Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
“All right, what the hell. I’ll do it.”
Fourteen
Harper
I’m sitting across from Dexter Helms, waiting for the waitress to bring us our check so we can each pay for our portion of the bill. He’s a nurse at Providence Hospital where my ex-husband works. How do I know that? Because he’s made it a point to tell me several times. The first time was when we sat down and he was wondering if we’re still friends because he’s hoping I can put a good word in for him to get on Richard’s surgical team. The next time was when I accidently spilled my glass of wine and he told me he’s shocked at how clumsy I am since my ex-husband has the most steady pair of hands he’s ever seen. The third time was when the bill was brought out and he told me I should pay for half since he knows my ex-husband makes six figures a year as a surgeon.
Now, I’ve never been on a blind date before, and I have no problem paying for half, but it really sucks when my half should’ve been twenty dollars, with a tip, since I only got chicken and a glass of wine, yet I’m paying close to sixty, since Dexter got Filet Mignon, lobster, three beers, and dessert. I think it suffices to say there won’t be a second date.
The waitress brings us over the paid check, and I grab my credit card from the insert. I don’t even bother to wait for Dexter to stand before I’m wishing him a good night and walking away. The entire drive to Bridget’s I mentally curse her for this date. Two hours stuck at that restaurant with that dumbass. I could’ve gotten a pedicure. Taken a bath. I could’ve read some more in one of my romance novels. Two hours I’ll never get back.
When I step through the Hogues’ front door, Bridget and Simon are cuddling on the couch, watching a movie. My throat tightens at the scene. This is all I ever wanted, but here I am, just having turned thirty and alone. I only have myself to blame, though. I knew from the beginning that being with Richard wasn’t going to work out, but I wanted so badly to give my son a proper home with a mom and a dad. I wanted to make sure he was taken care of, and I didn’t want to saddle my mom up with any of that responsibility. It was mine and Richard’s mistake and I wanted us to handle it together.
What I didn’t think about at the time was myself. How I would feel to go years without having a deep and emotional connection with someone. To have loveless, meaningless sex. I didn’t think about how it would feel to wake up every day alone. I divorced Richard because I finally had enough. I was ready to start my life. Find a man I could share my life with. Yet I’ve been divorced for several years now and I still haven’t made any attempt to find my own happiness.
“You’re back early,” Bridget says, sitting up. “The boys are playing video games in Brendan’s room. Ella passed out with the twins in their room. They’re more than welcome to spend the night.”
I fall onto her sofa across from them. “That was the worst date I’ve ever been on.”
Bridget bites her lip, and Simon looks like he’s stifling his smile. “Well, in my defense,” she says, “I had another prospect in mind, but he was playing hard to get. I was planning to talk to him the next time I see him. If you give me a do-over…”
“Oh, no.” I shake my head. “That was your one chance.” I glance at Simon. “There’s no need to go on your date. You won. There’s no way anyone can be worse than that man.”
Bridget gasps, and Simon laughs. “What? No way!” Bridget argues. “You have to go on the date to know for sure.”
“Yeah, I agree,” Simon says.
“You do?” Bridget questions. “You’re that sure your date will be better?”
“Yes, I am.” He grins. “Saturday night. Seven o’clock at Selma’s.”
“Selma’s?” I question. That’s one of the most elusive restaurants in Providence… and expensive.
“That’s what he picked.” Simon shrugs.
“If I get stuck paying half that bill, I’m charging you,” I tell him pointedly.
“Dexter made you pay half the bill?” Bridget scrunches up her nose in disgust.
“Oh, yeah, and not just my half. His was so expensive, I not only paid for my bill but a part of his too.”
“Ewww,” Bridget says. “I’m sorry. He was really nice when I worked there.”
“So, next Saturday night,” Simon confirms.
“It’s the day of Ella’s gymnastics meet, but that’s earlier in the day. I’m going to have to ask Richard if he’s taking the kids. We were supposed to switch since he didn’t take them this weekend, but you never know.” I let my head sink back into the sofa cushion. “I still can’t believe he forgot to pick up Hunter.”