Page 40 of The Twelve Dates of Christmas
“Thank you for this,” she said.
“I couldn’t leave a damsel in distress,” he replied.
“How funny it was you who found me,” said Kate. “I didn’t see you in the club.”
“Nor I you,” he said. “I’m not one to go misty-eyed over coincidence, but it is a hell of a coincidence.”
Kate agreed.
“So how was your date?” she asked.
“Fine, I suppose,” said Richard.
“Do you think you’ll meet up again?” Kate asked.
“I don’t think so,” said Richard. “She’s quite a bit younger than me. We didn’t have much in common really, aside from sport. How about yours?”
“I had a great time,” said Kate. “And I would definitely like to see him again, but only as friends.”
“Oh?” said Richard. Kate could see a smile working around his mouth; she thought he looked pleased.
“They got our dates mixed up,” said Kate. “My date was gay. I’m all for giving things a fair crack of the whip, but in this case, it would be a lost cause.”
Richard laughed. “Less competition for me.”
“Who says you’re still in the race?” asked Kate.
“After a false start, I’d like to put to myself back in the running,” he said. “If that’s all right with you?”
He looked at her and Kate felt a tickle of excitement in her stomach.
“I’d like that,” she said.
They sat quietly for a few minutes, watching the snow tumble down outside; the soothing whirr of the engine and the blowers pushing out hot air made Kate feel suddenly very sleepy. She yawned.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, as another yawn chased the first.
“It’s late,” said Richard. “I’m going to give the car another try.”
This time her Mini spluttered into life and stayed that way. Kate was almost disappointed. Richard sat, like Gulliver in her driver’s seat, revving the engine until it was clear it wasn’t going to flake out again. After a few minutes he disengaged the wires and came around and opened the passenger door of the SUV.
“Your chariot, such as it is, awaits,” he said.
“Such as it is indeed!” said Kate, allowing Richard to help her down from his monster vehicle. He smelled delightful; there was a hint of engine oil mixed in with his eau de cologne now that made her feel quite silly.
“She is small but perfectly formed,” said Kate.
“Like her owner,” said Richard with a glint in his eye.
“Well,” said Kate, holding out her hand. “Thank you very much for your help. You are officially my hero!”
Richard took her hand in his large paw and kissed it.
“You’re more than welcome,” he said. “Listen, obviously I don’t have my phone right now, but do you think I could have your number? I’d like to take you on a belated first date.”
“I’d like that,” she said.
She leaned across the seat of the Mini and pulled a sketchpad—she never liked to be without a sketchpad—out of the glove compartment. She tore an unused page from the back and wrote her name and mobile number on it and handed it to Richard.
