12. Chapter Twelve
My knee bounces as the phone rings. I’m on my lunch break and just noticed I missed four calls from my great-aunt this morning. My brain automatically jumps to the worst conclusions. She’s in jail for doing something inappropriate in her independent living community and needs me to bail her out. She fell and is in the hospital with a broken hip.
“Hi, Tyler, dear.”
Well, if she’s answering her phone, at least she’s not in jail.
“Is everything okay?” The words fly out of my mouth, panic in my tone.
“I’m alive and kicking.”
When she doesn’t say anything else, I press my lips together. “I saw a bunch of missed calls from you. I figured something was wrong.”
“Oh, no. Nothing like that. I have a story to tell you.”
I lean back in my desk chair, letting my panic dissipate. “Go ahead.”
“So it was a normal Thursday except for this duck…”
Aunt Darla tells me the most outrageous story about a duck that flew into her room and the woman who saved her from said duck.
“You’ve always had some wild stories, but I think this one might top them all.”
“That’s what I’m saying,” she agrees. “I’m not sure I’d believe it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. You should use it as Evie’s bedtime story tonight.”
“I just might.” I laugh. “You’re doing all right, though? No shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or heartburn?”
“Nope, I’m healthy as a horse.”
I shake my head. Aunt D always has random sayings up her sleeve. “I’m glad to hear it. Well, I—”
“I do have a request for you before you get back to work. I know you’re opposed to being set up, but I told the woman who saved me that you would be a perfect match. So, I’m sending you on a blind date.”
I groan. “And I don’t have any say in this?”
“Nope. I know my favorite great-nephew wouldn’t deny his loving aunt who almost died the pleasure of knowing he found true love. Plus, you need to thank the young woman who was so kind and attentive to me.”
“That’s laying it on a little thick for someone who just said they’re healthy as a horse, don’t you think?”
“Oh, pish posh. You’ll do it because you love me.”
She’s right. I’ve said no to her before, just like I deny all attempts by my receptionist and sister whenever they try to set me up, but when Aunt Darla puts it like this, she doesn’t leave me with an option.
“Fine,” I concede. “But I’m not making any promises it’ll go beyond this one date.”
“Excellent,” she yells, making me wince and pull the phone away from my ear.
I rub my temples. “When is this happening?”
“You’ll meet her tomorrow night at six at that cute Italian place you like—you know, on the outskirts of downtown.”
At least Aunt Darla listens when I tell her about my favorite restaurants.
“Do I get this girl’s name or number?”
“So you can look her up or text her and cancel?” She tuts. “Oh, no. Just make sure you wear a white shirt with that dark blue jacket of yours. I’ll tell her that’s what you’ll be wearing so she can find you in the restaurant.”
“This is the truest definition of a real blind date then.”
“It worked for your uncle and me.”
I sigh. “Okay, as long as I can find someone to watch Evie tomorrow night, I’ll be there.”
“Perfect. Make sure you call me Sunday and let me know how it goes.”
“Why not tomorrow night?”
I can practically see the wicked grin I know she’s wearing. “I’m hoping you’ll be out way past my bedtime, if you know what I mean.”
I’d like to not know what she means. “I have to get back to work. Goodbye, Aunt D.”
“Be a gentleman and always use—”
I shudder and end the call before she can finish her sentence. If I heard those words come out of her mouth, they’d repeatedly be in my nightmares. I hurry to finish my turkey wrap and carrots before my next appointment. With only a few minutes left on my break, I text Kelsey to see if she’s free to babysit tomorrow. It’s not ideal, but it is the easiest route since Evie already knows her.
ME
I know you have Saturdays off, but I had something come up tomorrow evening. Are you free to watch Evie?
I’ll pay extra for the week.
Her response comes before I can put my phone back in my pocket.
KELSEY
Well, hi to you too.
I roll my eyes. Kelsey always has a way of getting under my skin, even when I ask a simple question. My phone buzzes with new incoming texts.
KELSEY
I’d love to take your money!
But I already have plans tomorrow night.
ME
Can you see if any of your roommates are free? I don’t have their numbers.
KELSEY
Lucky them!
I’ll ask.
I want to send her the eye roll emoji, but I refrain.
One of the nurses knocks lightly on my office door.
“Your next patient is ready for you in Room 2.”
I place my phone back on my desk and cross the room, opening the door and smiling at her. “Thanks.”
The rest of my appointments go smoother than normal for a Friday afternoon.
“You heading out, Doc?” Nadine asks when I pass by the reception desk.
I nod. “Have a good weekend.”
“I’m sure it won’t be as good as yours, from what I hear.” She shoots me a sly smile.
“Have you been talking to Darla about me again?”
“You hired me because we were friends. You can’t expect us not to talk about your love life.” She crosses her arms.
“That’s exactly what I expect you not to do.”
“No promises. You know us women like to talk.”
“And just for that, I won’t tell you how the date goes.”
Nadine huffs. “Well, that’s not fair. We only want you to find love and happiness. You can’t blame us for that.”
“Goodnight, Nadine.” I make a quick escape out the front door so she doesn’t see my smile. I’d rather her believe I won’t tell her anything all weekend. It serves her and Darla right for always butting into my love life.
When I get to my car, I check my phone and sigh when I see Kelsey’s response.
KELSEY
Alyssa and Shayna said they don’t mind having Evie over for a little girls' night while you’re gone.
ME
Wonderful. Please tell them I’ll drop her off at five-thirty.
