I laugh. “You’ll have kids one day and see how tiring it is and then you’ll remember this point and see that I said no for a damn good reason.”
“Fine, confession time,” she mutters. “I’ve been asked to go out for a few drinks with a guy I met at work. I don’t want to go alone.”
“That doesn’t make me want to go. In fact, it makes me more determined not to.”
“Oh come on, Anna. You’re young, free, and single. Staying in on a Friday night isn’t healthy.” There’s a knock at the door and I scowl at Eva as she rushes to answer it. She returns with Esther.
“Oh my god, you asked your mom before I’d even agreed!” I gasp and Esther laughs.
“You know how she is when she gets an idea into her head. I was going to take Malia to my house for a sleepover,” she says brightly.
“See, babysitter sorted. No excuse. Now, get changed.”
We’re sitting in the corner of The Duke and I’m filling her in about the things Reggie said to me earlier today. My lip is bruised and cut, and my neck is adorned with finger marks. It’s been a few months since I’ve had to deal with injuries.
Eva smiles happily at something behind me. I turn and see a tall, handsome man in a suit walking towards us. With him is another guy who looks similar in size, tall and medium built. He stops by our table and Eva rises to her feet gracefully and he kisses her on the cheek. “This is my friend, Anna,” she says, and I smile weakly, realizing she’s set me up on a double date. “Anna, this is Chris. He’s an accountant.”
“Great to meet you, Anna. Eva told me so much about you. This is my friend, Jamie,” says Chris. I offer a little wave and Jamie settles into the seat next to me. “Eva, shall we go to the bar and get the drinks?” asks Chris. I kick her hard under the table and she cries out. I scowl at her to try and communicate that she is not to leave me alone with this stranger, but she smiles sweetly and follows Chris to the bar while rubbing her shin.
“So,” smiles Jamie, “Chris tells me you’re single.”
“Yes. It’s hard to get any man who’s interested in a twenty-four-year-old with a five-year-old child,” I smile back.
“Oh, I love kids,” he gushes, and I inwardly groan. He proceeds to tell me stories of his sister’s five children and I realize he isn’t going to be put off easily.
Eva returns from the bar and she and Chris take over the conversation, which I’m thankful for. I know I’m being a party pooper, but I hate that she sprung this on me. My cell flashes and it’s a text message from Riggs. I smile as I read it.
Riggs: How are you?
I type back that I’ve been dragged on a double date.
Riggs: Ouch. Have you tried telling him about Malia? Responsibility is a deal-breaker for some men.
I smile again before replying.
Me: Yep, tried that. He loves kids! Eugh!
Riggs: You want me to call and pretend to be from the sexual disease clinic?
I laugh and Eva glares at me. “Something funny happening that you wanna share?” she asks. I shake my head and place my cell back in my bag, feeling like a chastised child.
We’re two bottles of wine into the double date when Eva follows me into the bathroom. “What do you think?” she grins.
“They’re nice.” I shrug. “But Jamie isn’t really my type, is he?”
“What, nice and friendly?” she asks. “You need to relax and enjoy it. He’s doing all the talking and you’re just mumbling answers. Make an effort.” She sighs.
“I don’t want to, Eva. You shouldn’t have set the date up in the first place. I’m not ready to get into another relationship.”
Eva stares into the mirror and wipes stray makeup from under each eye. “Who said anything about a relationship? It’s a drink with a kind guy, and I bet if Riggs walked in here and asked you on a date, you’d be dragging him up the aisle in no time, screw dating.”
“I would not.” I blush and she laughs. “I’ll try and be nicer,” I add. “Just for you.” Eva kisses me on the cheek and we head back to the guys.
I check my cell and see another text from Riggs.
Riggs: Which delightful restaurant did your kid loving date take you?
Me: Not that kind of date. No food. Just wine. Eva told me off for being on my phone. Stop distracting me from trying to put my date off of me.
“I think we should try the Cross Keys bar,” I catch Eva saying. “It’s livelier and there’s music.”
We agree and finish up our drinks. As we walk to the next bar just a few doors up, Jamie drapes his coat over my shoulders in an attempt at chivalry. It’s sweet and I smile gratefully even though I’m not cold.
The Cross Keys is busy. There’s a country vibe filling the room and I spot a singer on the stage strumming on his guitar. The dance floor is alive with people having a go at country style dancing. I’m smiling at the scene when someone’s hands go to my waist and a deep voice growls, “Excuse me.” I shiver and my heart rate triples when I look up into Riggs’ eyes. He winks and carries on past me towards the bar like we’re strangers.
Jamie’s arm snakes around my waist and he leads me to a small table by the dance floor. All four of us squish around it and then the guys decide to go to the bar to get the drinks. I spot Riggs carrying a tray of
