Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
FRANKIE
We’d chatted for nearly an hour and a half. I’d have stayed longer with her, if not for her having somewhere to be.
Even now, as I pulled up to the school to pick up Noelani after practice, I couldn’t contain the grin I’d been sporting since Saturday. I couldn’t recall the last time I’d been excited about a woman. Perhaps when Talia and I had still been in love with one another.
But what I felt now was different. Maturity and experiences separated the childlike awe from the joy that thoughts of Calysta were filling me with.
Calysta and I had spoken a few times since our coffee date, via text and one call. We’d learned each other’s basic likes and dislikes and shared the ins and outs of our days.
Glancing at the screen on my dash, I took note of the time as I came to a stop along the curb. Calysta would still be at work for another hour. I wouldn’t hear from her for another two. Pressing my head against the headrest, I groaned loudly.
“Get it together, man. You’re starting to sound desperate.”
The passenger door made a noise, and when I faced the window, I found Noelani giving me a strange look as she waved a hand around. I unlocked the door, and she wrenched it open. “Were you talking to yourself?”
My brows pinched together, and my cheeks warmed with embarrassment. “No…”
Noelani climbed into the passenger seat. “That’s not convincing.” She pulled the door shut and faced me. “What’s going on?”
“Seatbelt.”
“Uh-uh. Daddy, are you okay?” she asked. “You’ve been off.”
“I’m fine. Why would you think that?” I asked, not so patiently waiting for her to secure her seatbelt across her chest.
“Oh, I don’t know. You’re talking to yourself. You drank your coffee without any sugar. You put your folded clothes on my bed and mine on yours.”
I cringed at her words because she was right. I’d done all of those things, my mind drifting off with thoughts of Calysta. One date and the woman had left me inside out.
“Did you get fired?” she asked, not letting up on her line of questioning.
“No! Wh—”
“What is up with you? You’re in la-la land or something. I’ve never seen you like this. The only time I’ve ever noticed Mom like this was when—” Noelani gasped, and an ear-to-ear smile split her face. “Oh my God, this is about the pharmacist? Ms. Calysta? You’re totally smitten!”
I groaned. “Noelani, I’m fine. Now put on your seatbelt before I make you walk home.”
“Pshh… We both know I’d run before I walked home.” She finally pulled the belt across her chest. “I know you had your coffee thing with her. When are you seeing her again?”
“Sweetheart, I am thrilled you are supportive of me dating, but it’s weird talking to you about this,” I said as I pulled off the school’s property.
She chuckled. “Daddy, I’m not looking for the icky details.
I have a lot of homework tonight after I shower.
Why don’t you drop me off and go buy her some flowers and see if she wants to join you for a last-minute dinner?
If she says yes, yay, and if she’s busy, you got her flowers that will make her think of you every time she sees them. It’s a win-win.”
Ten minutes later, Noelani reached across the center console and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “You’ve got this, Daddy!”
After a quick good-bye, I waited until Noelani shut the door behind her before I backed out of our driveway.
I couldn’t believe I was taking the advice of my seventeen-year-old kid, but her reasoning was pretty sound.
Worst-case scenario was I went back home and joined Noelani for leftovers.
Best-case scenario, I’d enjoy a nice dinner with Calysta.
I drove to town with a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. At Belles supermarket, I managed to find a decent bouquet of wildflowers without stumbling through my words or bumping into anyone I knew. I parked near the spot designated for the pharmacist and pulled out my phone.
Frankie: Hey beautiful, I hope you’ve had a good day!
Calysta: Hi! It’s… been okay. Long. These next fifteen minutes are going to drag.
Frankie: I’m sorry to hear. I’ll let you finish up so you can escape.
Calysta: LOL I’ll call you when I do.
I wiped my sweaty hands down my black slacks, thankful I was decently dressed for an impromptu date, assuming Calysta agreed.
Fifteen long minutes later, I grabbed the bouquet of flowers and stood behind my car. Sweat beaded along my brow as I waited a few extra minutes. They’d be worth the wait the moment I laid eyes on her.
Calysta stepped out from the back door, her attention on her purse. When she looked up a moment later, her eyes rounded with surprise, and a beautiful grin lit up her face. “Frankie? What are you doing here?”
I closed the distance between us and offered the flowers. “I wanted to surprise you.”
“These are beautiful. What a nice surprise indeed!” She brought the flowers to her nose and breathed in their scent. Calysta leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Thank you. You are too sweet.”
I grinned. “Well, I was also hoping you’d have dinner with me, if you didn’t have any plans.”
She grinned. “I’d love to.”
“I’m open to suggestions on where you’d like to go,” I told her.
“I might have forgotten my lunch today, so I’m starved. Do you mind if we go to Whiskey’s?”
“Not at all.” I offered her my arm, and she slid her hand in the crook of my elbow. “Were you in a rush this morning? Did I keep you talking too long?”
She laughed. “Let’s just say my mind has been preoccupied with other things.”
Tipping my head back, I laughed. “Well, the feeling’s been mutual, if that helps. Noelani caught me talking to myself, and I’m embarrassed to admit she is the one who suggested I come surprise you.”
Calysta squeezed my arm. “Then I’ll have to thank her the next time I see her.”