Page 6 of Legends Luke

“Then I’m saying goodbye. Max is here with the pizza, and I’m starving. Let me know how it goes.”

“Will do. Love you, Bird.”

“Love you back, Melon.”

Melody ended the call, her sister’s words floating around her mind. Her mother was a big believer in embracing new adventures, but Melody doubted Viola would view a dating app as a new adventure. Her mother had been one to take the world by storm. She never backed down from a challenge and was always up to trying new experiences. The first time she tried camping with a group of friends, she’d gotten lost in the woods and encountered Barry and his family, who were pros at camping.

She had loved hearing the story of how her dad spent the weekend teaching her mom and her friends how to fish, how to start a campfire, and how to pitch a tent. By the end of the trip, Viola and Barry were in love and tackling new adventures together.

Melody opened the messaging app without harboring any hope of the start of a happy-ever-after like her parents had. She typed quickly, her typical response almost second nature at this point. Hitting send before she could second guess her actions, she hoped the message sounded too awkward for her to get a response, but Noah’s reply was quick, as if he’d been looking at the app at the same time she did.

Noah:Welcome to Fire Creek. Small town with lots of charm. Lived here my whole life. Let me know if you need recs on places to see.

She nibbled the inside of her lip. The text was light, unassuming, and friendly. He sounded more like a travel agent than a potential date, but since she made a point to mention she was looking for a friend since she was new to town, she thought his response was sweet.

Haven’t had time to explore. What’s your fave Italian place?

She only had to wait a couple of minutes before a notification popped up telling her she had a reply.

Noah:Italian’s my favorite! Christine’s on Main. It’s a steak place with the best chicken parmesan in town.

She smiled.I’ll have to check it out.

Noah:I’m glad you reached out. Would you be open to getting together for a drink or coffee sometime?

She sighed. She would have preferred messaging him some more, maybe talking on the phone before she agreed to meet. But the sooner she set the first date, the sooner she could convince Lyric to forget about the dating app and let her meet people in her own way. Remembering a hangout spot someone at work mentioned, she started typing.

Know the Fire Bar and Grille?

Noah:Sure. It’s been around longer than I have.

She rolled her eyes at his use of a laughing emoji.

If you’re free for a drink this week, we could meet there. Around 7?

His reply took longer in coming, and she hated the relief she felt when she read it.

Noah:Friday? 7’s perfect.

See you then.

Melody closed the app and placed her phone on the coffee table. Thanks to her job, the next three days should fly by, but she didn’t think Friday would come quickly enough. Lyric may have a good feeling about this date, but she felt like it would end like the rest — with her being just as alone as she was now.

Chapter Four

Melody spun to view her back in the full-length mirror affixed to her bedroom door. The dress’ hem stopped below mid-thigh — a bit shorter than she liked, but when the salesperson said the dress looked better on her than anyone else who had tried it on, she had to buy it, if for no other reason than to have the confidence boost. Satisfied with the reflection, she moved to the corner of her bed, sank to the mattress, and began putting on the strappy heels she knew she would regret wearing later when her toes ached and her ankles swelled.

Her cell phone vibrated against her nightstand. One glance at the screen had her reaching for the device and hastily accepting the call.

“Lyric, what’s up? I’m heading out the door.”

Her sister’s voice relaxed Melody, and she smiled as she pictured Lyric Douglas’ bright eyes sparkling. “I wanted to check in with you before your date. You’re not nervous, are you?”

Melody sighed. “Not really. I hope it’s not a waste of time.”

“It won’t be. Didn’t you say you were trying out a new restaurant or something? Maybe it’ll be some place you can take me to whenI get to visit. Then it’ll be worth the effort even if the pharmacist isn’ttheone. But I have a good feeling about this date, Melon. This is going to be the one to change your life.”

Melody couldn’t hold back a laugh. “You’re staking a lot on a blind date, you know that, right? But yes, I’m meeting him at the Fire Bar and Grille for a drink. I’ve heard a couple of people at work talk about it. If we hit it off, then I’ll suggest we go somewhere for dinner. From what little we’ve messaged, he seems nice. But please don’t expect this to be a love-at-first-sight thing. You know I don’t believe in that.”

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