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“And?”
“She said yes, but I’m trying not to get too excited. I’ve heard all the horror stories about dating. I’ve really only had one relationship, and well ... I don’t know if I’m cut out for this new type of dating.”
I laugh. “I don’t think you’ll need to worry about ladies your age only wanting to Netflix and chill, Dad.”
“I still don’t even know what that means.”
“It’s better that you don’t,” I mumble, shuddering at the thought of my dad doing anything along those lines. Gross. “But I’m glad you had a good time, and I hope your second date is just as successful.”
“Me too. I hope you have a good night.”
“Love ya.”
“Love you too, son.”
I hang up the phone and slide it into my pocket, nearly startling as I realize Nila is right beside me. “I did not see you sneak up on me.”
She laughs softly. “I got a little worried when you disappeared. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t get kidnapped.”
I smile down at her, my stomach fluttering as I take in the way her red hair is swept off to the side and her leather jacket hangs perfectly on her petite shoulders. “No one wants to nab me. I think if either of us were to get kidnapped, it would be you.”
“You could probably take them.”
I laugh. “Probably. It’s hard to say. One shot to the crotch and I’d be done.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“Yeah, don’t take a cheap shot on me.” I chuckle.
“Thanks again for inviting me out.” She looks up at me, her red-painted lips glistening under the streetlights.
Jeez, she’s a sight.
“Yeah, no problem. My friends really like you.”
“I like your friends,” she says, her voice softening. “I love how close you all are. It’s really cool.”
“Yeah. Do you have any friends like that?”
She doesn’t answer me, her eyes drifting toward the street as she clutches her necklace again. I find myself wondering what her life is like in New York City, but before I can ask, she looks up at me, her eyes shining with moisture.
“I lost my gran a few years ago. She was my best friend.”
My heart aches at her expression. “I’m really sorry, Nila. I know what it’s like to lose someone close to you … I lost my mom when I was in high school.”
She nods, looking away again. “I don’t talk to anyone the way I talked to her. I think I miss having someone to open up to. I really wish I could’ve talked to her today.”
Every ounce of my being wants to wrap my arms around her and hold her. “If you want to talk—”
“No, it’s okay, I…” Her voice trails off as she pulls her phone out, her eyes going wide. “Wait, what is this?”
Her mouth drops open, and I try to steal a peek at what she’s looking at.
“Is it your ex?” I ask.
“No...” She shakes her head at me and then holds out her phone. “It’s yours.”
Chapter Nine
