Page 5 of That First Moment

I nodded. “I do.”

“And you’re her assistant?”

“I am.”

“Do you like working in the dental field?”

“I wouldn’t be working in it if I didn’t like it,” I replied sarcastically. Thankfully, Elliot got it. He shook his head and let out another laugh. I needed to keep him laughing. I loved his laugh. Loved? No . . . just really, really liked his laugh.

“Okay, that’s fair. What do you like about it?”

“I like working with my hands. I can do everything in that office. I even have a dumb nickname because I literally can go anywhere that’s needed.”

“And what’s the nickname?”

I let out a loud,Ha!“The Octopus.”

“The Octopus?”

I nodded. “Doc gave it to me because when I get going, it’s like I have eight arms. I move at the speed of lightning in that office. I’m everywhere all at once, and I’ve been forced to fit in tight places.” I was talking way too fast, but by the look on Elliot’s face, I could tell he was keeping up. He laughed, following along with the story of how I had to squeeze into the small opening in the wall to open the doctor’s office.

Once I got this man talking, it was easy to keep the conversation going. Elliot was easy to talk to, easy to laugh with, and simply just easy to be around. Before I knew it, we were cominginto Portland. It was only midnight, and I wasn’t ready to let him go quite yet.

“You wanna grab a drink?” I asked boldly.

He raised a single eyebrow and turned to me. “Sure, that’d be great.”

“Cool.”

“Of course, The Piano Bar!” I exclaimed as we parked. Truth be told, this was my favorite place; they knew how to make a perfect mango-rita.

“I get free drinks.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Will I?”

“Maybe, if you’re lucky. It helps that you're cute.” Elliot turned off the Jeep, giving me an eyebrow wiggle before jumping out of the car, and I followed suit.

The air in Portland was warmer than in Depoe Bay, reminding me I was still in my bridesmaid’s dress. Before closing the door, I removed my hoodie and threw it on the front seat. Elliot was still dressed in his tux, the top few buttons of his shirt undone, and his tie was loose around his neck. He looked perfectly disheveled.

Walking in front of Elliot, I made my way to the bar, taking a free seat and turning to watch Elliot. He waved to a few people he knew, and stopped to shake hands with someone, then finally sat next to me. Elliot, at this moment, was the lead singer ofSavaged Whittakers—Rockstar Elliot Whittaker.

“You’re popular around here.” I sighed as he removed his suit jacket, placing it on the back of the chair.

“Not to toot my own horn . . .”

“Toot it!” I shouted.

“I am. This is my favorite venue.” He tilted his head, getting the bartender's attention, who instantly came over, placing the circle cardboard coasters in front of us. “I’ll have my usual, and for the lady—” With his palm up, Elliot turned towards me.

“A mango-rita, please.” I smiled. The bartender nodded and turned away. “You knew that.”

“I was going to order for you but then decided against it. You never know how a girl will react.”

“I’m not one to react like a crazy person.” I patted his shoulder. “You’re safe to order for me. Mango-ritas. Always mango-ritas.”

Elliot nodded. “Noted.”

“Do you think they will ask you to sing?”

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