“I’d like that too.”
It’s a victory I’m going to celebrate.
“I’ll pick you up in say an hour?”
“Okay. What should I wear?”
“Whatever you’ll like. We’ll keep it casual this time.”
I sip on my Scotch. She’s not the only one who’s unaccustomed with dating. I once had a list of go to places when I wanted to wine and dine, but none of that fits Olive. It makes everything new, and exciting. She’s already got me working for it. I begin to browse through my phone for ideas. I never do anything in halves, but extravagance would turn her off. Olive Bateman, you’re an enigma I aim to figure out.
A smart man does his research, so when I choose to get her flowers, I went to Bunch-A-Blooms. Willow steered me toward a modest bouquet of yellow tulips, purple Irises, and blue hyacinth with a wink and a smile. Apparently, the wedding planning is teaching me a thing or two, because a year ago I wouldn’t have been able to name the flowers. I told Willow, this was an I’m sorry bundle to make up for being short with her during the week, but I’m not sure she believed me. I knock on the door to her apartment and take in the sturdy structure. It’s a nice building in a decent part of town.
She opens the door, and I hold up the bundle of blooms.
“For you.”
“Luka! Thank you.” She brings them to her nose and inhales. “Please, come in while I set these in water.”
I step inside and admire the curve of her rear in the short dark blue shorts that show off most of her long legs. She has a cream colored shirt rolled up at the sleeves and tucked into the cuffed linen shorts. It’s a warm day, and she’s taking full advantage of the weather.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going yet?”
“No, but I do hope you like Jazz.”
“You like Jazz music?” she asks shocked.
“Yes. I’ve been an avid collector of Jazz vinyl since I don’t know when. My father introduced me to it, probably in the womb.”
“I never would’ve guessed that.”
“You’re not the only one full of surprises,” I say with a wink.
“I’m pretty boring actually.”
“You’re extraordinary. I don’t know who told you otherwise, but they lied.”
She returns her attention to the flowers she’s arranging.
“We’re going to a place called The Blind Lemon.”
“I’ve never heard of it, before.”
“It’s a bit hidden, but it’s been around since nineteen-sixty-three. They have good live music, great drinks, and a laid back atmosphere.”
“Sounds like my kind of place.”
I smile. “I thought it might be.”
“Lucky guess.”
“I’m an extremely observant man, Olive Bateman.”
She places the crystal vase on a counter in front of a window. “Let me grab my purse, and I’ll be ready to go.”
She’s quick. I like that about her. There’s no fussing about makeup which she doesn’t need or expensive clothing. She comes out with a small brown leather handbag.
“All set.”