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The waiting is excruciating.
Dot bubbles. Then nothing.
More waiting.
Dot bubbles. I’m about to send a retraction when a response comes in.
Millie: Okay.
Mark: Okay?
Millie: Okay.
Millie: When?
Mark: Pick you up in 20 minutes?
Millie: I’ll be ready.
When I pull into Millie’s driveway, she’s sitting on the front step waiting for me. It’s really not fair how good she looks in a simple pair of leggings and an oversized sweater. She has her auburn hair gathered into a long braid that’s pulled over one shoulder. I suck in a breath and get out of the car meeting her halfway.
“Hey.”
She looks up at me. “Hey.”
I pull her into a hug, and she snuggles into me. She smells of coconut and vanilla. Is that soap or some kind of body spray? Whatever it is, I can’t get enough. She pulls away and looks up at me. Her eyes are searching for something as she looks into mine. I take another step away, widening the space between us. Not because I want to, but because if I don’t, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop myself from kissing her. I’m pretty sure that, no matter how much I think she is feeling the same pull that I am, she’s not ready for that. Not yet. When I kiss her, I want her to want me to kiss her. And I want her to kiss me back.
“We should get going.” My voice is gravelly.
“Lead the way,” she says with a smile. “Where are we going? Pretty sure most places aren’t open this early.”
I open her door to let her in then race over to my side and start the car up.
“It’s a bit of a distance if you’re up for it, but it’ll be worth it. I promise.” I look over and give Millie a smirk. I might have even winked. I’m not really sure anymore. This whole night is turning into some sort of out of body experience. I’m doing and saying things that I have never done in my entire life. I’m finding out what I’m going to do along with Millie.
“I’m up for anything.” My eyes drag down to her mouth, but I make myself look away quickly as I put the car into reverse.
“Any music preferences?”
“Driver chooses. Besides, I’m curious about what you listen to. My guess is elevator music.” Even in the dim light her eyes sparkle with mischief as she teases me.
“You make me sound like an old man.”
“You said it, not me.” Her laughter fills the car.
“Oh, you’re in for it now!”
“Bring it on, Grandpa.”
We settle into an easy jabbing and banter back and forth as we make our way to our breakfast spot. I’m almost sorry when we pull into the parking lot of Old Mabel’s Diner.
“Wait here,” I say as I run to the other side of the car. “Have you ever been here before?” I ask as I open her car door.
“I’ve heard of it but never been here. Wasn’t this place featured on one of those hidden gem shows on TV a couple years ago?”
“I think so. I don’t exactly watch those shows too often.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to.” She nudges me with her whole body. My body sings at the contact.
