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I couldn’t wrap my mind around what he was saying, and it was making me jittery.
“Allison, you’ve got a full day of work. Time to kick ass,” I told myself.
But how could I when I couldn’t think about anything else?
I took out my phone and messaged him even though my inbox was close to exploding. I needed to double-check. I felt silly typing it, but I sent it before I could change my mind.
Allison: Did we meet this morning, or did I dream about it?
I put my phone down, intending to check my first email until he replied, but he did so right away.
Nick: Yes, we did.
Then he sent another one.
Nick: I know it’s crazy.
Allison: Totally.
Nick: So, what do you say I grab a bottle of white wine for tonight? I feel like that conversation might need more than pizza.
That actually made me smile.
Allison: Sure.
Nick: I won’t make it until after the twins are asleep, though. I’ve got a late meeting.
Allison: No problem.
Nick: Anything that would make a shitty Monday be less shitty?
He certainly is husband material.
Where the hell did that thought come from? It was just because of this morning’s conversation, I was sure, but I’d never really had someone who cared what my favorite wine was—or anything else for that matter.
Allison: Chocolate.
Since he asked, why not give him an answer?
Nick: I’m on it.
I stared at my phone. Oh yeah, I was looking forward to tonight. Far more than I was willing to admit.
***
At eight o’clock on the dot that evening, the twins fell asleep. I stood in front of their door for a few minutes, watching them, until my stomach started to rumble.
They’d both had dinner, but I was holding out for pizza. I generally ate after they did anyway. It was easier logistically.
Nick was supposed to arrive in half an hour, so I had some time to refresh myself. I jumped into the shower, quickly rinsing my hair as well. After stepping out, I combed it, planning to let it air dry because it was a gorgeous evening.
Putting on a summery dress that felt much more comfortable than the suit I’d had on at the office, I sprayed on perfume for no reason at all, then decided I could do with some mascara as well. Why I needed it at eight thirty in the evening, I couldn’t say, but I didn’t want to analyze that too closely.
After I finished, I headed downstairs. I saw a shadow move through the window to the backyard and realized Nick was already out there. I immediately swung the door open.
“Hey,” I greeted him.
“Hey.” He smiled lazily. “Didn’t realize you...”