My phone rings right away.
“I thought about sending cookies along with them, but I have a hunch you would’ve ignored the flowers,” Eric says without further ado.
I’m grinning so much I’m genuinely afraid I might pull a muscle in my face.
“You’re a smart man,” I answer. “Sweets versus flowers? The flowers never stand a chance.”
“Looking forward to Saturday?” Eric asks.
Sitting on my couch, I press the phone to my ear. “Why don’t you tell me where we’re going?”
“That’s the purpose of a surprise,” he says in an amused tone.
“But I’m not good with surprises. I mean, I’m excellent at organizing them for everyone else, but—”
“It’s time someone planned one for you. Relax. Let me woo you, Pippa. Stop fighting it so much.”
His amused tone sends my heart into overdrive, and my stomach flips in excitement. It’s been a long time since I felt as giddy as a schoolgirl for an upcoming date.
“That’s a lot of effort for a nondate,” I remark.
“You deserve it.”
“Can I get some clues at least?”
“Don’t be impatient.”
“Can I have a tiny one now? I’ll even take clues in Eric code-language like the one you used in the pool.”
A groan resounds from the other end of the line. “I’m never going to live that down, will I?”
“Not if I have a say in it.” And behold, I’m grinning like an idiot again.
“I’ve got to go, but I can’t wait to see you on Saturday,” he whispers.
“Me too.”
***
Saturday morning, my alarm clock rings at eight o’clock sharp. Amazingly, the usual sleepiness that plagues me in the mornings is not present. Instead, I feel as full of energy as if I’d drunk three coffees already. Who knew? The antidote to morning grogginess is a nondate with Eric.
I have four hours until he picks me up, which gives me plenty of time to go through several of my trusted beauty routines. My stomach rumbles the entire time I prepare, and sweat breaks out on my palms in regular intervals. I can’t believe I’m having first-date jitters.
I remember Alice’s words. You’re hormonally prepared for a date. Truer words were never spoken. Every nerve in my body is alive with need and anticipation. At twelve o’clock, my doorbell rings. Taking a deep breath, I open the door. I’m rocking this outfit—a light pink sundress—so there’s no reason to be nervous. He said I should go for casual, which I did. If casual also includes high heels.
When I see him, my face instantaneously cracks into a grin.
“Someone’s happy to see me,” Eric remarks. He wears a white polo shirt and black jeans, looking yummy.
I hold my thumb and forefinger very close together. “A little bit.”
He chuckles when he sees my shoes.
“Do not mock my shoes,” I say in a warning tone. I place my hand on my hips, emphasizing my words with a glare.
“I wouldn’t dream of it. Let’s go.”
He takes my hand, leading me to the elevator without any further words. I’m giddy with happiness all the way to the car.