Page 16 of Pastries and Promises

Settling in across from each other, Eva felt a rush of gratitude to share this tradition with her closest friend. They seemed to visit the trattoria at least once a month, though it never got old.

A waiter appeared to take their drink order. "Let's start with a bottle of Chianti," Eva suggested. Michael nodded his enthusiastic agreement.

Once they had ordered the wine and some appetizers to share, including bruschetta and fried calamari, Michael and Eva settled into easy conversation.

"So, how are things going with you?" Eva asked as the waiter came back with the wine. "Any exciting updates in the dating department?"

Michael rolled his eyes dramatically. "Ugh, I wish I had some fun gossip, but the guy I've been seeing on and off is really starting to get on my nerves."

Michael dramatically placed his elbows on the table and dropped his head into his hands. "Ugh, I don't even know where to start with this guy I've been seeing."

He sat up, throwing his hands in the air in frustration. "First, he takes forever to respond to texts. Like I won't hear from him for days, and then suddenly he pops up again like nothing happened."

Shaking his head, Michael continued, "And trying to pin him down for actual dates is impossible! We'll tentatively make plans, but then the day comes and he's nowhere to be found. No call, nothing. It's happened like three times now."

Sighing deeply, he took a long sip of wine before going on. "I'm tired of these games, you know? I'm starting to feel too old to be messing around with all this hot and cold ghosting stuff. Is it so much to ask for something steady and drama-free at this point?"

He slumped back in the booth, clearly exasperated but also a bit dejected by the dating struggle. "I don't know, maybe I sound pathetic complaining about this," he said with a weak, self-conscious chuckle. "But I really thought this guy could be different. Maybe I'm just getting too old."

Eva chuckled, taking a sip of wine as their appetizers arrived. "Too old? Michael, you just turned twenty-five last month."

Michael waved a hand. "I know, I know, but I feel at least thirty-five with how uninspiring the dating scene is."

Eva smiled sympathetically. "You're right though," she replied. "I can relate to wanting something more settled at this point. The thrill of casual dating definitely fades over time, at least it did for me."

Michael nodded, popping a fried calamari ring into his mouth. "Exactly! I'm so over all the games and uncertainty. I just want to find my person, you know?"

"I know exactly what you mean," said Eva. Though her own romantic prospects were hazy, she hoped genuine love would find its way to her best friend soon. He deserved to have someone steady to share his big heart with.

"So I've been thinking," she began casually, "maybe it's time we expand our little social circle a bit."

Michael glanced up from his calamari with an intrigued look. "Oh? Got anyone in mind?"

"Well..." Eva hesitated, feeling suddenly shy about voicing the idea aloud. "What would you think about me inviting Claire along sometime? To join us for dinner or drinks?"

A knowing grin spread across Michael's face. "Look at you putting yourself out there! I think that's a great idea."

Eva felt her cheeks flush. "It's not like that! I just think we could be friends." She focused intently on her bread.

"Uh huh, sure," Michael replied with a wink. But his tone was warm, not teasing. "Well, I'm fully on board with getting to know Claire better."

Eva smiled, thankful for his support and complete lack of judgment. It was just a small step, but reaching out to Claire felt like progress in moving past Liz.

***

"That was delicious. I'm absolutely stuffed," he said, patting his stomach. Eva agreed as she pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road headed to Michael's place.

She drove slowly, not in any rush now that their leisurely dinner had come to an end. The neighborhood transitioned from quaint shops and restaurants to modest residential streets.

Eventually they reached the outskirts of town, where buildings became more sparse. Eva pulled up to Michael's aging apartment complex, the paint chipping and weeds poking up in the cracks of the parking lot.

Putting the car in park, Eva gave Michael a sympathetic smile. "This place...you deserve better."

Michael waved a hand dismissively. "Oh it's not so bad once you're inside. But I do dream of having my own little house someday."

"Well, the offer still stands if you ever want to come back and room with me for a bit to save up," Eva said. "I know we've done that before, and I don't mind."

"You're sweet, but I do like my space," Michael replied with a good-natured chuckle. He leaned over to give Eva a peck on the cheek. "But I'll keep you posted if I find something nicer."

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