The Boyfriend Blog

“Stop encouraging her.” Emily glares at Sarah before turning back to me. “Do you see a pattern here?”

I toss my hands into the air. “He’s my best friend.”

“I resent that. We shared a placenta for nine months for God’s sake. I should be your BFF.”

Emily swears she isn’t jealous of Aiden, but every once in a while, the green-eyed monster living inside of her rears its ugly head.

“You have Jonathan,” I say, reminding her of her gorgeous and equally sweet husband.

“And me,” Sarah says. “You have me.”

Emily smiles at Sarah and then brings her eyes back to me. She takes a breath and then blows it out. “I’m done lecturing you for the night, mostly because your date starts in five minutes. But think about what I said.”

“I will.” And then I’ll forget you said it because no way will I give up my time with Aiden.

I step out of the car and then bend down to the open window. “You know, maybe you should arrange a blind date for Sarah.”

Sarah’s eyes widen. “Not a chance in hell.”

“That’s a great idea,” Emily croons.

Good, now maybe she’ll focus on someone else for a change. Smiling, I turn toward the entrance of the restaurant and send up a quick prayer.

I know I haven’t been to church in a few weeks, but would it kill you to toss me a bone? And by bone, I mean a successful, funny, smart, kind man. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

I smooth my hands down the front of my dress and take a step forward. A man in a crisp navy-blue suit smiles warmly and opens the front door.

“Welcome to Aroma.”

“Thank you.”

He nods, and when I step through the door, I’m greeted by another man in a similar suit.

“Good evening. Do you have a reservation tonight?”

“I think so,” I say, looking around the dimly lit restaurant. “I’m here to meet someone.”

“Oh, okay.” The host turns toward the restaurant and follows my gaze. “Do you see whomever you’re meeting?”

“Well, no, I don’t exactly know what he looks like.”

When I return my gaze to the host, he’s grinning. “A blind date? How exciting.”

“Not really.” I place a hand on my stomach and try to calm my nerves. “His name is Timothy. I don’t know anything else—”

“Say no more. I know exactly who you’re talking about.”

“You do?”

“He came in earlier and, trust me, sweetheart, you have nothing to be nervous about.” He winks, shimmies his hips, and nods toward the dining room. “Your date has manners, and he’s easy on the eyes. Can’t get much better than that. Follow me.”

Some of the tension I’ve been holding onto drains from my body as I follow the man through the main dining area to a small room tucked in the back. I’m a few feet from a table in the corner when a man looks up and spots me.

The first thing I notice is his easy smile and light blue eyes. When he stands to greet me, I get a glimpse of the whole package, and holy smokes what a package.

Strong arms barely hidden by the white button-up shirt he’s wearing, broad chest, and long legs.

Well done, Emily.