Page 31 of Not Dating Material

“No way. If you’d witnessed that, you’d be in hysterics too.”

“I’d never laugh at a date.”

“Then you take them too seriously. Maybe that’s part of your problem.”

“Is it such a bad thing to want a first date with the possible love of my life to go smoothly?”

“Love of your life? What?” Seven rolls onto his side, finally back under control. “Do you go into every date thinking it’s going to be forever?”

“How else would I approach it?”

“Ah, maybe for what it is. Meeting someone and finding out if you even like them as a human. Then going from there.”

“Hmm … maybe.”

“If you’re putting forever on a first date, no wonder you’re cracking under the pressure.”

“But it could be,” I push. “You never know when you’re going to be sitting across from your future husband. The future father of your kids.”

“You want all that?”

“Absolutely.”

He watches me for a moment. “What do you need before you can get to that point?”

“A boyfriend.”

“And what do you need to do to get a boyfriend?”

I know where he’s going with this. I sigh. “Nail the first date.”

“Bingo. Now, I’m worried that you still haven’t promised me not to slobber everywhere again.”

I huff and place a hand over my heart. “I solemnly swear to keep all fluids inside of my body.”

“Eh, I dunno that I’d go that far.”

I break into giggles. “This isn’t going well.”

“Actually, I was just thinking it’s one of the best dates I’ve had.”

The fact I can pick up on sincerity in his tone makes me perk up. “It is?”

“Yep. I should probably tell you I can count the number of dates I’ve been on with two hands. But this is definitely top two. Maybe three.”

“Well, my ego is safe with you around.” I set the charms aside and start on some real food. And while Seven didn’t know what I like, there isn’t much here I’d pass up on. The tomatoes aren’t for me, and there’s one type of cheese that’s a bit too strong, but I help out with everything else, and we make it through almost everything.

“You can put some food away,” he comments as we pack up.

“I might be small, but it’s not for a lack of trying. I take after my mom.”

“Oh yeah?” He stacks the containers back into the bag. “You mentioned your dad before but not her …”

That’s because I wouldn’t know where to start. I give him a tight smile. “Not first-date conversation. Besides, I’m lucky to have an incredible dad, I know that.”

“Sure, but one good parent doesn’t halve the feelings of having a snot-face one too. I’d imagine.”

“I’m sorry.”

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