Will: Also, I feel like I should be writing stuff down, like taking notes?
Mel: Notes?
Will: Yeah, I mean, when we’re together, everything’s a lot easier. But what happens when I’m on a real date? I’m terrified I’ll freeze up and forget everything.
Mel: You won’t. I promise. I’m just helping you relax and not be so intimidated by everything.
Will: If you say so, but I’d like to have a rule book. So, if you could just type that up real quick and bring it along Monday, that’d be great.
Mel: Haha.
Mel:There aren’t any rules to dating.
Mel:Well, now that I think about it, a few things come to mind.
Mel: I’m about to dispense some wisdom, so you’d better take a screenshot.
Will: Screenshot? Hell, I’m taking this straight to the library to have it printed, laminated, and bound. I’m ready…
Mel: Ok, so I think a good rule is to put your partner first.
Will: Like, she comes first. Like comes as in…
Mel: OMG. That, but also outside of the bedroom. Now, obviously, there are caveats. If she wants a milkshake, but you just fell down the stairs and broke your leg, she can wait. Or get one after she takes you to the ER. But it really is a good rule. If you’re truly in a partnership and you put each other first, your needs will be met. Your person will feel cherished and so will you.
Will: You are seriously good at this.
Mel: I know, right?
Mel: Rule #2 is honesty. Always. Even when it hurts. And yes, there’s a story there. And no, I don’t want to talk about it.
Will: Got it.
Mel: Ok, my break’s almost up, but I’ve got one more gem. You ready?
Will: I was born ready. Ok, I was actually born early, anxious, and more than a little high strung.
Will: But I am ready now.
Mel: You make me smile. :) Ok…Rule #3 is to make time for each other, whatever that looks like—a text, a date, whatever.Got it?
Will:Got it. You’re awesome.
20
Mel
It’s time for Will’s second lesson, so I’m waiting for him in a booth at the diner in Murraystown. Not the most original date, but the food here is good, and the chances of us running into someone we know are pretty slim. Plus, he practically drooled as we passed this place last week, so I figured it was a solid choice.
I had orientation for the next phase of my internship today. I’m shadowing at a hospital not too far from here, so this seemed like the perfect place to meet. I didn’t bring the cards this time, but our conversation flowed pretty easily last time, so I think we’ll be ok. I had fun at Bessie’s the other night—maybe too much fun. Will’s easy to talk to. And when he reached out to wipe some stray ice cream from the side of my mouth? Well, maybe it’s the fact that I’ve been going through a major dry spell, because his touch felt electric, and I was tempted to take his hand and lick the offending ice cream right off his finger. If it had been a real date, I might have. But it’s not real—none of this is. I’m just helping a friend. And ice cream is a treat, not a dietary staple, and I need to remember that.Because sure, Will Franconetti’s a treat—especially when it’s just the two of us. But this is a deal between friends. An exchange of favors, nothing more.
A little bell above the diner door dings, and in walks Will, looking better than anybody should. He’s in jeans again, and they mold to his legs as he spots me and walks this way. It’s probably wrong since I’m his tutor of sorts, but I could watch this man walk across a room all damn day. Lord. I really do need to get out more. But for now, I’ll just ogle him in his tight navy T-shirt and worn jeans. I don’t think Will Franconetti has any clue how gorgeous he really is, which is crazy to me. With looks like that, he should be Instagram famous.
“Hey, sorry if I’m late…again,” he says, sliding into the other side of the booth.
“You’re fine,” I tell him. “I’m one of those perpetually early people. It’s kind of a curse. Besides,” I say, glancing at my watch, “you’re two minutes early, technically speaking.”
Will’s face breaks into a grin, and I tell my stupid heart to stop fluttering. “Two minutes, huh? Is there a prize for that? Some kind of reward?”
