Rate a Date by Monica Murphy Page 0,17

your steak, bro,” Paul says, gesturing with his knife and fork toward Theo’s plate. “That shit ain’t cheap.”

I meet Kelsey’s gaze, her face forming a slight grimace at Paul’s complete lack of tact. I’m guessing she’s disappointed in his behavior tonight, and all I can say is…

I’m so glad he’s not my date.

Theo might not be my type of guy. As in, I don’t really feel any chemistry or physical attraction toward him, but he’s perfectly nice. Polite. Interesting, really, and I’m not just saying that. I like listening to him talk. I like that he’s so passionate about his job, and that he makes investing actually sound fascinating.

“Maybe you could come into the bank in the next few weeks and we can set you up an account,” Theo suggests about halfway through the meal.

“Really? I would love to do that.” My enthusiasm is one hundred percent authentic, but my excitement sinks when Paul rolls his eyes, dropping his knife onto his plate with a clatter.

“Are you for real right now? No one can be that excited about a bank appointment with Theo,” Paul says drolly.

I glare at him, not caring that he’s Kelsey’s date. That she’s watching me from across the table, her face full of embarrassment.

Yeah, I’d be embarrassed too if this guy was my date.

“Leave her alone,” Theo says, his voice quiet, his expression fierce.

“What? You afraid I’m going to ruin your chances to take her home and fuck the pain away? Give me a break.” Paul leans back in his chair, swigging from his glass. Something he’s been doing all night long, and apparently the liquor has loosened his tongue. “Don’t blow smoke up this chick’s skirt. We all know you’re still stuck on Jessica.”

The table goes silent. Theo is completely still. I’m gaping at Paul, unable to come up with any words. Kelsey turns toward him. “Why in the world would you say something so rude like that to your best friend? While you’re both on a first date?”

Paul glances around the table before he shrugs. “What? I’m just being truthful.”

“You told me Eleanor would be perfect for Theo,” Kelsey says, her voice like a hiss.

“I didn’t realize she’d be such a wide-eyed innocent.” I blink at him when our gazes meet, dumbfounded. “From the photo you showed me, I thought she’d be a good time for my miserable friend, if you know what I mean.”

Without hesitation Kelsey rises to her feet, throwing her napkin on her mostly full plate. She grabs her purse, slipping it onto her shoulder. “Let’s go, El.”

“Wait a minute—” Paul reaches out to grab Kelsey’s hand, but she snatches it back before he can make contact.

“Don’t touch me.” Now her voice is like ice, and Paul shrinks away.

I glance over at Theo. “I’m so sorry,” I say softly as I dip down to grab my bag off the floor. “You’re a nice man. Thank you for the financial advice.”

We’re out the door in seconds, neither of us saying a word until we walk around to the side of the building and my friend comes to a complete stop.

“Fuck!” Kelsey yells the word as loud as she can, causing a bunch of seagulls sitting on top of a house across the street to fly away, their wings flapping noisily. “Paul is such an asshole!”

I say nothing. I don’t need to. She’s right. Her date was a complete asshole.

“Theo was nice,” I say after a few seconds.

Kelsey sends me a look. “Come on. He was pitiful.”

“A little pitiful, yet nice. I actually learned a few things from him tonight.”

“What? How to not be pitiful?” Kelsey huffs out a sigh. “I’m sorry. I’m being mean. Like Paul. Ugh.” She kicks the side of the building, then cries out in pain.

“That was—not smart,” I tell her, trying to be kind. Kelsey hops around on one foot, shaking out the injured one before she slips her foot out of the shoe completely and checks the damage. It looks okay to me, but I’m not the one with a throbbing toe.

“He tricked me. I thought he was nice. Fun. Interesting,” Kelsey says miserably, her head hanging down as she stares at the sidewalk and her still exposed foot. “He made me laugh when we started messaging each other, and he asked me so many questions. Like he was really into me, you know? He’s attractive. Has a good job. He assured me that you and Theo would get along, that Theo was completely over his ex-fiancée.