Page 33 of Finding My Charming

Mom had been acting weird since I told her I was looking for the guys from the party. Suddenly, I had no curfew, and she hadn’t even cared that I’d forgotten it was my night to do dishes last night. I should have known she’d be hounding me now that the necklace changed, but I wasn’t used to her being so lax.

“Yeah, I was just with one. His name’s Wyatt.”

“And? What do you think?” I knew what she was really asking. Was he the one?

I sat on the steps and slipped off my shoes. “I don’t think it was him.”

She looked crushed for a moment but recovered quickly. “That’s okay! There are others, right?”

“Yup.” I gathered my things and stood. “I’ll let you know how the one tomorrow goes.”

“Sounds good. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!”

“Thanks, Mom.” I smiled and made it up a few steps before stopping and turning back “Goodnight, guys.”

My dad waved a hand in the air but didn’t take his eyes off the game. I was shocked I’d been acknowledged at all.

“Goodnight.” My mom continued smiling.

Chapter 13

i had no idea what to expect when I walked into Ben’s Beans for the second time in a twenty-four hour period. I’d laughed when Ari texted me to let me know where Nix decided to meet. She still had access to my account, so she could do the part that made me uncomfortable, and then relayed information to me.

Last night with Wyatt hadn’t been that bad, at least by the end, so maybe I’d survive another awkward date.

Ben’s was packed tonight. It was probably an open-mic night. Hopefully, it would be music though. I’d been to a few of the poetry nights, and they were… unpleasant at best. It seemed most of the poets thought it was an opportunity to berate the general population, or curse an ex-lover, or admit their suicidal thoughts.

I’m all for free speech, but that doesn’t mean I want to sit and listen to it tonight.

I scanned over the tables and finally spotted him. Thankfully, Nix was wearing his beanie again; otherwise, I wasn’t so sure I’d be able to pick him out of the crowd in the small shop.

His dark brown hair peeked out of his black beanie, and he was wearing a loose black t-shirt. Unlike the people around him who were chatting with their neighbors or reading a book, his head was bent low over his drink, as if he was trying to be invisible.

Maybe he saw me walk in and was hoping I’d miss him and leave?

I shook the thought. No, he’d been the one to request meeting here. I skipped the line and wove my way through the maze of tables until I was next to his.

“Hi, Nix.” I plastered on a smile and prayed he couldn’t tell how unnerved I was inside. He better be the right guy because I’m not sure how many of these encounters I can handle.

His head shot up as if I’d completely surprised him. I was right on time, or at least I thought so. A moment of recognition flashed through his dark blue eyes. He didn’t say anything but smiled shyly, so I took the seat opposite him. He was cute in a quiet way.

“Sorry. I hope you weren’t waiting long.”

He looked back at me with the same small smile but said nothing. Perhaps he felt as awkward about this as I did. I slid my purse off my shoulder then wrapped the strap around the back of my chair just for something to do.

Still silence.

I scrambled for something to break the ice. “So, how’s your summer going so far?”

He shrugged and gazed down at his cup. It was empty. Did he want a refill? Maybe he was wishing he could make a run for it?

I cleared my throat, hoping it would take that thought with it.

“I haven’t gotten anything yet. Do you want me to get you another?”

Once again, he remained silent but shook his head slightly.

I remained in my seat but debated whether or not to get in line. If I left, it might give him some time to gather his composure, but I didn’t want him to think I was running away either.