Page 109 of Only With Me

“Yes, I’m well aware of the list of reasons,” I deadpan. “Which is why I’m going on a date with Emery. It’d be much easier to date someone who I’m allowed to like and likes me back.”

I check the time. “Speakin’ of which, I better go so I’m not late.”

“Okay, good luck. Don’t get murdered.”

I chuckle, hovering my finger over the end call button. “Bye!”

Before heading out, I give Moose a little goodbye kiss and then check on my dad who’s still napping, so I don’t bother him. I shouldn’t be gone more than an hour, but I still have PTSD from the day of my dad’s accident. I never saw him that morning to tell him I loved him. He was in a medically induced coma for two weeks, and during that time, I feared I’d never get to tell him again. But fortunately, he woke up and I was finally able to.

I never leave the house without telling either of my parents for fear it’ll be the last time I see them.

Then I message Emery to let him know I’m on my way.

Harlow: I’ll be there in five minutes.

Emery: Take your time. I’m here, sitting at a table in front of the big window.

Harlow: Sounds good!

The nerves kick in as I drive down Main Street and find a parking spot. Once I get out and walk to the cafe, I see him right away and he stands to greet me.

He’s decent looking in person, charming smile and kind eyes. With my boots, I’m at least a few inches taller than him but if it bothers him, it’s not obvious.

“I’m so glad you could come,” he says, leaning in to give me a side hug. “You look beautiful.”

I return it the best I can before I take my seat.

“Did you wanna order something?”

“Yeah, sure.” I’m about to stand when he stops me.

“I’ll grab it for you. What would you like?”

“I’ll do an iced caramel soy latte.”

“You got it.” He winks.

Nervously, I smile and then wait for him to return.

I can’t help wondering how things would’ve went if Mystery Guy had shown up. Would he have offered to order for me? Would we have sat and talked for hours? I can’t imagine things would’ve felt this tense after how much we texted.

While Emery stands at the coffee bar waiting for our order, I quickly pull out my phone and decide to text him.

Harlow: Hey, it’s been a while. I’m just checking in and seeing how you’re doing. The group chat hasn’t been the same without you. I miss talking to you and have just been thinking about the conversations we had. Hope all is well.

Oh God, that sounds so fucking lame.

I haven’t been active in the group chat in a couple weeks but it’s not the same anymore.

When Emery grabs our order, I put my phone away, but make sure it’s on silent so we don’t get interrupted. If I’m going to give him a chance, I need to give him my full attention.

“Here you go.” He sets mine down in front of me.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“Of course.”

He sits across from me, keeping his eyes on me. “I’m excited to get to know you. So you’re twenty, right?”