Page 9 of Forever and Always
MIKE: Whoa, nice work, dude! I knew you had it in you. You’re going to need some advice, though. Meet me at the coffee shop at 2 pm.
Relief washed over me. Having Mike’s support meant the world. As I finished getting ready, I couldn’t shake the feeling that thiswas the start of something special.
* * *
The coffee shop was abuzz with the usual midday chatter, but the moment I stepped inside, my focus narrowed to one table. Mike was already there, two steaming coffees waiting patiently. His familiar presence was a comforting anchor in the swirling vortex of anticipation.
Mike, a seasoned veteran of the force, had a weathered look that spoke of countless night shift patrols and tense standoffs. Yet, there was a warmth and humor in his eyes that belied his tough exterior. He was the kind of friend who would have your back no matter what.
As I approached, he rose to greet me with a hearty side hug. “Ah, Darke, my friend! You look nervous. That’s a good sign.” His voice was a steady, reassuring presence.
I returned the hug, a silent acknowledgment of his keen observation. “Hey, man,” I replied, my voice a touch higher than usual.
We settled into our seats, the aroma of coffee filling the air. Mike pushed a mug towards me. “So, tell me everything. What’s the plan for tonight?”
I took a sip, the warmth spreading through my body. “I was thinking we could keep it casual, get to know each other better. See where things go. I don’t want to push it if he feels uncomfortable.”
Mike nodded thoughtfully, taking a sip of his coffee. “Solid plan. But let me tell you, Darke, this guy’s got you hooked. I can see it in your eyes. You’re excited, and that’s great.” He leaned in conspiratorially. “Here’s what I want you to do: be yourself, havefun, and don’t overthink it. And for God’s sake, don’t talk about work unless he asks.”
I chuckled, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “Got it. Anything else?”
A mischievous glint appeared in Mike’s eyes. “Yeah, one more thing. If things go well, don’t forget to text me. I want all the details.”
A shared laugh filled the air as we exchanged a fist bump. “You got it, partner,” I replied.
Mike’s laughter lines deepened as he grinned. “That’s the spirit, Darke! Now go out there and show Bobby a good time. And remember, be yourself—unless you can be a more charming version of yourself. Then be that guy.”
I stood up, feeling a surge of confidence. “I’ll do my best.”
As I turned to leave, Mike’s voice echoed behind me, “Hey, Darke! Don’t forget to wear your best ‘I’m a catch’ smile!”
I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. With a renewed sense of purpose, I stepped out into the bustling world, ready to face whatever the evening held.
9
BOBBY
Aglance at the clock told me Darke would be here any minute. Adrenaline coursed through me, a mix of excitement and trepidation. I’d opted for a classic look: a crisp button-down shirt, gray slacks, and polished dress shoes. My reflection stared back, a stranger and yet familiar. I’d trimmed my stubble, hoping to strike a balance between rugged and refined.
A final check in the mirror revealed a man I was reasonably pleased with. But doubts crept in. What if the conversation dried up? What if I stumbled over my words? I shook off the negative thoughts, replacing them with anticipation.
A knock at the door startled me from my reverie. Taking a deep breath, I opened it to find Darke standing on my doorstep. He was even more imposing in person, his dark blue shirt accentuating his broad shoulders. His smile was warm andinviting, and for a moment, I was lost in the depths of his blue eyes.
“You look amazing,” he said, his voice low and smooth.
A blush crept up my cheeks. “Thanks, Darke. You don’t look too bad yourself.”
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Ready to head out?”
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. As I stepped out, he offered his arm, and I took it without hesitation. The contact sent a jolt of electricity through me, a stark contrast to the cool facade I tried to maintain.
As we walked to his car, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being in a dream. Everything seemed to move in slow motion, the world reduced to just Darke and me. Getting into the passenger seat, I felt a surge of anticipation. Where would this night lead?
Darke slid into the driver’s seat, and the car came to life. The familiar hum of the engine provided a comforting backdrop to the nervous energy coursing through me. I stole glances at him as he focused on the road, his profile sharp and defined.
“Have you been to Rita’s?” he asked, breaking the silence.
“Not really,” I replied, my voice a bit higher than usual. “But I heard good things.”
