“This is just lunch, Scarlett said gently. “Two friends getting to know each other. And who knows? Maybe you’ll realize you’re ready for something new. Or maybe you’ll confirm that you’re not. Either way, at least you’ll know.”
I picked up my phone again, staring at Chris’s message. Maybe Scarlett was right. Maybe I could use this opportunity to be honest about where I stood.
“Fine,” I said finally. “But I’m going to be upfront with him about not being ready for anything serious.”
“Perfect! Honesty is always the best policy.” Scarlett clapped her hands together. “What are you going to wear?”
Good idea. What time? I typed back.
The response came quickly: 12:307 I can pick you up if you’d like.
I’ll meet you there. Send me the address.
Within seconds, he’d shared the location of a cozy Italian restaurant downtown.
“There,” I showed Scarlett the exchange. “‘Happy?
“Ecstatic. Now, let’s pick out something cute but not too dressy. You want to look like you made an effort without looking like you’re trying too hard.”
At 11:30, I stood in front of my closet wearing dark jeans and holding up two different tops.
“The blue one,” Scarlett called from the living room.
I pulled on the soft blue sweater and checked myself in the mirror. It was nice-casual but flattering. Paired with my favorite boots, I looked put-together without being overdressed.
“Perfect,” Scarlett appeared in the doorway. “You look beautiful but approachable.”
“I’m nervous,” I admitted.
“Good nervous or bad nervous?”
“I’m not sure.”
Scarlett smiled. “That means it’s the right kind of nervous. It means you care enough to be a little scared.”
Chris was already seated at a corner table when I arrived. He stood as soon as he saw me, a genuine smile lighting up his face.
“You look lovely,” he said, pulling out my chair.
“Thank you.” I settled into my seat, appreciating the gentlemanly gesture. “This place is nice. How did you find it?”
“Family secret,” he said with a wink. “My grandmother’s Italian. She has very strong opinions about authentic pasta.”
The server approached, and Chris recommended the house special-homemade ravioli with sage butter sauce. “Trust me on this one,” he said. “It’s incredible.”
As we waited for our food, the conversation flowed easily. Chris told me about a recent mishap at one of his work sites where a new employee had accidentally directed a logging truck into a decorative pond.
“The driver was fine,” Chris said, gesturing animatedly, “but he was so embarrassed he refused to get out of the truck for twenty minutes. Just sat there in three feet of water, honking the horn.”
I laughed, the sound surprising me with its genuineness. “What did you do?”
“Had to wade in after him. Ruined my favorite boots.” Chris grinned. “But at least now we have the most unusual water feature in the county.”
“You really do have the most entertaining work stories.”
Occupational hazard of managing people who work with heavy machinery and questionable judgment.”
The ravioli arrived, and it was every bit as delicious as Chris had promised. For a few minutes, we ate in comfortable silence.
Then Chris set down his fork and looked at me directly. “Sable, I want to be honest with you about something.”
My stomach tightened slightly. “Okay.”
“Last night, when I met you, I was immediately attracted to you. And spending time with you today just confirms what I felt then.”
He paused, seeming to choose his words carefully. “I know this might be too direct, but I don’t want to pretend I’m only interested in being friends.”
I appreciated his straightforwardness, even as it made the conversation more complicated. “Chris…”
“Let me finish,” he said gently. “I can tell you’re hesitant about this-about me. And that’s okay. I’m not trying to pressure you into anything.”
He leaned forward slightly. “But I’d like the chance to get to know you better. Whatever that looks like for you right now.”
I took a breath, gathering my thoughts. This was the moment to be honest.
“Chris, thank you for being so upfront. I need to tell you something too.”
His expression grew attentive.
“I recently got out of a very… complicated relationship. It was painful, and I’m still recovering from it.”
Understanding flickered in his eyes. “I see.”
“I don’t want to start something new when I’m not emotionally available. It wouldn’t be fair to you.”
Chris nodded slowly. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course,”
“Do you think there’s any chance you might be ready for something new in the future? Or are you completely closed off to the possibility?”
I considered his question. “I honestly don’t know. I hope so, eventually. But I can’t make any promises about timing.”
“That’s fair,” Chris smiled. “Here’s what I’m thinking-what if we just take this one day at a time? No pressure, no expectations. Just two people enjoying each other’s company.”
“I don’t want to give you false hope.”
“You’re not. I’m going into this with my eyes wide open.” He reached across the table and briefly touched my hand. “I like spending time with you, Sable. If friendship is all that develops, I’ll consider myself lucky to know you.”
His sincerity was touching. “You really mean that?”
“I do. But I won’t lie and say I’m not hoping for more eventually.”
I found myself smiling. I appreciate your honesty.”
“So what do you say? Friends who occasionally have lunch and laugh at my ridiculous work stories?”
“I think I can handle that.”
Chris raised his water glass. “To new friendships and no pressure.”
I clinked my glass against his. “To no pressure.”
As we finished our meal, the conversation turned lighter again.
I was laughing again when my phone buzzed. Emergency alert from the hospital.
I looked at Chris apologetically. “I have to go. There’s been an accident.”
“Of course.” He immediately signaled for the check. “Let me drive you-it’s faster than waiting for a cab in this weather.”
My car was still at the shop for maintenance, so I took a taxi here today.
I glanced outside and realized it had started raining heavily while we were inside. “Are you sure? It’s out of your way.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Come on.”
Chris’s car was warm and comfortable as we navigated the rain-slicked streets. He drove confidently but carefully, clearly familiar with the city.
‘Do you always get called in for emergencies?” he asked.
“It comes with the territory, Surgery doesn’t wait for convenient timing.”
“That must be difficult for your personal life.”
“It can be,” I admitted. “But I love what I do. Saving lives… there’s nothing else like it.”
At a red light, Chris glanced over at me. “You really are remarkable, you know that?”
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