Page 20 of Hot Chicken

Flipping my hand over, I entwine my fingers with hers. It just feels right. “It’s tough watching someone you care about struggle.” Before the weight of my statement settles, I see Salty Jo’s and turn into the parking lot. “I’m going to check on Mom. But don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. And don’t worry. Your Pops is in good hands.”

“Matt?”

“Yeah?”

“How can I ever repay you?”

A better man would tell her there’s nothing to repay. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt she and her grandpa would’ve done the same for me and my family. It’s just who they are. But my selfishness wins out.

“Go out with me.”

Chapter 19

Ellie

This is crazy. Why have I agreed to this?

I pace in front of the checkout counter at Salty Jo’s, awaiting Matt’s arrival. But I can’t relax. It’s more than the fact I crushed on Matt throughout high school. It’s as if I’m waiting for the other shoe to fall. Like we’re going to walk into wherever he has planned for dinner tonight, and Jenn and all her mean minions will be laughing when he admits this is all a joke.

I hate feeling this way. I’ve come so far since the cowering simp that allowed people to treat me the way they did. But emotional scars can be far more traumatizing than physical ones. It’s an injury that festers. You think you’ve healed, only to fear the wound has reopened when you least expect it.

I stop walking to and fro and lift my chin. Whatever happens, I’ll never allow myself to be humiliated by him or anyone else ever again.

“What’s got you prowling like a cat in heat?” Jo asks. The metaphor makes me frown. I look at my watch and realize Matt’s late. He said our date was at six. And it’s ten after. Refusing to allow myself to think this is a setup, I turn to Jo. “I have a date.” I wipe my sweaty hands along my emerald green sundress and try to steady my breath.

“With who?”

The door chimes. “With me,” Char says.

“What?” I laugh.

“I always wondered about you two.” Jo snickers.

“I’m taking you to the first portion of your date. Then Matt will pick you up afterward.” She grins.

“Hmm. Matt is who,” Jo teases.

Placing my hands on my hips, I face Charlene. “How did you get in on this?”

Char merely shrugs before coming to stand beside me and draping her arm through mine. “He’s a good guy, Ellie. Just enjoy yourself tonight.”

After having my nails done at The Mistletoe Spa, I find Matt waiting for me out front holding a single red rose. He’s dressed in a pair of cargo shorts and a white polo shirt that hugs his pecs deliciously. His ink seems more vibrant, peeking out around his white top. “Hi.”

“Hi. Where are you taking me now?” I giggle.

“I may shoot myself for not using this opportunity to impress you, but I just want to enjoy your company tonight. No pretense.”

He couldn’t have said anything more perfect. “I think you did.”

“Did what?”

“Impress me. Everything about this date is perfect so far.”

His smile is like the sun on a cloudy day. I can feel it to my core. Matt reaches for my hand and leads me to his truck. I have to look out the window so he doesn’t see me swoon as he holds my hand as we drive to dinner.

We pull up to The Wild Shrimp, and I chuckle. “Can’t get enough of this place, can you?”

“What can I say? I’m a creature of habit. Plus, they have damn good seafood, drinks, and dancing.” He winks.

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