Page 43 of I Knew He Was Trouble
“Okay.” Evie leans forward and sniffs my jacket, wrinkling her nose. “Why do you smell like that?”
“It’s cologne.” I lean down and sniff the collar. “Do you think it’s too strong?”
“How should I know?” Evie shrugs. “I’m five.”
I laugh. “You sure are.” I watch the microwave clock change to five-thirty. “All right, it’s time to go.”
She sprints out the front door while I put on my shoes and grab my car keys and wallet. I lock the door behind me and jog over to my neighbor’s porch.
Alyssa and Shayna open the door together and raise their arms in the air. “Girls' night!”
They squeal, and I’ve never been more glad to be a man.
“Be good for Ms. Alyssa and Ms. Shayna,” I call out as Evie runs inside, holding Alyssa’s hand. “Thanks again for watching her.”
“It’s our pleasure.” Shayna moves to close the front door, but I reach my hand out, holding it open.
“I have a really weird question.” I clear my throat, embarrassed to be asking this.
She looks up at me with a kind smile. “Yeah?”
“Do you think I put on too much cologne? Evie mentioned something about it, but she’s a kid.”
Shayna laughs and steps forward, leaning into my personal space and inhaling a whiff. When she moves back, she doesn’t look repulsed, so that’s a good sign. “I think it’s nice. It smells kind of like the forest, but in a good way, with a hint of vanilla.”
“It’s not too strong?”
“I think it’s just right.” She gives me a sympathetic look. “First date in a while?”
I nod. “It’s that obvious?”
“Don’t worry. You’ve got this.” She pats my arm. “Just ask good questions, maintain eye contact, and don’t be a creep. Then you’ll be doing better than about ninety percent of the dates women go on nowadays.”
I frown. “That seems like a low bar.”
Shayna purses her lips. “The dating world is a scary place.”
“Let’s hope it’s not tonight.” I chuckle. “Thanks again for watching Evie. I’ll be back between eight and nine.”
“Stay out as late as you want. Good luck.” She waves and turns to Alyssa. “Is it just me, or do you also find it strange that Kelsey is upstairs getting ready for—” Her words cut off as she shuts the door.
I guess I won’t find out what Kelsey is upstairs getting ready for.
I walk to my car and grit my teeth when I realize how late it is. I don’t even have time to stress about the evening ahead as I rush to the restaurant. Aunt D would kill me if she knew I was late. Luckily, I find a parking spot right by the door.
“I have a reservation for, uh, a blind date.” I shove my hands in my pockets, feeling weird telling this to a complete stranger. “It might be under Darla or Tyler,” I tell the hostess.
She glances down at her board and marks something before turning to me with an excited smile. “Great, we’ve beenexpecting you. Please, follow me.” She leads me to a table with candles and a single rose in a small vase that none of the other tables have. I shouldn’t have expected anything less from Aunt Darla.
I thank the hostess and look at my phone, noting I have about two minutes before my mystery date arrives if she’s punctual. I can’t stand it when people aren’t on time. It may sound ironic coming from a doctor, but most of the time, if a patient is kept waiting, it’s because someone was late for their appointment earlier in the day, creating a domino effect. I can only be in one place at a time.
I peruse the menu, trying to keep my nerves at bay even though I know my order here by heart. A few minutes later, I hear the hostess say to follow her. I glance at my phone. Six o’clock on the dot. Maybe it’s my blind date. If it is, I respect her punctuality.
The hostess rounds the corner, her eyes lasered in on my table. She’s tall, blocking my view of the woman behind her. I place my napkin on the table, prepared to stand and pull out my date’s chair or shake her hand. Whatever feels right in the moment.
When the hostess steps to the side, my gaze collides with my date’s, and I freeze mid-stand. No. There’s no way. This must be a sick joke that everyone else is in on but me.
Standing beside the table, looking at me with wide, horror-filled eyes, is none other than Kelsey Anderson.
