I nodded, words failing me, and watched as he disappear down the hall, the warmth of his gaze and the brief touch of his hand lingered like an aftertaste I couldn't shake off.
It was as if the night had imprinted itself on my heart, leaving me caught in the strange space between the familiar and the unknown. I didn't know what to feel, but I knew one thing: I needed to talk to Kate.
I made my way to the couch, sinking into its plush cushions as I pulled out my phone.
I'd meant to call her before the date, but Joanne's unexpected invitation had derailed me. Now, though, I couldn't wait to tell Kate everything. She'd know what to make of this. Or at the very least, she'd have a few jokes to lighten my muddled mind.
The phone rang twice before Kate picked up, her voice bright and warm. "Ella! Finally! I was beginning to think you'd fallen off the edge of the earth. How's our baby and Mr. Tall, Rich, and Mysterious?"
