled back to close the door, and I smiled softly. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing veiny arms and a few tattoos of his own that are usually hidden. He evendrivessexy,with one hand on the wheel and the other resting on the center console. At one point, he throws his arm in front of me when he hits his brakes.

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