“Of course. Who doesn’t?”
“You’d be surprised. I’ve dated quite a few women who claim they like dogs but when it comes down to Sammy laying between us in bed or needing a walk in the middle of the meal, they get super annoyed. I don’t understand why people pretend to be what they aren’t. However, you don’t strike me as that kind of person.”
“It’s kind of hard to pretend things when my go-to nervous habit is the uncontrollable need to ramble. If I tried to be someone else, I’d just end up admitting my truth the next time I panic.”
“I think it’s kind of cute.”
“Sure you do. Just like you have dated women who pretend to like dogs, I’ve dated men who have pretended to like my quirky ways. Then before long, I’m running my mouth at some stuffy work event of theirs and I get ghosted.”
“Well, it’s their loss, and maybe my gain.”
Sofia blushed again and the pink coloring on her tan skin was yet another thing he learned he liked about her. They stayed at the coffee shop way longer than he had planned. He went from an obligatory coffee date to not wanting to leave. The time they spent getting to know each other was well worth it, but he needed to get back to the center before he headed home to pack.
“This has been kind of awesome,” she said as she grabbed her purse, “Thank you for following through today, and for the chocolate cake... cakes.”
“You’re welcome. Now the question is, will we ever be able to find chocolate cake that is that tasty again?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure the search will be worth it. Can you imagine how many pieces of cake we would need to eat in order to find the best one?”
“Probably a lot, but I’m willing to try. I have a flight out in the morning and I won’t be back until next Saturday. What do you say to dinner on Saturday night? We could start with dessert and if we approve of the cake, we can order a meal.”
“Are you sure? Won’t you be tired from traveling?”
“Maybe, but I’m looking forward to seeing you again.”
She stood there for a moment and just stared at him. As her eyes darted back and forth and her fingers tapped on the table, he could see her entire thought process as different expressions crossed her face. The small smile that started gave him hope, and when she spoke, she solidified what he needed to hear.
“Saturday it is then.”
“What’s your number? I’ll call you to make sure you don’t back out on me,” he said with a laugh.
They exchanged numbers and said their goodbyes. He may have pulled her in a little too close as he gave her a hug, but she melted into him as if he had done it a million times before and he couldn’t wait to do it all again. This was going to be the longest trip he had ever been on. Looking forward to seeing her on Saturday might be the only thing to help him get through it.