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Our first date.Myfirst date.
Oh God. What if I mess this all up?
“So,” she says, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts, “where are you taking me tonight?”
“It’s a surprise,” I say, keeping my eyes on the road but sneaking a glance at her. “But I promise you’ll like it.”
She smiles, a hint of excitement in her eyes. “Okay, I’ll trust you. What should I wear?”
“Something nice,” I say, trying to sound casual. “Nothing too fancy.”
“Got it,” she says, her smile widening. “What time should I be ready?”
“I’ll pick you up at seven,” I say, pulling up in front of her house. “Does that work?”
“Perfect,” she says, reaching for the door handle. “See you soon!”
She gives me one last smile before stepping out of the truck and heading inside. I watch her go, my heart racing as I realize just how much I’m looking forward to tonight. This isn’t just a date. It’s a chance to see where this thing between us might go, to see if there’s something real here.
As soon as she’s inside, I head into my house, my mind racing with thoughts of the evening ahead. I’m not one to get worked up over stuff like this, but there’s something about Auden that makes me want to get it right. I want tonight to be perfect.
I head straight for the shower and I’m in and out in record time, pulling on a clean shirt and jeans, but just as I’m about to leave, my phone rings.
It’s Ray’s number, and I can’t help but smile as I answer. “Hey, Ray.”
“Wade,” he says, and I can hear the kids in the background, their voices full of excitement. “The kids were hoping you could come by tonight.”
I hesitate, feeling a pang of guilt. I usually try to stop by a few times a week, to help out and spend time with them, but tonight… well, tonight’s different.
“I wish I could, but I’ve actually got a date tonight.”
“A date?” Ray sounds surprised, but I can hear the smile in his voice. “Well, well, who’s the lucky girl?”
“Auden,” I say, feeling a little self-conscious as I admit it. “We’ve been working together, and I finally got up the nerve to ask her out.”
There’s a moment of silence, and then I hear Ray chuckle. “About time, Wade. I’ve been wondering when you were going to make a move.”
I laugh, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. “Yeah, well, it took me a while.”
The kids’ voices suddenly get louder, and I hear Ellie in the background. “Wade has a date? With a girl? No way!”
I can’t help but smile at her disbelief. “Yeah, with a girl. So, I won’t be able to make it tonight, but I’ll stop by tomorrow, okay?”
Ellie’s voice comes through the phone, full of curiosity. “What’s she like? Is she pretty?”
“She’s beautiful,” I say without hesitation, and I can practically hear Ellie’s grin.
“Are you going to kiss her?” she asks, her voice teasing.
“Ellie!” Ray scolds, but I can tell he’s trying not to laugh.
I shake my head, chuckling. “That’s not something you need to worry about, Ellie, but I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow, okay?”
“Okay,” she says, clearly satisfied with that answer. “Have fun, Wade!”
“Thanks, kiddo,” I say, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.
Ray comes back on the line, his voice full of amusement. “Good luck tonight, Wade. Just be yourself, and she’ll see what a good guy you are.”
