32. Coffee and Car Rides
After returning homewith the perfect dress for her date, handling a few garden chores, and cooking dinner, Gia decided it would be a “take it easy” evening. The children, for the most part, cooperated with their routines. Homework went well, as did bathing, dinner, and bedtime. Gia was grateful for the relatively calm night, knowing it wasn’t always that way with the kids. She was nervous about her plans with Ben the next day and felt like a night of tea, reading, and an early bedtime was just what she needed.
As soon as the kids were in bed, Gia threw on her most comfortable sleep pants and a tank top and grabbed the book she’d been trying to finish—a non-fiction gardening guide she’d hoped would take her vertical gardening to the next level—and brewed a cup of strong mint-chamomile tea with dried herbs from her garden. She carried the book and tea upstairs to her bedroom and set them on the nightstand while she climbed into her bed and pulled the covers to her chest. This is the perfect way to spend the evening, she thought.
No sooner than the sentiment crossed her mind did her phone buzz softly beside her. Against her better judgment, having decided to avoid the device for the night, she picked it up and glanced at the screen. Ben. I bet he’s canceling. Gia rolled her eyes. Men! Having no choice but to read the message, she clicked it open.
Hey Gia. I’m excited for tomorrow. I hope you are, too. Sleep well, sweet dreams!
“Aww,” Gia said aloud. “That was actually really sweet.” She smiled, letting a wave of excitement rush over her. She was excited, even though everything in her being told her not to let herself get too involved, not to give him that power over her again. She wouldn’t get all caught up again! But, despite that commitment, she couldn’t ignore that she was genuinely looking forward to the date. Be cool, she told herself.
Ben, I’m looking forward to it as well. I haven’t been to the botanical garden in years. Goodnight. See you in the morning.
Gia took a deep breath. She picked up her tea and took a sip, letting the brew calm her nerves and relax her senses. She yawned, glanced at her book, then changed her mind about her evening. No book, just sleep. She knew she needed an early bedtime and a good night’s sleep. Plus, it gave her less time to worry about what-ifs and could-be’s. As she lay in bed, pulling her covers close, Gia couldn’t keep a smile from forming across her lips as she considered the next day, wondering what it would bring.