Page 72 of It's a Date (Again)

CHAPTER13

When I wake up the next morning, I notice Robbie’s side of the bed is made, and I’m not even sure if he slept in it last night. Axe throwing really took it out of me. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I fell asleep, so I never heard him come in. I wonder if he’s even here or if he pulled a fast one like yesterday, making for a quick exit. After I get ready for the day, my nose guides me to the kitchen, following the scent of freshly brewed coffee.

Robbie is seated on the couch with a mug in one hand and a book in the other.

“Hey,” I say.

“Good morning,” he says, not taking his eyes off the page.

I pour myself a cup and sit in the plush chair next to the couch. “Did you come to bed last night?”

The steam rises from the coffee as I bring it to my lips and cautiously sip.

“No, I slept on the couch.”

My brow puckers. “I told you I didn’t want you to sleep on the couch, Robbie. You’re too tall for it.”

He peers over his book. “I didn’t want to wake you.”

“What time did you go to bed?”

“Not sure.” He shrugs. “I think closer to 2:00 a.m.”

“What were you doing up so late?”

“Nothing. Just couldn’t sleep.”

Robbie’s dressed in a pair of blue jeans and an L.L.Bean sweater. His hair is intentionally messy on top, and his blue eyes are laser focused on the book he’s reading. They move left to right and top to bottom.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

He cracks a smile and closes his book, setting it on the end table beside him. “Yeah, I’m fine.” Robbie sips his coffee. “What’s on the agenda today?”

“Well, Maya and I are supposed to go shopping for a dress. I have my date tonight with Shawn.”

My phone vibrates just as I finish speaking. It’s a text from Maya. I type out a reply and hit “Send.”

“Scratch that,” I say.

“What?”

“Maya can’t make it today. Anthony surprised her with a couple’s spa day for their anniversary. She said he’s had it planned for a while and couldn’t reschedule.”

Robbie scrunches up his face. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right.” I shrug. “That’s really sweet of Anthony. I mean, I don’t remember him, but he seems like a good guy.”

“He is. You’d like him. No, you do like him,” Robbie says. “They’re great together. Anthony is like Maya, quick-witted and able to give her shit back.”

“I think that’s what she needs,” I say with a laugh.

“Oh, it is. She chewed up and spit out all her past boyfriends. They couldn’t keep up with her.” Robbie smiles and sips his coffee.

“I’m glad she has someone like him in her life.”

He stands and pulls his phone from his pocket. “I gotta make a quick call,” Robbie says, disappearing down the hallway.

I glance out the glass door that opens up to the balcony. The sky is a bright blue, almost the same shade as Robbie’s eyes. There’s not evena cloud in sight. The sun’s rays seep in through the windows, creating a soft glow over the apartment.