Lola
“Hi.” I pulled my hands back and wiped them together to get the excess water off. “She’s subtle.” When I said I wanted to meet Ryan, I didn’t expect Jules to introduce us and leave without saying goodbye.
“Yeah. She means well.” He rinsed off the head of lettuce and set it on a table. “Um…”
There was this moment of silence between us. It was apparent he had no idea what to say, and I sure as shit didn’t know what to say.
“Fuck it.” I laughed.
“What?” He scowled like he was confused.
“Can you take a break?” My mom had always told me I was never one to hold back. If I wanted something, I got it. And I wanted to find out more about this man standing in front of me.
He pulled his phone out of his back pocket, probably to check the time. “Yeah, I would normally take one in about thirty minutes.”
“Perfect.” I clapped my hands. “It will give us fifteen minutes to do a speed date.”
“A date?” He turned his head to the side. “Are we already to that point in the meeting?”
I burst out laughing and then covered my mouth because I felt awful about my reaction. “Sorry.” I cleared my throat. “It’s not a date, just two words that made the moment work.” I rubbed my hands together. “Listen, I’m sorry. Maybe I should go.” I didn’t even wait for him to respond; I just turned to leave.
“Wait.” He reached out his hand and placed it on my shoulder. “I’m rusty at this stuff. Let me run to the back and clock out.”
“Are you sure?” I turned back around.
“Yeah, I am.” He smiled and stepped around me to head out of the room.
It had been two months since my last date, and I was still trying to forget that night. It was two hours of my life I couldn’t get back. The guy was so self-centered. He had spent the whole time at the restaurant talking about himself. I think he asked me a question once, but my answer reminded him of something else he needed to yammer on about.
After the date, I swore off men…until I noticed Ryan. He didn’t send off the self-centered vibes. It was more like the opposite, which was perfect.
“Okay, we have thirty minutes.” He threw open the swinging doors and held one side for me. “Is that too long for a speed date?”
“You’re cute.” I laughed at the question and patted my hand on his chest as I walked by. “It’s the perfect amount of time.”
“There’s a coffee shop across the street?” Ryan stepped up beside me. “Unless you’re hungry, we could do something else.”
“It’s perfect.” We started to walk out toward the front door. “They have the best Chai latte.”
“Ryan,” the woman, I think her name was Stacy, said from behind the customer service counter.
“I’m just taking a break.” He sounded like he was guilty of something.
“What? Oh, yeah, that’s fine.” Stacy shrugged. “Do we have more bags of romaine hearts in the back?”
“A couple of bags, but they’re almost sold out.” He took a few steps toward the counter. “Do you need me to go get them?”
“Nope.” Stacy smiled. “You go on your break. I got it.”
“Are you sure?” He sounded confused.
“Go.” She waved her hand toward the door.
I wrapped my hands around his bicep and tugged him in the opposite direction. “Let’s do as she says before she changes her mind.”
He stumbled and grabbed my forearm for support. “Whoa, sorry.” He straightened and glanced over at me. “I have a feeling I already know how this speed date will go.”
I dropped my hands to my side. “Oh, yeah, I look forward to your assessment.”
We didn’t say anything more while crossing the street. He opened the door to the coffee shop like a gentleman, and immediately, my senses were invaded by the aroma of coffee.
He stepped up to the counter first and ordered one latte and one chai latte. Wait, he ordered my coffee, too. “Do you want anything to eat?” Ryan was holding his wallet, ready to pay.
“I mean…” My eyes were locked on a croissant.
“And two croissants.” He was talking to the barista. “Oh, that table just opened up. Do you want to grab it?”
“Yes.” I spun around and headed over to claim the spot.
Everything about this meeting with Ryan was messing with my head. I was so used to finding men who didn’t know the meaning of being a gentlemen or who loved talking about themselves.
This guy was awkward, yet he understood the meaning of chivalry.
“Chai latte and one croissant.” He set them down in front of me and settled into his chair. “This place is always busy.” He sighed while looking around the room. Then, he stood, walked over to the bookshelf a few feet away, and picked up a book. “Pride and Prejudice. I’ve been meaning to read this book for ages and still haven’t.”
And the guy reads.
Well, things just went from curious to very interesting.
“Me, too.” I ripped a piece off the end of my croissant. “I’ve talked about reading all of Jane Austen’s books, but that hasn’t happened yet.”
He put the book back and joined me at the table. “That’s something I’ve thought about, too.”
What was happening right now? I felt like I was in some alternate universe. A guy who is a gentleman, seems kind, and loves to read.
I needed to know more about him.
AUTHOR NOTE:
It’s fun to introduce a new couple in the serial. I’m sure, at some point, all four of them will go on a date together. Ryan’s chapter is next. Will he continue to be awkward or maybe open up a bit? (The “Speed Date” could share a few secrets after all.)