Page 16

“None. This is our first.”

“Mom,” she scolds as we reach the landing. “You’re not even trying, are you?”

“What?” I ask, walking away from her and feigning ignorance. “It shouldn’t matter what I wear anyway. We’re either going to hit it off or we’re not.”

“Where did you meet her?” she asks before I step into my en suite bathroom.

“She’s a client.”

“So what you’re saying is she wants discounts on haircuts.”

Chuckling, I close the door on her, a loud sigh of resignation filling the space on her side. Raine was right. I’m not as thrilled as I should be about the date. But I’m starting to acknowledge that the right woman isn’t going to just fall into my lap while I sit at home watching television, waiting for my daughter to fit me in between college, her new friends, and her new job.

I need to put myself out there. Discomfort be damned.

It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t eventuate into anything, I’m just getting my feet wet. Wading into the water until someone catches my attention enough to make me want to dive right in.

* * *

Raine picks out a black maxi dress with a sporadic floral print that has extended sleeves and wraps around my waist to accentuate my figure. The neckline is low and I can’t help but think of how good my necklace would look with this outfit. It also has a long split that has one of my legs playing peek-a-boo whenever I take a step.

I feel good, sexy even. It’s the confidence booster I need to make me want this date to work out.

Entering the restaurant, I take in the expensive decor and the almost luxurious ambience. It’s a lot more than I’m used to, but working in a high-end salon means my clientele very much indulges in expensive things. Aubrey, my date, included.

“Good evening, miss. Do you have a reservation?”

I glance around, and when I spot Aubrey, I point in her direction. “I’m with her.”

Nodding, the maître d’ leads me to our table. She elegantly pulls my chair out for me and then lays the cloth napkin over my lap before allowing me to tuck myself in. It’s all a little too much, and not at all my scene, but there’s nothing to complain about when someone is going out of their way to wine and dine you.

“You made it,” Aubrey says, her smile wide.

Her lips are painted a beautiful ruby red, complementing a gorgeous full face of makeup. She’s pulled out all the stops, and I’d be lying if I said I don’t find her effort and persistence extremely endearing.

“This place looks amazing,” I tell her. “Thank you for suggesting it.”

She waves me off. “It’s completely self-serving. You finally agreed to go out on a date with me, and there’s no way I’m not going to do everything I can to make sure we have a good time.”

My cheeks heat at her words as I bite the corner of my lip to try and hide my smile, her forwardness not at all unwelcome. I wanted to apologize that she had to ask me out twice before I agreed, but I don’t want to intentionally steer the conversation toward my laundry list of reasons of why I hesitated.

This is nice.Sheis nice. And good food, good wine, and good conversation do not need to go to waste.

“Well, I’m impressed,” I say truthfully. “I couldn’t tell you the last time I ate in a place like this.”

The conversation between us is a steady flow of questions and answers.How old are you? What age did you know you were into women? What’s your relationship history like?

Everything is informative but not too intrusive, the back and forth surprisingly effortless.

An hour into our date, my cell vibrates on the table. I don’t even hesitate to pick it up when I see Raine’s name on the screen.

How’s your date going? Does she like your dress? Do you need me to bail you out?

Glancing up at Aubrey, I offer an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, it’s Raine.”

“Is everything okay?” Aubrey asks.

“Yes,” I say with a laugh. “She’s actually asking how the date is and if I need her to call me and bail me out.”