Page 46 of Once upon a Summer Night

When it was time for Reginald to pick his three mini dates, Ellie wondered if she could fit under the table. It didn’t look promising.

Colin stepped onto the small platform again. He looked at ease, but Ellie noticed tight lines in his forehead that hadn’t been there earlier. “Reginald’s had to make some very difficult decisions tonight. He’s requested his one-on-one conversations to be with Teresa, Kelly, and—” his voice caught slightly “—Eleanor. If you three would like to continue your acquaintance with Reginald, please remain.”

The other women shook hands and began to file out, leaving Ellie alone with Teresa, Kelly, and Colin.

“Teresa, you’re up first. He’s right through there.”

She flashed a bright white smile and disappeared through the door.

“You know, Colin, I just don’t think he’s right for me,” Kelly said after a moment. “I’ve been thinking about it, and I don’t think I’m willing to relocate to the West Coast right now. My mom is in remission, but…”

“I understand, Kelly. Don’t even worry about it. I’ll give you a call if any East Coast candidates come up, okay?”

She smiled gratefully at him. “Thanks, Colin. You’re the best.”

After the door closed behind her, he stroked his chin. “I think I have a better match for her.”

“Great. I don’t have to go in there, do I?” Ellie blurted out.

Taken aback, Colin shrugged. “Of course not. But you did seem interested…”

She crossed her arms. “I said very little to him! How could I have seemed interested?”

Colin raised an eyebrow. “Your deep discussion of Fitzgerald notwithstanding…”

“He was talkingbooks, Colin! And that wasn’t even deep. We barely scratched the surface.”

“I know. You lit up like a kid at Christmas when he mentioned a light or something.”

“The green light at the end ofGatsby? Come on, Colin, whowouldn’tbe excited about that?” she demanded. His face gave away his answer, and she deflated. “Right. My inner nerd is showing again.”

Colin laughed. “Don’t hide your inner nerd. But maybe she could let others talk about the book they’d last read without inserting her thoughts on the subject.”

“Ouch. Point taken, Mr. O’Rourke.” Ellie paused. “That was rude, I suppose. I didn’t mean for it to be. I’m not great in social settings.”

“You were fine, El. And I don’t think Reginald saw it as rude. But Tamryn sure did.”

Ellie chewed her lip, unsure what to say, but Colin saved her from responding when he snorted and added, “I wouldn’t worry about it. She wasn’t Reginald’s type.”

“Why not?”

“She’s a hellcat. He needs less drama in his life, someone to balance him a bit.”

“Right.” Ellie fell silent again. “So what now?”

“Well, if you want to, you go in and talk with him. Mike, one of my employees, is in the room, too. You chat for a half hour or so, and then you leave. If Reginald’s interested in a date, he’ll let us know and we’ll contact you, at which point you can tell us if you’re also interested.”

“What about all the other dates I’m supposed to be going on?”

“It’s a date, Eleanor, not a marriage contract. You’re not tied to a single candidate.”

“I hate this.”

“I know. You don’t have to do it.”

At the hint of hope she thought she heard in his voice, Ellie searched his eyes for some sign of interest, but there wasn’t a flicker of emotion anywhere.

“I’ll go in,” she finally said.

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