5. Chapter 5 #2
“How did you know?” I tease. “Truth is, in high school I was always the person straightening or curling all my friends’ hair at sleepovers.
It turned into doing their hair for school dances.
I loved being the reason someone had a bright smile on their face.
The reason they felt more confident. So, when it was time to think about colleges and majors, one of my friends suggested cosmetology school, and it just felt right.
” I cross my legs and smooth my hands along my Madewell linen pants, one of my favorite thrift finds. “I never looked back.”
“If your hair is any indication of your talent, I’d say you’re great at your job.”
“Thank you.” I blush at the compliment, loving how sweet it sounds compared to the so-called compliments Mike gave me on our date a few weeks ago. “I love what I do.”
“It shows.” He smiles.
The rest of the date flies by as the conversation continues with ease. We talk about everything from our childhoods to our biggest accomplishments in life. I’m able to weave in a few of the questions I remember off the top of my head from the article, and I honestly might be a believer.
Maybe the reason I haven’t had a good date in forever is that no one has asked me intentional questions.
I’m exhausted from all the dates that feel like interviews, but this time with Rhett feels authentic.
I can see how deep conversations like these could lead to love if you’re willing to be vulnerable and open with the right person.
“It sounds like you’ve already lived a full life.” I take the last few sips of my coffee. “Is there anything you haven’t done yet? Any big goals or dreams?”
“It would also be nice to win a Grammy, but my real dream is building a family.” His lips tilt up into a crooked grin.
I hold a hand to my chest. As if he hadn’t already melted my heart enough in this conversation, then he has to go and say stuff like that. I reach over and squeeze his hand that he casually left on the table. He’s literally perfect. A kind, genuine, handsome gentleman.
“What about you?” he asks.
“I don’t really have any desire to own a salon, but I’d love to continue growing my clientele and have more time on the side for my future family. I want to be the kind of mom that volunteers at school and is actively involved in my kids’ lives.”
He gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “I think being a parent is the most undervalued job in the world, especially moms.”
I can’t stop my mouth from falling open. “Are you seriously real?”
Rhett releases my hand and pats himself. “I think so.”
I laugh at his antics. “You just sound like a fictional man written by a woman in the best way possible. Have you read any fan fiction about yourself?”
His eyes go wide. “I’m in fan fiction?”
I shrug. “Your guess is as good as mine, but since there was a lot of Justin Bieber fanfic back when I was a teen, I’m sure there’s some out there about you.”
“Well, I know what I won’t be reading.” He laughs, then glances at his watch.
“Wow, has it really been two hours? I wish I had more time, but I have to meet with my team tonight to run over some last-minute details for my concert in Lexington tomorrow.” He sighs.
“My schedule is crazy right now, but I’d love to continue getting to know you. ”
I appreciate how forward he is, taking the questions out of dating. A man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to say it. “I’d like that.”
“Since I’m touring right now, it would have to be primarily over the phone. But from the time I got to spend with you today, it’s obvious you’re everything Mallory said you are and more. Any man would be a fool not to take the time to get to know you.”
The puddle on the floor? That’s me. How is this man still single?
“I think you’re worth getting to know, too,” I say with full sincerity. “Do you have a preference between calling or texting?” I ask, squeezing in another question I remember from the article.
“I prefer phone calls. Video calls are even better. Nothing beats seeing someone or hearing their voice. Less room for things to be misinterpreted. I don’t mind texting, though, and it’s honestly easier for me to find the time for that on the road.
” He pulls out his phone and passes it to me so I can enter my information.
“But for you, I’ll find the time to call. ”
He walks me to my car and pulls me in for a hug.
I usually go for guys who tower over me, but Rhett’s probably only an inch or two taller, right at my eye level.
I’d be taller than him in heels, but I don’t think he’s the kind of man whose ego would be hurt by me being taller.
I’d like to personally thank Zendaya for normalizing a woman being taller than her man. She walked so we could run.
His arms are strong and warm, and he smells amazing, but I don’t feel a spark. No anxious feeling about wondering if he’ll kiss me. No butterflies.
If I don’t get a tingly sensation from touching Rhett Hayes, maybe that means I’m the problem. I mean, I am the common denominator in all of my dates…
No, everyone else around me has validated my horrible first date experiences. Obviously my friends are comfortable enough to text my guy friend and invite him to be my plus-one without my permission, so I think they’d be straight up with me if I was the issue.
Rhett pulls back and aims the full force of his bright smile at me. “I’ll be in touch.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” I fidget with the strap of my purse. Maybe some sparks are just meant to grow with time.
After I get in my car, I pull out my phone. I’m either crazy or extra confident after a great first date, because I open the unanswered text from Bianca and type out a response.
ME
I’ll be there. With a date.
BIANCA
Great, see you next month!
No turning back now. I’m still not sure who will be my plus-one for the wedding. But that’s a problem for future Alyssa to figure out. I plug in my phone and blast the Reputation album—my favorite pump-up music—over my speaker for the drive home.
As my girl Taylor would say, “Baby, let the games begin.”