KELSEY
*gif of Michelle Tanner saying, “You got it, dude.”*
I’d secretly been hoping no one would be able to watch Evie, giving me a reason to tell Aunt Darla I couldn’t go on this blind date.
“Maybe it won’t be so bad,” I mumble, putting the car in drive and heading home. I release a long breath through my nose. “Or maybe it’ll be the worst mistake of my life.”
Either way, it’s only one night I have to get through to appease Aunt D. Then this mystery woman and I can both move on with our lives and never have to see each other again. Unless she’s my soulmate—but the odds of that are highly unlikely.
Evie finishes her bowl of macaroni and cheese with a contented sigh. While I normally try to feed her well-balanced meals, I caved tonight. But I did buy the most organic-looking box I could find.
“Eves, do you remember you’re hanging out with some of Ms. Kelsey’s friends next door tonight?”
Her eyes light up. “Do you think they’ll paint my nails? My polish is almost gone from when Ms. Kelsey did them.”
I shrug. “I’m sure they will.”
She fist-pumps at her side. “Yes.”
“I’ll be home in time to put you to bed.”
Evie slowly meets my gaze, her brow furrowing. “Where are you going?”
“I’m meeting up with…” I trail off. How exactly does one talk about going on a date with their five-year-old niece without telling them they’re going on a date? “With a lady friend.”
“Can I meet her later? I like your other friends, like Ms. Kelsey and Ms. Mallory.”
I’m not about to tell Evie that said ‘friends’ have pretty much flat-out told me that they don’t like me, let alone view me as their friend.
“Maybe, Eves.” I rub the back of my neck. No wonder my sister hasn’t been on a date since she divorced Julian.
“Okay.” Evie leans forward and sniffs my jacket, wrinkling her nose. “Why do you smell like that?”
“It’s cologne.” I lean down and sniff the collar. “Do you think it’s too strong?”
“How should I know?” Evie shrugs. “I’m five.”
I laugh. “You sure are.” I watch the microwave clock change to five-thirty. “All right, it’s time to go.”
She sprints out the front door while I put on my shoes and grab my car keys and wallet. I lock the door behind me and jog over to my neighbor’s porch.
Alyssa and Shayna open the door together and raise their arms in the air. “Girls' night!”
They squeal, and I’ve never been more glad to be a man.
“Be good for Ms. Alyssa and Ms. Shayna,” I call out as Evie runs inside, holding Alyssa’s hand. “Thanks again for watching her.”
“It’s our pleasure.” Shayna moves to close the front door, but I reach my hand out, holding it open.
“I have a really weird question.” I clear my throat, embarrassed to be asking this.
She looks up at me with a kind smile. “Yeah?”
“Do you think I put on too much cologne? Evie mentioned something about it, but she’s a kid.”
Shayna laughs and steps forward, leaning into my personal space and inhaling a whiff. When she moves back, she doesn’t look repulsed, so that’s a good sign. “I think it’s nice. It smells kind of like the forest, but in a good way, with a hint of vanilla.”
“It’s not too strong?”
“I think it’s just right.” She gives me a sympathetic look. “First date in a while?”
I nod. “It’s that obvious?”
“Don’t worry. You’ve got this.” She pats my arm. “Just ask good questions, maintain eye contact, and don’t be a creep. Then you’ll be doing better than about ninety percent of the dates women go on nowadays.”
I frown. “That seems like a low bar.”
Shayna purses her lips. “The dating world is a scary place.”
“Let’s hope it’s not tonight.” I chuckle. “Thanks again for watching Evie. I’ll be back between eight and nine.”
“Stay out as late as you want. Good luck.” She waves and turns to Alyssa. “Is it just me, or do you also find it strange that Kelsey is upstairs getting ready for—” Her words cut off as she shuts the door.
I guess I won’t find out what Kelsey is upstairs getting ready for.
I walk to my car and grit my teeth when I realize how late it is. I don’t even have time to stress about the evening ahead as I rush to the restaurant. Aunt D would kill me if she knew I was late. Luckily, I find a parking spot right by the door.
“I have a reservation for, uh, a blind date.” I shove my hands in my pockets, feeling weird telling this to a complete stranger. “It might be under Darla or Tyler,” I tell the hostess.
She glances down at her board and marks something before turning to me with an excited smile. “Great, we’ve been expecting you. Please, follow me.” She leads me to a table with candles and a single rose in a small vase that none of the other tables have. I shouldn’t have expected anything less from Aunt Darla.
I thank the hostess and look at my phone, noting I have about two minutes before my mystery date arrives if she’s punctual. I can’t stand it when people aren’t on time. It may sound ironic coming from a doctor, but most of the time, if a patient is kept waiting, it’s because someone was late for their appointment earlier in the day, creating a domino effect. I can only be in one place at a time.
I peruse the menu, trying to keep my nerves at bay even though I know my order here by heart. A few minutes later, I hear the hostess say to follow her. I glance at my phone. Six o’clock on the dot. Maybe it’s my blind date. If it is, I respect her punctuality.
The hostess rounds the corner, her eyes lasered in on my table. She’s tall, blocking my view of the woman behind her. I place my napkin on the table, prepared to stand and pull out my date’s chair or shake her hand. Whatever feels right in the moment.
When the hostess steps to the side, my gaze collides with my date’s, and I freeze mid-stand. No. There’s no way. This must be a sick joke that everyone else is in on but me.
Standing beside the table, looking at me with wide, horror-filled eyes, is none other than Kelsey Anderson.