Page 4 of Taking a Tumble
After a quick scramble to dig my phone from my pocket, I lay it in her waiting palm and watch in awe as she inputs her phone number and texts herself so she has mine as well. With a smile, Tabitha hands me the device back, then digs her hands in her back pockets and backs away from the counter. Her cheeks are flushed pink, but she is nearly bouncing on her toes from excitement or happiness—maybe both.
“Saturday. It’s a date! See ya, Kaz.”
“Uh, yeah. See ya,” is the best response I can muster. She swans out the door, the overhead bell tinkling once again, but this time it sounds magical. Because never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought the woman I have been pining after for a year would waltz in here and ask me out.
Yeah. Gotta be magic.
Chapter 4
A Very Good Gasp!
TABI
“But what do I wear?” I whine to Hannah, my best friend who’s face stares back at me from my phone propped on my dresser as we video call.
“Well, what are you guys doing?” she asks, logical as ever.
“I don’t know! He just said it was outside and to wear comfy shoes.” I lament.
“Okayyyyy,” she starts, “how about that cute floral romper, the one with the thin straps? That way you have the look of a dress but the protection of shorts if he takes you on some daredevil experience. Plus you can wear your Chucks with it. Cute and comfortable.”
I laugh at her reasoning. “I don’t think we’ll be going on any ‘daredevil experiences,’ but the romper is a great idea. You’re a genius, Han.”
A deep sigh comes from the phone. “I know. What would you do without me?”
“I’d be a spinster stuck at home with seventeen cats and a penchant for spinning my own yarn.” I deadpan back before noticing what time it is on the little clock over Hannah’s head.
“Oh shit! Okay, gotta go. He’s gonna be here in less than twenty minutes. Fuck, I’m not ready. Bye!”
I hang up on my best friend and get my butt into gear getting ready for our date. I don’t know why I’m so nervous, but the butterflies in my stomach are having some kind of Irish jig competition and I’d really like it if they’d settle down.
Just as I’m tying my second sneaker, a knock sounds at my front door.
“Ah! He’s here!” I stand abruptly, run to the mirror, swipe a little lipgloss on and fluff my hair, then rush to the door, slowing at the last second to seem like I’m calm as a cucumber. Spoiler alert: I’m not. I just really want this date to go well. It’s been so long since I’ve been on one, and even longer since I was this invested in the outcome.
With one last fortifying breath, I swing open the door.
Instead of a handsome red face, I see a huge bouquet of flowers, a set of horns peeking out above the blooms. I can’t help but smile.
“Hi! I assume there’s a Kaz’ron somewhere back there?” I tease.
The flowers rapidly disappear from my line of sight and the handsome demon gives me a sheepish look.
“Uh, sorry. Hi. Uh, these are for you!” Kaz trips over his words as he thrusts the blooms in my direction. I have to hold back a laugh because he’s so damn awkward but it’s incredibly endearing. He isn’t putting on airs or trying to be someone he’s not. Finally, I put him out of his misery, taking the flowers from him and stepping aside, motioning with my other hand for him to come in.
“Let me just get a vase for these before we go.” I head to the kitchen, then pause and look back over my shoulder. “Thank you, Kaz’ron.”
A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he replies, “Kaz. You can call me Kaz.”
Arranging the lovely assortment of sunflowers, Alstroemeria, and Gerbera daisies, I yell out to him from the kitchen. “So, Kaz,” I make sure to draw out his nickname since he asked me to call him that. “Where are we going for our date?”
He waits to answer until I’m walking back into the living room. “I thought we could go to the park. There’s a cover band playing 90’s songs.”
I can’t help it, I gasp. Kaz eyes me warily.
“Is that a good gasp or a bad gasp?” he asks.
“A good gasp! A very good gasp! I love live music and the 90’s are my jam.” I’m so genuinely excited I’m nearly bouncing on my toes, and Kaz’s face lights up at my enthusiasm. I grab his hand and tug him toward the door. “Let’s go!”
