Page 27 of Falling for Red
Sipping my coffee, I ruminate on all of his words. “Do you want to save the world?”
“I used to. Now I just want to make someone’s day better every day. It’s an attainable goal.”
“You’re cute.”
“I love when you’re nice to me.” He squeezes my hand. “So, tell me about your political views?”
“I think women should have full control over their bodies. You could say I’m a single-issue voter on that topic.”
“It’s good that you vote. Nothing makes me more frustrated than people with lots of opinions who don’t vote.”
“Same.”
My phone buzzes, and stress immediately kicks in.Is it Gabby’s dad?Is she sick again? Jake’s no phones on dates sentiment replays as I stare down at my phone on the table.
“Just look at it,” he says with a soft laugh.
“Thanks. Sorry.”
Nicholas O’Malley
Hosting an impromptu barbecue on Sunday from ten to one. Would love to see you and Gabby there. I have an exciting announcement.
Announcement?
“The owner of High Five texted me,” I share.
“Nicholas is one of my friends.”
“Yeah?” That’s another point for Jake. Nicholas is good people. “Everything about this text is suspicious …”
“Let me see,” Jake says, and I cock my head.
“You probably got the text too.”
“No phones on dates.” He winks, then extends his hand, and I give him my phone.
“I have an idea,” he says coyly, looking down at the screen.
What could Nicholas be announcing?My gut is telling me it has to do with Emily.
“Me too … but would he really get engaged after seven months of being official?”
“When you know, you know,” Jake says, far too casually.
“Do you really believe that?”
“Yes.”
Jake’s sincerity and eye contact are unreal. “So … since you want to spend so much time with me, what do you think about going to that barbecue on Sunday?”
“As a date?” he playfully asks.
“Yes.”
“I’d love that.”
“Is it okay if I text Nicholas back?”
