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“That’s a great idea.” He and Derek exchanged numbers before they continued down the street.
When they reached the Barbecue Pit’s parking lot, Derek shook Carter’s hand. “It was wonderful to see you again. Let’s keep in touch.”
“Absolutely,” Carter said.
Haven waved before following Derek toward a line of cars at the back of the lot.
Darcy smiled up at him. “I really had fun tonight.”
“I did too.”
She opened her mouth, but then closed it as if debating what to say. Then she smiled. “You should text me sometime and tell me about those reality shows. I definitely want to hear more about I Married My Brother-in-Law’s Sister’s Podiatrist.”
“Okay.” He nodded. “I’ll do that.”
“I hope so.” She shook his hand. “Have a good night, Carter.”
As Darcy hurried off toward the far end of the parking lot, Carter tried to imagine himself on a real date with Darcy. The thought seemed almost too good to hope for.
***
The question of asking Darcy out followed Carter during his short walk home. The house was dark and quiet as he unlocked the back door and made his way upstairs to the room over the garage. He took a shower and then climbed onto his bed and opened his laptop.
While he checked his email, his mind whirred with thoughts of Darcy. His lips curved up in a smile while he recalled how beautiful she looked tonight and how conversation flowed so easily between them. He’d longed to spend the rest of the night just talking with her, learning more about her, laughing with her. She was so down-to-earth and humble, especially when she insisted that she was a disappointment to her parents. He couldn’t imagine Darcy disappointing anyone.
“Hey.”
Carter jumped with a start as Shauna appeared in his doorway. “I didn’t hear you come in,” he said. “How was dinner?”
“It was good. You should have joined us.” She dropped onto the edge of the bed. “Did you go back to the car show?”
He nodded. “I ran into Derek McGowan from high school. He was there with his girlfriend and her friend.” He didn’t mention Darcy since he knew it would turn into a lecture about how he needed to get back out there on the dating scene. Carter longed to do that—if he could get his life back in order.
“Derek.” Shauna tapped her chin. “Was he the one who lived over on Ridge Road?”
“That’s right. His dad is a police officer.”
“I remember his dad. He always liked to pull Gage over for speeding.”
“That’s right.” Carter grinned. “He pulled over anyone who looked like they were under twenty-five.”
“Derek was always friendly.”
“He was a good buddy too. We talked about getting together again.”
“Cool.” She moved over to the chair by his desk. “I wanted to tell you something.”
He angled his body to face her. “What’s up?”
“I’ve decided I want to try to find Dad.”
Carter sat up straight as confusion twisted through him. “Why?”
“I have a lot to say to him.” She frowned. “I want to know why he disappeared on us.”
“You’re wasting your time. Remember when I tried to find him when I was in high school? It was like he disappeared into thin air.”
“I know you couldn’t find him, but I at least want to try. I have a lot I need to get off my chest with him.” She moved to the doorway and tapped the doorframe. “I just wanted you to know.”
