Page 79 of Clashing
My stomach fluttered nervously at the idea of going on a date, but it was trumped by my excitement to see Cath Riley.Oh my God, am I dreaming?Cath Riley!“Yes.”
“Good.” Collin stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I’ll pick you up early since it’s a two-hour drive. Three o’clock okay?”
“That works.” I inclined my head to the stairs. “I’m super excited, I really am, but I better get back out there.”And I need you to leave so I can properly fangirl without embarrassing myself.
“Yeah, of course.”
I bounced downstairs ahead of him, barely keeping my giddiness under control.Cath Riley!She was astounding. She was what I strived to be.I can’t believe this is happening.
We reached the bottom of the steps and Collin sent me a charming smile as he walked toward the exit. “See you Saturday.”
“Saturday.” I pressed my lips together to contain the squeals demanding release.
“And make sure to be hungry because I’m taking you to French Laundry.”
“Uh, what?”Talk about fancy.I’d never been there, but I’d heard of it. “You need reservations for that.”
“I know.”
“There’s no way you made reservations at that restaurant this late.”
“I didn’t. I made them two weeks ago. The first day I saw you.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What made you think I’d say yes?”
“I saw Cath Riley in your style. That, and your sketchbook has a Cath Riley sticker on it. It was pretty obvious you’d have to say yes even if you weren’t immediately interested. Then I could get you interested by spending time with you.”
“You planned ahead.” My brows pulled together. “And paid attention.” Now I was impressed. “You’re good.”
“A girl like you deserves the best, Scarlett. See ya.”
He strode out the door.Damn.He reallywasgood. Should I be annoyed or impressed? It didn’t matter because the only thing that mattered was Cath Riley.
I squealed and jumped up and down, not caring about the confused looks from the customers.
“Why are you beaming?”
I spun around and grinned wide at my mother, who’d rounded the hallway corner.
“Mom,” I squeaked. “You know that art show Cath Riley’s having?”
“The one you’ve been talking about incessantly for months?” She poked my side teasingly. “Yeah, I know about it.”
“I’m going!”
“What! How?”
“A guy from art class knows the art director and has tickets!”
“Baby, that’s great!” She tugged me into a hug. “That’s on your bucket list, isn’t it?”
“It totally is!” I squealed, unable to keep myself from bouncing. “Okay, I’m good.” I inhaled a deep breath, but my smile only widened. “Cath Riley!”
“I know.” She laughed and squeezed my hand. “I’m so happy for you. It’ll be a night to remember.”
I clutched my stomach as it erupted with butterflies. I was going to see her work. Inperson. “It’s surreal.”
“The best things often feel that way.” Mom pecked me on the cheek. “You have to finish your shift, and I have to turn in. I came to say goodnight.”
