Sweeter Than Candy (The Davenports 1)
Page 11
Chapter Three
CLARA
Asher and I had so much fun at the convention that we met up each day afterward. By Sunday, I was captivated and charmed, despite my initial misgivings. When he asked me to join him and his friends the next week for a few rounds with a tabletop game, I agreed. Now I’m a nervous wreck. We’re from two different worlds. Last weekend in costumes, I forgot that. It’s all rushing back to me in real time as I sort through my clothes, struggling to choose the right outfit.
I’m going to stick out like a sore thumb. I bet all his friends are multi-millionaires, too. What the hell are we going to talk about? I FaceTime Austen.
“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your non-date right now?” she teases.
“What was I thinking to agree to this, Austen? I don’t know what to wear, and I highly doubt I’ll have anything in common with this people. I got swept away in my role as River Song at the convention. In the harsh light of day, I’m the one in hot water.”
“Wow. We’re getting dramatic, aren’t we?”
“Austen.” I scoff.
She laughs. “Relax. You guys got along so well.”
“Of course we did! Everyone’s relaxed and happy at conventions. This is real life.” I wave my hands in the air.
“It’s a one group gathering, Clar-Bear, not a lifelong commitment.”
“I can’t even pick an outfit.” I’m disgusted with my panic. It’s not like me.
“Why not? He likes you. The hardest determination has been made. You two passed the compatibility test with flying colors. I think what’s making you nervous is the attraction …”
“Don’t go there.” I warn her with a flat tone.
“Why not?”
“It’s not a date.”
“No? Then why are you so anxious?”
I open my mouth and close it. “Your pep talk sucks.”
“All right, let’s switch tactics. What are you thinking of wearing?”
Embarrassed, I turn the phone to show her the clothes scattered across my bed.
Her laughter makes me cringe. “I don’t care what you say. You are so into him.”
“I don’t even know him.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Are you going to help me or not?”
“I’m done. I swear. Where are you going?”
“A board game parlor. Whatever that means.”
“So casual. Pick out a cute, comfortable outfit, and try not to overthink things. You have no one to impress. I saw the way he looked at you this weekend at the convention. He’s into you. Whether you reciprocate or not. This is your chance to see him in his element and decide if he’s worth your time. Don’t let his looks or bank account make you forget what an amazing catch you are.”
The anxiety fades. “Thank you for talking me down. I’m rusty at this going out, having fun, and meeting new people thing.”
“Honey, one of us has to find happily-ever-after.” The defeat in her voice makes me ache. She’s tired. A single mother, with a musician ex who has a serious case of Peter Pan syndrome, henceforth the main reason for their parting of ways, she’s all but given up on finding love.
“You giving up on our dream??