Page 55 of The Disasters of Dating
I glance at the clock and realize it’s only 7:45. It was probably after 7 when I texted him. Which makes my rambling call even more embarrassing.
He sighs, but I can hear the smile in it. “I enjoyed listening to your message.” Is it a mocking smile or a happy smile?
“Yeah, I’m sure you did,” I say wryly.
“No, it was great. I’ll take a ramble any day of the week if it means I get to hear your voice first thing in the morning.”
My whole body warms. Does that mean he liked it? It sounds like he did. But maybe he’s just being nice?
“So…” he trails off.
“So…” I repeat.
“Did you want to get together today?” There’s a tentative tone to his voice.
Dang it! Why did I arrange to go hiking with Paisleigh without waiting to hear back from him? “Sure. Unless you’re too busy. You don’t have to feel obligated.”
“Why would I feel obligated?” He pauses. “But from the sounds of it, you already made plans?”
“No,” I blurt out. “That was for something else.” I lie. It’s not like Paisleigh wanted to go hiking anyway. I’ll get her fruit strips and run them over before I meet Keaton.
“Oh, good. Then you’re available this evening?”
I nod. “Yeah. Totally. What do you want to do?”
He’s quiet for a second. “I don’t know. What is there to do around here?”
Before I realize what I’m saying, I blurt out. “You want to go on a hike?” What is it with me and hiking today? I mean, I like the outdoors as much as the next guy. But I’m not what you would call a ‘hiker.’
“Oh, yeah. I’d love to. Are there any hikes nearby?” He actually sounds excited. Although compared to Paisleigh, I think anything would sound excited. Does that mean he’s a hiker? I grimace. I hadn’t counted on that one.
“Yeah, there are some pretty ones. Are you okay with an easier one? Or do you want something more challenging?”
“I’m fine either way.”
As one who is not a ‘hiker,’ I’m not super familiar with all the places to hike in the Salt Lake area. Guess me and the Googles will be spending some quality time together today. “Okay.” I pause, wondering if I should mention my thought. “What if I make us a picnic and we eatthere?” A picnic, Poppy? Do I even have a proper basket? I think with all the misplaced snootiness of Mrs. Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. I frown. I think a backpack is better than a basket in this case. I’m not going to Red Riding Hood it for a hike. I grin at the thought of Dani, Sadie, and Avery cringing at my mixed metaphors. Or are they similes? Maybe they are personifications? I don’t remember.
“Oh, great idea. Can I bring anything?” he asks.
“Nope. I’ll take care of everything. What time do you get off work?” I totally forgot that he doesn’t have a car here. That means I should probably go pick him up.
“I can have things wrapped up by 5. Or is that too late?”
“Nope,” I say again. It appears to be the word of the day for me. “I’ll pick you up at 5. Can you text me your address?”
“Uh,” he waffles. Is he changing his mind about the whole thing? Maybe he’d rather go bowling? Or to dinner? Or maybe he’s realized I’m a complete doofus. “Can you pick me up at my hotel? I don’t think I want to hike in my suit.”
I close my eyes. Duh, Pops. “Oh, yeah. I hadn’t thought about that. So, what time should I come?”
“How about 5:45? Does that give us enough time?”
“I think so. I’ll pick a hike that’s not too long and not too far away.” Besides, it’s still light until well after 9:00. We’ll have plenty of time.
“Great,” he says. “Then I’ll see you at 5:45?”
“Yep.” I take a deep breath.
“Okay, I’d better let you go. My meeting is about to start.”
