“I wondered… I mean, I was wondering if… you’d like to go out to dinner with me.” The last words came out in a rush.
She paused, cloth in hand, and stared at him, shocked. Had he just asked her to dinner? But she wasjustgetting comfortable with this afternoon chat thing. She swallowed. “I don’t know. I haven’t really dated in… well, forever. Not since I was a young woman. I recently divorced and I’m still getting used to that. I don’t think I’m ready to date.”
“How about if it’s not a date? Just two friends going for dinner. I’ll take a friendly meal with you. Besides, you arranged for all those people to help us paint and do repairs on the cottages. It’s the least I can do to thank you.” Hope sparkled in Rob’s eyes.
“Can I pay for my own meal?” She narrowed her eyes, watching for his reaction to her request.
“I should pay after all you’ve done for us.”
“No, I want to pay my own way.”
“If it makes you feel more comfortable.” He nodded agreeably.
It would. Because then it wouldn’t be a date. It would just be friends meeting for dinner. But she still wasn’t certain that this was a good idea. She liked the comfortable little same-same life she was building for herself.
He continued to look at her with his eager half smile.
Before she could overthink it anymore, she blurted out, “We could try. I’m not making any promises. But a dinner out sounds nice. Where do you want to go?”
“Your choice.”
“How about Jimmy’s? It’s at the end of the wharf. Casual.”
“How about going tonight before you change your mind?” Rob winked.
“I… okay.” If she didn’t think about it—dwell on it—everything would be okay. Though, she did want to run home and change for their just-friends dinner.
His eyes widened in surprise at her answer, and a grin spread across his face. “Perfect.”
“I’ll meet you down in the lobby of my apartment at six.” There, that gave her some feeling of control. Picking where they’d meet. Choosing the time.
“I’ll be there.”
He grinned the whole way out of the cafe, and when she saw him through the front window, the wide smile was still etched on his face.
What had she done? Was she really ready for this? But it was just friends meeting for dinner. She didn’t have to overthink it, did she?
Of course, she did.
Donna walked over to her. “You okay? You looked… flushed.”
“I’m fine. No, I’m not.”
“Which is it?” Donna’s forehead wrinkled.
“I’m fine. I think. I’m meeting Rob for dinner tonight. We’re going to Jimmy’s. Just as friends, of course.”
“Of course.” Donna nodded, struggling to hide a smile.
“Don’t smile. Just friends.” Evelyn scrubbed the counter vigorously, then paused. “Do you think… do you think this is okay? I’m not really ready to date. I’m just getting used to being single. And… I like it. There’s a lot of freedom being single. I’m not even sure if I’m ready to have a guy friend.”
“Why don’t you just meet him for dinner and have a good time? See how it goes. You don’t have to do it again if you don’t want to. Or you can if you have fun. Lots of choices here, Evie.”
“You’re right. I should go and have fun. He is easy to talk to. And I haven’t gone out to dinner in forever.”
“There. See. You made the right choice.” Donna took her by the shoulders and spun her around. “So, go back to the kitchen and wrap up what needs to be done. Tell Melody I’m here if she needs help with the dinner rush tonight. Then go home and change. I don’t think you need to wear your Sea Glass Cafe t-shirt to dinner.”
Evelyn laughed. “No, I probably don’t.” She hugged Donna. “Thanks.”
