Rate a Date by Monica Murphy Page 0,15

just walked in behind me. “Enjoy your meal, mademoiselle.”

I approach the table with trepidation, watching as Kelsey settles into the chair next to the man who can’t stop staring at her. I mean, can you blame him? She’s absolutely stunning, and tonight is no exception. Her hair is down and flowing. She’s wearing a black romper that would make me look dumpy, yet she looks downright glamorous. She accented the simple outfit with gold jewelry. Gold hoop earrings, thin gold necklace, a stack of gold bracelets on her left wrist.

Ugh. She’s beyond chic. While I look like me. Which means I don’t look particularly chic.

Okay, wait. I take that back. I work at a hair salon, meaning we all like to keep on top of fashion trends and we’re always trying to outdo each other, outfit wise. It’s actually a lot of fun.

So yes, I’m wearing a long black cotton sundress I found on the clearance rack at Old Navy at the end of last summer, with a denim jacket over it. Black slides. I did the gold jewelry thing too, though not as prettily as Kelsey put herself together. A single gold bangle on my wrist, and large, thin gold hoops. I curled my hair before I left work, and it’s extra bouncy. Touched up my makeup too, including slathering on gloss that has lip-plumping serum in it.

My lips are still tingling. It’s a tad worrisome.

“So glad you made it.” Kelsey stands once more, pulling me into a quick hug, her mouth right at my ear as she whispers, “Be gentle.”

Oh God. I stiffen in her embrace and when she releases me, she keeps one hand on my shoulder, steering me so I’m facing the table.

Here we go.

“Paul, meet one of my best friends, Eleanor,” Kelsey says.

Aw. I’m touched. One of her best friends? I sort of want to cry.

“Eleanor. It’s so great to meet you. Kel speaks highly of you.” Paul smiles at me and stands, offering me his hand. I take it, wincing at the extra strong grip. He’s handsome, though a little…bland? Blond hair. Light blue eyes. Wearing a suit, like he just got off work. I mean, he’s attractive, but not really my type.

“And this is Theodore,” Kelsey says, her voice soft. Almost sad.

My gaze alights on the man who’s my date this evening. Oh, he has such a hangdog face. It’s not an unattractive face, but he looks so dreadfully sad. Dark brown eyes. A full mouth that’s turned downward. His hair is black, slicked back but not in a sleazy way. He’s wearing a suit as well. His looks nicer than Paul’s, as in he might make more money than Kelsey’s date. Or he just has better taste. Good taste is a plus, right?

“Eleanor.” Theodore breathes out my name, sounding surprised as his gaze roams over me before he meets my eyes. “Thank you for coming to dinner with me tonight. And please, call me Theo.”

He sounds so grateful. Like he can’t believe I agreed to a date with him. The poor, poor man.

“Thank you for inviting me, Theo,” I say as I shake his hand. We all settle into our seats at the table and I notice with envy that Kelsey already has a giant glass of wine. “Was I late?”

“Oh no.” Kelsey smiles. “You’re right on time. Paul and I got her about a half hour ago and had a drink.”

I’m glad she didn’t make me do that with Theo, but maybe it would’ve eased things between us. I can feel the nervousness radiating from him. He’s so amped up, I’m tempted to order him a double of whatever he’s drinking and encourage him to down it like a shot.

I glance over at Theo to offer him a smile and catch him staring at me. Not in a creeper way, more like in a I can’t believe you’re here with me way. It’s sweet, but kind of off putting.

The man was previously engaged, yet he acts like he’s never been on a date in his life.

The restaurant we’re at is very French, as in it’s very authentic. I scan the menu, ordering a glass of wine when the server appears. Paul orders appetizers for the table, and all I can do is hope they aren’t frog’s legs or snails. Not gonna lie: that sounds kind of gross.

“They have such a fabulous wine list,” Kelsey says after she takes a generous gulp from her glass. “I wish I could sample them all.”

“I