Page 23 of Better Than Gelato
I clear my throat. “So yeah, that’s the plan.”
“Well, my sister’s plan is to scrap college and marry rich,” Jake says. I can tell he’s trying to lighten the mood, and I appreciate it. “You could always give that a try.”
I smile. “Marriage isn’t part of my plans for the near future.”
“No?”
“No.”
I think he’s going push for more info, but instead he says, “Tell me about that tiny thug you nanny. Did she throw any more barbies off the balcony?”
“This week seemed better,” I respond. “But she may be lulling me into a false sense of security before the real shenanigans start. It seems like something she would do.”
We spend a long time in that little boat in the middle of the lake. We talk about books. He likes detective mysteries with logical clues you can piece together to crack the case. I like fantasy novels where anything can happen, and I never see the ending coming. We talk about music. We both like the old stuff our parents listened to. We ask each other serious questions and silly questions. I feel myself liking him more with each answer he shares.
“What a delightful lake,” I say after we’ve returned our boat.
“The chef at the restaurant recommended it,” Jake says.
“Really? That seems funny.”
“While you were in the bathroom, I told him I was trying to woo a lovely young woman and asked where I should take her next.”
I stop walking. “You did not!”
“I did,” Jake says with an open and honest smile. “He was very helpful. Told me about the lake and gave me some advice about mothers-in-law.”
We walk a little while in silence.
“So, you’re wooing me?” I ask and glance over at him. His eyes seem to catch the last rays of the setting sun. The medium brown of early morning has turned into warm honey.
“Yes, I am,” he says. “How am I doing?”
“Terrible,” I say, trying to scowl. But my mouth curls into a smile giving me away, and Jake sees and smiles too.
Honestly, the whole day has been lovely. I haven’t felt this kind of chemistry and connection with a guy in a long time. Maybe ever. And I like his whole approach, it’s straightforward, but not aggressive or uncomfortable.
“Are you ready for some dinner?” Jake asks.
“Honestly, I’m still full from lunch. But I am kind of chilly.” The temperature’s dropped considerably since the sun set. “Should we grab some hot chocolate? I’ve heard it’s pretty good here.”
Jake stops walking. “You haven’t tried the hot chocolate yet?” The horror on his face is comical.
We walk ten blocks to Jake’s favorite cafe, and he orders for both of us while I grab a table by the window.
“Prepare yourself,” he says, dramatically placing my cup in front of me. “One sip will make you want to sell all your earthly possessions and spend the money on hot chocolate.”
I pick up my glass. It’s the size of a shot glass and filled with a thick liquid sprinkled with shaved chocolate bits. I take a sip. It’s thick and warm and dark, but not bitter with a touch of vanilla and maybe cinnamon. I can feel the sweet warmth all the way down my throat.
I put my glass down and Jake is watching me like I’m a movie.
“It’s okay,” I say. “I mean, it’s no Swiss Miss, but it’s fine.”
He shakes his head before I even finish talking.
“Nope. I don’t buy it. You are amazed right now. I know you are.”
I break into a smile. “I am amazed. This is incredibly good.” I take another sip and feel the heat and sweetness spread through my whole body.
