Same, buddy, same.
Nodding my head, I smile. “Of course.”
I grab my purse at the same time he says, “Let me walk you out.”
With his hand on the middle of my back, Lincoln guides me out of the coffee shop and to my car. The rain has picked up again, so our exchange is short, with more promises of seeing each other later.
I stay in the parking lot until he drives away, then I turn my car on and head back to my apartment to hang out with Potato until it’s time for me to leave again.
Chapter Seven
Message received
Subject: How many messages have you received?
Thanks again for waiting for me this morning, despite me being late. Looking forward to seeing you this afternoon. Drive carefully.
Lincoln Stokes
My house is nearly silent as I sit on my couch petting Potato, rereading the message Lincoln sent me a few minutes ago. A strange feeling settles in the pit of my stomach—not quite nerves, but not butterflies either.
Lincoln is sweet, and I’m curious to see what being around his family will be like. I’d be lying if I said the idea of pretending I’m dating a doctor isn’t fun, especially one as handsome as he is.
Going into the kitchen, I refill Potato’s automatic feeder and water and spoon out a can of wet food into his bowl in case I’m home later than anticipated. I’ve been watching the weather app, and it’s been snowing consistently in Julian today.
Walking to my bedroom, I flip on the light in my closet and pull out a pair of dark wash denim jeans, my cream-colored puffer jacket and matching beanie, and my black boots. I’m wearing a thin, hunter green sweater, and Lincoln specifically told me not to dress up, so I’m content with my choice of outfit. It’ll be comfortable to drive in and appropriate enough for a casual dinner.
When it’s time to go, I grab my things, then take a few moments while inside the car to set up my GPS with the Stokes’ address. Gripping the wheel tightly, I give myself a pep talk as I hit the road.
You can do this. This is the last date. It’s going to be fine. I’m just going to enjoy a nice dinner with a family, pretend to be a doctor’s girlfriend, and I’ll be back home with Potato before I know it.
Traffic is light as I head out of town and toward the mountains. The scenery passes by, changing from straight city roads to winding country ones. The further in elevation I climb, the more I start to see the evidence of the winter storm, starting with dirty, black slush, then transforming into vibrant white snow.
Finally, when I enter the town of Julian, my mouth falls. The small town has transformed into something out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Light poles are adorned with garland and bows. Every business has their windows painted with holiday spirit, and I can tell as soon as the sun goes down that this main strip will be covered in multicolored lights.
The roads are freshly plowed, with crisp banks of snow hugging the curbs. The town is small, and as I get closer to the Stokes’ home, I start to get nervous.
What if they don’t like me?
Not that it really matters, since I’ll never see them again after today, but still. The thought bothers me, but the potential of letting Lincoln down bothers me more.
Making a left on the street the GPS is directing me to turn on, I smile as I pass by a tree farm, and strain to get a look at it while driving by. Less than a quarter of a mile later, I turn into a small gravel driveway and park alongside the black Range Rover I recognize from earlier.
Killing the engine, I reach into the passenger seat and grab my jacket, putting it on while still sitting in the warmth of my car. By the time I get out, a light snow has started again, and Lincoln comes out of the house with a wide grin on his face. Slamming my car door, I start toward him.
“Holly! You made it! How was the drive?”
“Not bad!” Pulling my jacket tight around me, I look at the quaint home and yard behind him. “It’s beautiful here. Did you grow up in this house?”
“No, we lived in the city when I was a kid, but once I was out on my own and in medical school, my parents decided they wanted a slower lifestyle.”
“Julian is perfect for that.” It’s hard to believe I haven’t been up here since I was a kid. My parents took me and my brother to the pumpkin patch once, but I can’t recall any other adventures up this way.
“Wait until you try the famous pie, too. My mom picked up a couple for tonight.” He extends his arm for me to take, so I do, letting him steer me to the house.
“Sounds delicious, I love pie.”
The screen door creaks as he opens it and turns the knob to the main door, pushing it open. “Mom, Dad, Holly is here,” he calls as we enter, leading me into the living room where his parents are playing a card game together.
