“Yeah, a few times. Never to Paris, though.”
“Are your world travels for business or pleasure?”
Hm. “Both,” I answer honestly. “Any particular reason why you want to go to Paris?”
Ellie slightly blushes at my question. She is so adorable when she does that. “I guess it’s the girly side of me. Wanting to go to the ‘City of Love’, see all the amazing art and structures. I guess it’s a little silly, saying it out loud.”
I shake my head at her. “Oh, no. The ‘City of Love’ certainly sounds appealing. It’s not girly either. That’s why I want to go to Paris,” I grin at her, causing her to laugh.
There’s a short lull before Ellie says, “So, you said your sister was in college. Did you go to college?”
“Yeah, I went to Boston College. You?”
“Well, I only went to a community college for a little while. I dropped out and haven’t been able to go back yet.” She shrugs, but it seems like there’s more to it than that.
“If I may ask, why did you drop out?”
“My aunt became ill, and I had to take care of her. She passed away a little over two years ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you have any other family?”
She shakes her head. “It’s just me.”
Ellie doesn’t have anyone. That sounds so terrible. “Well, what do you like to do for fun? I would peg you as someone who seeks the thrill from doing something small that you shouldn’t do.”
“Not really. For fun, I love to go running and hiking up trails. Nature calms me.”
“So the park is a good place to take you on a date. We’re surrounded by nature
!” At this, she smiles. “I like to run too. We should run together sometime.”
“Well, how about Saturday? We could, um, go running together. I know this great trail not too far from my house. I mean, if you want to come that far for a date.”
“That far for a date with you? It would be my pleasure. Are you going to have your weapon of choice on hand?” I grin when she laughs.
“Yeah, I will, but I don’t think I need to use it. Just yet, anyway.”
“Good. However, I can’t do Saturday. What about tomorrow? Maybe you could get off work early? Or Sunday even?”
“Well, I could do that, I have some personal time I need to use anyway. May I ask why you can’t do Saturday?”
“I have to work that day.”
“Oh, okay. Well, I have to get back to work. I’ve really enjoyed today. It’s been a long time since I’ve had an adult conversation that didn’t involve bed pans.”
I laugh when she hands me my Hershey kiss. “Glad I could be of service.” I grab our things and walk her to her car.
She opens her door and then turns to face me. “Thanks again.”
“Welcome.” I lean forward, kiss her cheek, and slowly smile at her. “Drive safely.”
Ellie blushes and nods before getting into her car to drive away.
Chapter Six
Ellie
“Let me get this straight. You went on a date, and you’re going out on a second date?” Lacey’s face expresses pure shock.