Page 9 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“Let me decide and get back to work. I still have deadlines to meet tonight.”

“Sure, but you’ll want to call me when it doesn’t work out.”

“I doubt that. Look, I need to go so I can meet with a client.” He was lying, but he didn’t care. “See you.”

“Shaun.”

Shaun hung up on Kyle and switched his phone to vibrate. According to the clock, he had half an hour to finish the ad type for the shelter before printing and he didn’t need any more intrusions.

Kyle annoyed him. How could one man be so pushy? Sure, Kyle was attractive, but his attitude and drive were a little intense for Shaun. Besides, why did Kyle need to keep interjecting himself into the situation with Kevin? They were all adults and could handle themselves.

Oh well.Right now, he needed to finish his projects. If he wanted to see Kevin and try to nab an actual date, then he needed to have his work done. Plus, now he had the chance to figure out how to show Kevin a good time.

* * * *

Kevin arrived at the coffee shop early. He liked being ahead of schedule, because then he knew he wouldn’t be late. Kyle had called him ridiculous for his need to be on time. “Arrive late and make a statement,” Kyle would say. He disagreed. Being early meant he was prepared.

Joe walked up to Kevin’s table. “Hey you. How are things? Want your usual?”

“The usual is good, thank you. I’m meeting someone,” he said and shifted in his seat. “Joe?” Why did he have to be so nervous? He’d gone on dates before. This wasn’t even a real date. It was coffee.

“Yeah?” Joe sat across from him. “What’s up? You look scared to death. About the guy?”

“Kind of.” Admitting as much churned his stomach.

“Kyle?” Joe narrowed his eyes. “He’s a terrible influence on you and a jerk at that.”

“No.” Kyle had been a horrible influence in his life. Kyle had expected him to dress in expensive clothes he couldn’t afford, to go out to dinner often—another expense not in the budget—and club. He hated the noise and action of the clubs. Plus, Kyle never stuck around.

“Good. You deserve better.” Joe laced his fingers together. “What’s the issue?”

“I figured you’d say that, but you’re right. I do deserve better, but what’s bothering me is sort of the guy. He’s not Kyle—he’s cute, he’s polite and we just met. That’s the thing. I’m afraid I’m not doing the right thing and I’m going too fast.” Kevin balled his hands on his lap. “One minute I think I’m going along just fine and the next, I’m worried I won’t be right for this guy.”

“Why?”

“All I can think of is how Kyle berated me. I know I’m not a catch in the same way a lot of guys are—I trip over my own feet, I read too much and I’m picky,” he said. “I can’t buy a date.”

“Except this guy seems to like you. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have asked you out.”

“It’s just coffee.”

Joe grinned. “There is no such thing as ‘it’s just coffee’.” He chuckled, then held up his hand. “Let me explain. You’re a catch and guys should be chasing you to get a date. Kyle said you weren’t good enough because he’s an ass. Forget him,” he said. “Since we’ve talked, you’ve mentioned Kyle a couple times. He shouldn’t be on your tongue at all. Put him in the rearview mirror.”

“Easier said than done.” But the right advice.

“I know, but take it from an old pro at holding on to the past, it doesn’t help. You’ll be lonely and not happy,” Joe said. “It sucks.”

“You haven’t gone looking for someone since Antwan left?” He’d thought Joe had a boyfriend.

“No. I’m too busy.” Joe rubbed his hands together. “I should start looking, but I’ve been out of the pool for so long…I bet I forgot how to swim.”

“You don’t forget, but it’s easy to get rusty.”

Joe sighed. “Let me get your coffee while you wait for your guy, but trust me. Forget Kyle and give this one a chance.”

“Sure, thanks.” Kevin exhaled as Joe left. He should open up and let Shaun in. At least give Shaun a chance. He spotted Shaun across the coffee shop and stood. “Hi.” He waved. “Over here.”

“Hey.” Shaun’s eyes lit up and he hurried over. “I thought I’d be early.” He hugged Kevin. “Thanks for getting the table. I’ve never been here before.”

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