work
Garrett—I did nothing else all day
Me—I’m heading home now
Garrett—K, see you @ 7
Me—will you be holding a rose?
Garrett—of course, a chocolate one in foil—JK!
Me—thank God.
Garrett—don’t worry I’ll find u
Me—☺
I don’t know how I concentrated on the road, but I returned home in time to jump in the shower and rip apart my closet. After flat-ironing my hair and applying a little more than my usual make-up, I sat on my bed in my robe amongst all the cas t- off outfits. Reality set in. Sure, I’d made a great connection with Garrett. Was I nuts though for going on essentially a blind date?
My gut said doing so was okay because he was a friend of my other new friends, but I wondered if I should’ve been more assertive with Connor. At least with Connor, I’d seen him and felt an undeniable physical attraction. He seemed like a non-serial killer kind of guy. Then again, who really knew? A sickening feeling churned my stomach. What if Garrett wasn’t good looking? I know it’s petty, but at that point, I was in deep self-doubt and panic mode.
At six-thirty, I was still not dressed and about fifty percent sure I would back out. But how could I? I could be honest and say I was too nervous and suggest we both go to the anti-Valentine’s Day Party and meet there, but I’d probably blow any chance. Or maybe he’d see me as a rational person. I was confusing myself further.
If I bailed, I would have to promise myself to make a move with Connor. I couldn’t lose both guys after all this. Both guys I really didn’t know. I couldn’t win by fighting with myself. There was only one thing to do—tell Bree. Maybe if I confided that I was really meeting Garrett, I could learn a little more about him which would either encourage or discourage me. Then I could make an informed decision. I felt so good about this move that I wondered why I hadn’t told her earlier. I dialed as nerves shook my fingers.
“Oh my God, are you so psyched to go out with him tonight?” she answered in an excited voice.
“Of course, but I have something to tell you, well ask you, about him first.”
“What would I know? If you need a kick in the ass to get out the door, remember nothing ventured nothing gained. How about you text me a series of xxx’s if you need rescuing? I’ll be there with excuses galore and whisk you away.”
“Perfect, thanks so much.” This was good. I felt better knowing I had an out, but was about ready to tell her I was meeting Garrett, not Connor.
“It’s almost seven!” she shrieked. “We both have to go, but text me a thumbs-up emoji at eight anyway to let me know everything is okay.”
“Thanks, that’s a good plan. Have fun tonight, good luck.”
“You too!”
Though the call didn’t go as planned, I really did feel better, but was now panicking about the time. Throwing on a gray knit dress and tights I then arranged a colorful—but still not pink or red—scarf around my neck and surprisingly got the arrangement right on the first attempt. I grabbed my coat and headed for the door before I could chicken out.
After entering the address of the wine bar into my GPS, I arrived in six minutes and only four minutes late. I walked in right behind another couple and followed them through the revolving doors to the hostess station beside a long oak bar. They gave their name, and I couldn’t help but look around the dark room. Even with the sparse mood lighting, I saw him. My pulse raced. Not him, but Connor, sitting alone at a high pub table.
Our gazes locked as our mouths both dropped. Instinctively, I walked toward him.
He slid off his chair and met me halfway.
“What are you doing here?” I blurted.
“I was thinking the same thing when you walked in, but then I realized—it’s you.”
“Yes, I’m Andi.” I held out my hand to shake his. “I guess we’ve never introduced ourselves.”
Laughing, he took my outstretched hand into both of his. “No,
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