“Well, apparently there is a reader challenge to follow the article’s advice and report their success back to us at the end, in order to win a contest that the magazine is running.”
“What’s the prize?”
“A trip to Paris. The romantic ‘City of Lights.’” I said the last words using quotation fingers.
“So what makes you dislike writing this article so much? It’s just five dates. Anybody can come up with five dates.”
“I feel like I’m not the same girl who signed on for the article. What I really want to write about is how Prince Charming doesn’t exist, only regular guys who are capable of imperfections, and a perfect date doesn’t provide a shield against heartbreak.”
“Hmm,” Aidan answered as he nodded, but his expression was guarded, and that’s when I realized that I said too much and was letting my internal misery show to this complete stranger. Yeah, I’m pretty sure I looked crazy to him. “Tell me about the dates. Are they ridiculously expensive to pull off with private jets and stuff like that? Is that the type of stuff that would consist of a perfect date?”
“I haven’t gotten that far into the article. I’ve only written one outing.”
“What was it?”
“I thought it made sense to start with a get-to-know-you date. Take a walk together and have dinner thing.” Aidan eyed me thoughtfully.
“How would you feel about experiencing all five dates?” he asked.
“What do you mean?”
“What if we created the dates in your article. All five.”
“Create all five dates?” I repeated.
“Yeah. Why not? How can you form an opinion if you haven’t experienced it? We don’t know each other any better than a couple following your article’s advice for their own dates.”
“Why do you even want to do this with me?”
“Josette, it took me two days to complete a job that should only have taken three or four hours. Why do you think that is?” Stunned, I stared at him for a while considering his words. Was he interested in me?
The waitress dropped off our food and we both thanked her before she walked away. The interruption gave me more time to process what Aidan was suggesting.
“One date. If you don’t want to go out with me anymore after that, it’s fine.” His grin was charming, but I could still see the hope on his face.
“Aidan. I?.?.?.?I don’t know what to say. This all feels odd.”
“I have a suggestion. Just say yes that you’ll meet me for a walk in the park and dinner tomorrow night.” He winked as he slid his hand across the table and brushed my knuckles with his fingers. The touch was so light and felt so good that I instantly wanted him to do it again, but I knew I had to be sensible here.
“Aidan, I want to be very upfront with you. I just got out of a six-year relationship, and I’m selling my condo and moving back to California soon. I don’t think it’s a good idea to start something new right now.”
“It’s just five dates, not the rest of your life. I’ll leave it up to you if you want to continue after each one,” he replied, not looking in the least bit discouraged. I thought about how the only thing I had to look forward to was an empty house and an unfinished article. Aidan could be a welcome distraction.
“Fine, I’ll do it,” I said and couldn’t help returning his wide smile.
“Good. I’ll need all the details for these dates so I can get everything right.”
Aidan and I exchanged numbers after lunch, then parted ways at the restaurant. I refused to even acknowledge to myself that I pretty much floated all the way to my car with a stupid smile on my face.
Chapter Four
Rendezvous #1: Go for a stroll in the park.
First dates are nerve-racking. To eliminate anxiety, keep it simple. Walking and talking is a great way to get to know each other, and when conversation falters just a bit, you can enjoy the scenery and people-watch together?.?.?.
The next night I met Aidan at the park. In my article, I suggested that couples meet in a neutral location for their first date, just to avoid being stuck in an awkward situation such as wanting to leave if things weren’t clicking between them. Aidan insisted that all the details be as accurate as possible. He looked even better in jeans and a black T-shirt, a different contrast from his light blue company-issued button-down and khaki pants.
Unbeknownst to me, L