Out of Focus (Love in LA #3)

“Thanks,” I whisper. And then we continue the journey in silence, neither of us feeling the need to add to it.

Once we get closer to LA, traffic is at a complete standstill, and I finally feel like I’ve caught up with my thoughts.

“Would you take me on a date?” It might seem like a random question, but I’ve been thinking about this. After an average—at best—time with Zach, I want a good, fun date without having to try so hard to be someone I’m not. Without worrying about getting unwanted dick pics.

“You really know how to make traffic interesting.” He smiles, adjusting the temperature on his side of the car to a couple of degrees cooler.

“Are you going to answer my question?” I ask impatiently.

“Oh, my sweet pumpkin pie, I will definitely, definitely take you on a date.” The sweet added ahead of the nickname has my cheeks heating up, and the double definitely makes me hold my breath, though I’m not sure why. “How’s Friday night? As long as Maeve hasn’t had or isn’t having her baby, that is.” He checks his blind spot and merges lanes while making room for the person ahead. While people are honking and driving far too close to other cars, Rafael is calmly moving along, letting others in front of him. So considerate.

“Friday is great, yeah. What should we do?” As much as I’d like him to take the reins, I’d plan the date if it meant getting to do what I wanted.

“Why don’t you let me worry about that. I’ll send you any necessary menus and itineraries by Thursday morning?” He’s very casual about it. Almost professional.

“Are you preparing for a date or a business meeting?” I try to force my tone to be playful. I have no idea if it’s successful until he laughs. Success.

“Oh, definitely a date, shorty.” He nods and then smiles completely to himself, and the residual feeling in me is akin to when someone says they have something to tell you, but they can’t tell you until later. How can you think of anything else until that happens? How will I?

I don’t.

I spent Wednesday writing and going for walks. Every word is filled with tension, with anticipation, and with all the feelings I’m currently experiencing. Jittery limbs, accelerated heart rate, this fluttery feeling deep in my belly, and the intense tightening of muscles when I dare imagine what this date might be like.

I fear Rafael is about to ruin me for all other men for no other reason than he is simply too thoughtful, too perceptive, too damn nice and good.

On Thursday morning at nine o’clock sharp, my phone vibrates on the coffee table next to my full cup of mint tea because the thought of adding caffeine to my already hyperactive body and mind is completely bananas.

RAFAEL:

Hey, is it okay if we get going at around 3 tomorrow afternoon? If not, I can skip the first part I had planned, but I really think you’ll like it.

He follows that up with a blushing smiley face, and I can picture it. I can picture the exact shade on his cheeks, the exact smile on his face, and it brings a ridiculously goofy grin to my own.

ME:

Totally fine.

Are you going to tell me anything else?

I fight the urge to send follow-up texts with more questions.

RAFAEL:

Of course. Here’s the menu for dinner.

He sends an image of a handwritten piece of paper with four options for entrées, four mains, and four desserts. All of it sounds amazing.

RAFAEL:

No need to dress fancy or anything, but we’ll be outside for a portion of the evening, so maybe bring a sweater? It’s supposed to be a bit chilly tomorrow. Pack something comfortable to change into. Whatever you might wear to watch a movie with the girls. Sweat pants or something, I don’t know. Just something to change into that’s more comfortable than whatever you’ll have on.

I feel like I already said way too much.

Since we’re starting out early, do you want a coffee when I pick you up? A snack, maybe?

You know what, never mind. I’ll definitely have a coffee, but if you want a snack, too, just let me know.

Seriously? He wants to present me with coffee and a snack when he picks me up? I should be taking notes. Who wants flowers before a date when you can get coffee and snacks?