Page 54 of A Cup of Autumn
Fear flashed in her eyes. “Like a date?”
No, she wasn’t ready for that. “More like a practice one.”
“Practice.” She spoke slowly as if she were testing out the word. “A practice date with a professor?”
That did sound a bit out there. He shrugged. “Unless it’s too soon.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want Emmett back. But I’m not ready for another door to be open.”
“But when it does…” If the men around Silver Falls were smart, she wouldn’t be single for long.
Her mouth quirked. “I suppose practice wouldn’t hurt. But I don’t have much time…”
Raine didn’t, but he had a sweet idea that might appeal to her. “What if we go for dessert? The bakery’s patio is still open.”
“Dessert.” She tapped her chin. “If I remember back to dating one-oh-one, dessert’s a step up from having coffee. It’s for when you’re trying to decide if you want to get to know someone better.”
“Yes. And you’re not committed for a significant amount of time that leaves you regretting all your life choices over four or five courses.”
“Maybe not life choices.” Raine laughed. “But an evening’s choice for sure.”
“So, what do you say?”
“I could be up for dessert at Lawson’s. I love that place.”
“Most people in Silver Falls love the place. Would tomorrow night work?”
“As long as it’s after the coffee shop closes.”
Keaton knew she worked a lot, but seven days a week was too much. He hoped the new barista worked out. “It’s a date.”
She nodded. “A practice date.”
“Looking forward to it.” And he was.
Raine held up her list. “We have a couple more activities on the Boo Bash to discuss.”
Right. The Boo Bash. Keaton had forgotten the reason he was there. All he wanted was to go to Lawson’s. Dating wasn’t a subject he thought he’d be tutoring on, but he couldn’t wait for a practice date with Raine.
Chapter Eleven
Don’t be nervous.
Monday evening, Raine parked in front of Lawson’s Bakery. If this was a real date, she wouldn’t be driving herself. Except it wasn’t.
She glanced in the rearview mirror. She couldn’t see much other than eyeshadow and mascara. Not that she needed to wear makeup for a practice date.
Pathetic.
Raine smoothed her hair.
Who admitted they weren’t sure about dating or that they didn’t know how to date? Even if it were the truth.
Again, pathetic.
She had no idea how to date without being in a relationship. Not that she’d had many—a grand total of three if she counted Scott in high school. None had followed the meet, go out a few times to get to know each other, and then decide to be exclusive. Emmett and she had never had an official date until weeks after they’d become boyfriend and girlfriend.
Not that she was complaining. It had been perfect.
