Page 55 of First-Time Caller
“Oh. You made your choice,” Aiden clarifies. “YourMr. Tirechoice.”
“Yes. I have,” I say slowly. “I think.”
One dark eyebrow rises on his forehead. He’s wearing another sweatshirt tonight. A crewneck that’s worn at the collar. I can see the glint of a gold chain around his neck, but it’s mostly tucked beneath his shirt.
“You think?” he asks.
I nod. “Yes?”
“You sound very convinced.”
I straighten my shoulders and flatten my palms against my thighs. Confidence, or the closest I’m able to get to it. “I am. I would like to pick someone for a date tonight.”
“So, you haven’t picked a specific someone. This is just your plan.”
“I’m going to pick someone. Tonight.”
He watches me carefully, his blue eyes heavy. They drift along my face. Eyes. Cheeks. Mouth. His gaze lingers there the longest before snapping away. I have no idea what he’s thinking. “That’s what you want?”
I nod and the headphone band slides forward over my forehead. I push it back and Aiden’s mouth tugs up at the right side. A half smile.
Butterflies flutter to life in my chest, but I stomp down on them. Ruthlessly.
“Yeah,” I say. “That’s what I want.”
I want to find a date. I want someone to ease the ache of loneliness pressing down on my chest. I want a connection with someone that feels real, and I can’t do that if I keep sitting here in the booth with Aiden, talking to people on the phone. This whole thing is about being brave, taking chances. I’ve gotten comfortable with Aiden. I need to get out there.
Aiden’s jaw tightens, then releases. He’s still watching me.
“What?” I ask.
He shakes his head and turns back to his control board. I stare at the back of his neck, the dark hair that’s just starting to curl behind his left ear. He pulls his headphones up and it feels like he’s just pulled a door closed between us.
“Nothing,” he says, tap-tap-tapping his buttons. Pulling his levers. Doing whatever it is he does. “You’re right. That’s why you’re here. Let’s find you a date.”
AIDEN VALENTINE:Big news,Heartstringslisteners. Lucie has picked her first date.
LUCIE STONE:It’s not a big deal.
AIDEN VALENTINE:You’re right. It’s just half of the reason you’re on the show.
[pause]
LUCIE STONE:What’s the other half?
AIDEN VALENTINE:Hmm?
LUCIE STONE:You said half of the reason I’m on this show is to find a date. What’s the other half?
AIDEN VALENTINE:To keep me on my toes.
She picks a guy named Everett. Or Elliott. She told me his name once and I didn’t see the need to remember it.
He’s some investment banker who works for one of the financial firms with big, fancy offices down on the water. They make plans to meet for a late dinner during one of her shifts at the station, and that’s how I find myself alone in the booth on Friday night. It’s . . . good. Fine. Lucie’s first steps in the wide world of dating.
All systems go.
Excellent.
