"Hey," Tanner says, coming up to me and giving me a hug. "Good to see you again."
"Yeah, sorry it's been so long. Work has been crazy."
"You can tell me all about it at dinner." He takes my hand. "I was thinking of trying that new Mediterranean place just down the street from here. Have you been there?"
"No, but I'm up for it."
"Great!" He glances at me and smiles as we walk hand-in-hand down the street.
I know I'm just holding his hand but something about it feels wrong. Why am I being this way? Tanner's a nice guy, has a good job, and he's hot. I should be loving this! Maybe I just need to put in more effort.
"I'm glad you asked me out tonight," I say, smiling at him.
"Really? Because I was starting to think you didn't want to see me anymore."
"Why?"
"You turned me down twice this week, and you never text me unless I text you first."
"I've just been really busy."
"It's right down there." He points to the restaurant. It's so new it doesn't even have a sign yet, just a banner suspended over the entrance.
We go inside and the place is packed. Apparently everyone else has heard of this place but me. Tanner is someone who always knows what's new and trendy. I'm always way behind.
"You think we can get a table?" I ask.
"No, but I got us two spots at the bar, if that's okay." He waves at the bartender. "I know that guy. We went to college together. He saved us some seats."
We walk over to the bar.
"Hey, man, how's it going?" Tanner says to his friend as we sit down.
"Can't complain," the guy says. "The place is packed. Been this way since we opened."
"This is Sophie." Tanner puts his arm around me. "The girl I told you about."
"Nice to meet you," he says, shaking my hand. "I'm Mark."
He has a big smile like Tanner's, and reddish-brown hair that matches his beard.
"What can I get you?"
We give him our drink orders then look at the menu. It's only one page with five options for entrees. Mark returns with our drinks and we give him our order.
"What do you think?" Tanner asks, glancing behind me to check out the restaurant.
"It's fun. Lots of atmosphere." I have to practically shout for Tanner to hear me above all the noise.
"I heard the food is great." He takes a drink of his wine. "We can go somewhere quieter for dessert."
"I might have to skip dessert. I can't be out late. Bianca wants me at work at six."
"Why so early?"
"We have an event tomorrow night and she's freaking out. She doesn't think we'll be ready. She wants to get in early to make sure we have enough time."
"So you're working tomorrow night? I was hoping we could go out."
"Sorry. Friday nights are big event nights so I'm usually not free. Same with the weekends."
"I understand," he says, but he looks disappointed. This is why it's hard for me to date. Guys want to go out on weekends and I'm always working.
"Hey, I was doing some checking about the littering laws in Vermont."
It's nice that he did that. He knows I'm worried about this court hearing so he used his lawyer skills to do some research. He's really a great guy. I wish I felt more for him.
"What'd you find out?"
"They're really strict about littering. The fine could be several hundred dollars, or they could make you do community service, although I'm sure that wouldn't happen with you since you don't even live there."
"Several hundred dollars for dropping one plastic bottle out of my car? Are you kidding me?" I sigh. "So much for paying rent this month."
"If it's that bad, I could loan you some money."
"No. Tanner, thank you for offering but I'll figure it out."
"I'd offer to come with you to the court hearing but I can't take off next Friday. I have a big meeting at work."
"It's fine. I don't need a lawyer for this. I'm sure they'll just give me the fine and that'll be it."
My phone rings. My pulse ticks up when I see Aiden's name on the screen. He hasn't called me since I saw him at the bar. He's only texted, and just once, to ask if I wanted a ride next Friday.
"Do you mind if I take this?" I say to Tanner. "I'll be quick. I promise."
"Go ahead."
"I'm going to take it outside so I can hear."
I get down from the barstool and hurry outside to the street. "Hi, Aiden."
"Hey. Are you busy?"
"Kind of. I'm out with Tanner."
"Oh," he says, sounding surprised. "I didn't realize you guys were still going out."
Did Tanner tell him we weren't? It wouldn't surprise me if he thought that, given how I've brushed him off all week.
"We're having dinner. I have to work tomorrow and this weekend so this was our only chance to go out. So how have you been?"
"I've been okay. I don't want to bother you on your date. I was just calling to see if you wanted to use my lawyer for the court hearing next week."
"You're getting a lawyer?"
"He's a friend of the family. He lives in Vermont so he knows the laws there. Do you know how serious they take littering there?"
"Yeah, Tanner was just telling me."
"I don't want to take any chances so I asked him to show up at court with me. He could represent you too if you want."
"That's okay. I'll be fine," I say, knowing I don't have money for a lawyer.
"How about my offer to give you a ride? Any chance you'd change your mind?"
"I'm good. I've already called to rent the car. And I don't want to intrude on your romantic weekend."
"You talked to Celine," he
