Page 44 of Ten Rules for Faking It
“We do,” Everly said, her voice catching. “Sorry. Yes. It’s underDean.”
She spotted the security detail eyeing her from the corner of the waiting area and gave a half wave. Corbin’s eyes followed her gaze even as the hostess said to follow her.
“You bring a backup date in case this one doesn’t go well?” he asked.
Everly laughed. “Not exactly.”
They were brought to the second floor—which was more of a raised seating area than an actual second story. Low lights lit the way, and laughter, clinking glasses, and music set the mood as relaxed and carefree. The mood of the room. Not Everly. She willed her heart rate to slow down as she slid into the chair Corbin held for her.
“Your waiter will be with you in one moment,” the hostess said and left them.
Corbin beamed at her across the table. Everly tried to smile back but couldn’t settle facing the entire room. They were in a corner, so she could see everyone and they could see her.They aren’t looking at you.
“You okay?” Corbin asked.
Everly saw the security guy take a seat at the bar. What even was her life right now? She was on a date in a crowded place with a stranger and a bodyguard. She’d rather be home watchingVeronica Mars,texting Stacey, and eating cookie dough.But you’re not, because you turned thirty, not thirteen. So, get your head in the game, Dean.Rule number one: Focus on the good.
“I’m fine. I just get a little nervous staring out at the room.”
The waiter approached even as Corbin stood. “That’s an easy fix. Have my seat.”
“Oh, everything okay here, folks?” the goateed waiter, who looked too young to serve anythingbutmocktails, asked.
Everly’s pulse skittered, and she stood up.People aren’t staring at you guys. You’re not making a commotion. He’s being an absolute gentleman.
“Everything is great. My girl just wants to sit on the other side of the table.”
Corbin switched spots with her, and the waiter took their drink orders after telling them the special.
My girl? Stop. Focus on the good. He’s thoughtful, and what was he supposed to say? “My blind date that I applied to a radio station for is being weird and wants to switch spots”? He simplified it. You should try that.
“Better?”
“Yes.” Everly nodded, reminding herself of her earlier energy.I’ve got this.She pushed aside all her nerves, drawing on the inner strength she used when she had to attend a work function or one of her mother’s parties. “Everything is great. Sorry about that. Do you want to look at the menus first?”
“For sure,” Corbin said.
They glanced through, and after declining to share an appetizer, Everly chose the grilled salmon with baby potatoes. Corbin ordered a steak with onion rings, fries, and a side salad.
He shrugged when the waiter left their table the second time, picking up the beer he’d ordered. “I require a lot of fuel.”
Everly smiled, her shoulders loosening. “I guess so.”
“I don’t get it,” Corbin said.
“What?” Everly paused with her wineglass halfway to her mouth.
“Gorgeous woman like you? I don’t understand why men cheat, anyway, but when you’ve got the deluxe model at home, what the hell was he thinking?”
She grinned, but she wasn’t entirely sure if she considered it a compliment. She decided to sidestep the conversation entirely. He pulled his phone out of his pocket as she asked, “You own your own business. What’s that like?”
Corbin checked something on his phone, then glanced up. “I love it. I’ve got a crew of guys who work under me, so I can work whatever hours I want. My mom takes care of the paperwork, and I can take Scooter with me everywhere I go.”
“Scooter?”He drives a scooter?
He picked up his phone and swiped his thumb across it, all while bumping his chair over so they were closer and she could see.
“My dog. He’s just the sweetest thing ever. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”
