Page 20 of Sebastian

Sure. Pick me up. But not a driver. You, yourself.

Yeah

Idk why I said that

I’ll come

When

Give me thirty minutes.

A sudden burst of excitement overtakes me as I text him my address. Usually not one to break from my Sunday routine, I feel like a rebel for stepping out of the norm and doing something I’d never even think of in a million years. Ice skate with a hot guy, and I hope it ends with more than just lunch. This is certainly an unexpected turn of events.

No, make it twenty minutes.

I smile as I send the text, feeling bold and somewhat giddy as I put Jinkies on the floor, much to her displeasure. I close my phone and quickly move to my closet to figure out what to wear.

Giving myself such a short timeframe doesn’t allow me time to change my mind or second-guess my outfit. It’s spontaneous and unlike me to be so carefree, yet I’m curious about him and where it will lead.

I waste valuable time debating what to wear when I decide on a pair of black thermal leggings I wore to New York City whenI went there for New Year’s Eve several years back and my new oversized cashmere sweater. The doorbell chimes as I wind my hair into a messy bun, leaving a few strands to frame my face. Jinkies rubs her body against my legs before darting toward the door, meowing at the intrusion.

I rush to answer it, wondering if I’ve chosen the right outfit for this impromptu date. When I swing it open, Sebastian stands there, murmuring, “Wow,” the moment he lays eyes on me.

A warm flush sweeps over me, and it’s not due to my thick sweater. He’s dressed casually in an expensive cable knit half-zip sweater and dark jeans with a blazer casually slung over one arm. It’s apparent he appreciates fashion as much as I do.

“Hey, you look pretty impressive yourself.”

“Thanks,” he replies with a grin. “But you . . . you look incredible.”

His compliment is cute, even if it’s a little overstated. Incredible was last night. Good is what I’d say I look like today.Sebastian offers a playful smirk as he steps into my cozy apartment.

“Got to dress to impress. There’s probably stiff competition when it comes to you. Guys falling at your feet and such.”

I let out a soft chuckle. If only he knew. My dating life has been a series of misadventures, ranging from men looking for casual hook-ups to those ready to propose on the first date. I’ve encountered everything from ultra-conservative men to staunch liberals who won’t open a door for a woman. Navigating the world of online dating at my age has been quite the experience, but I see no reason to burden Sebastian with the details.

“Something like that.”

Jinkies meows loudly at my feet, her tail puffed like a bottle brush, and her wide eyes fixed on Sebastian.

“She doesn’t like people. Don’t take it personally.”

“Is this okay?” Sebastian squats, offering his index finger for Jinkies to sniff. His worried eyes move from me to the cat and back.

“I haven’t been around cats. We didn’t have them growing up.”

After a moment of cautious inspection, she nuzzles his finger. He pulls it back swiftly, afraid of her biting him. I chuckle, squatting beside him to scratch behind her ears and under her chin while she purrs.

“Ah, you’re a dog person, then.”

Feeling that he’d be safe from cat bites, his finger strokes the side of her body while her eyes close, enjoying my scratches. Watching him cautiously pet her as if she’s some wild animal is amusing.

“No, I’ve never had a pet before.”

“Really?”

Now, I have wide eyes as I meet his gaze while his head shakes.

“My mamma didn’t like them.”

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