Revealing Annie - Freya Barker Page 0,19

while a group of men were congregated around a smoking grill. I recognized one or two faces from the store.

My car had been waiting outside the double bays of a garage, and less than ten minutes later I drove it down the mountain, Sumo’s truck behind me. Last I saw of him was when I turned left to go home and he kept going straight.

“Hey.”

“Annie. Six thirty okay for you tomorrow? Or is that too late?”

That would give me an hour and a half to get home, walk Blossom, and grab a quick shower. In my previous life, getting ready for a dinner date would’ve taken me hours, but life is much simpler now. Although I’m not sure this qualifies as a date, at least that’s what I tell myself.

“Nope, that’s plenty of time. Can I bring anything?” I mean in addition to the éclairs I plan to make tomorrow morning, but let that be a surprise.

“No. Just yourself. Anything in particular you like to drink?”

“Water from the tap is fine. I don’t really drink that often.”

“Cheap date,” he jokes, chuckling. “I’ll make sure I have some wine and beer just in case.”

Okay, so it’s clearly a date.

Nerves suddenly clog my throat, making my voice sound hoarse.

“Sounds good. I’ll see you then.”

I’m about to hang up when I hear him say, “Annie?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you know where to find me?”

Shit.

“Uh, no I don’t.” I feel like an absolute idiot.

“Why don’t I text you the address. I’m just on the other side of the river from you.”

“Oh, okay. Sounds good.”

I slap the heel of my hand to my forehead. Clearly I’m out of practice, I have zero game.

“Annie?”

I can hear the amusement in his voice.

“Yeah?”

“Relax.”

Relax, he said.

I feel like I’m on caffeine overload, even though I only had my regular two cups this morning. My first batch of éclairs came out of the oven too dark, so I had to whip up a second batch. I almost bit off Ted’s head when he asked what was wrong with the tray I’d shoved aside, and he wisely retreated to his corner of the bakery.

The whole day went like that, slightly off balance, and I never quite got it back.

I snapped at Edward for complaining about Mrs. S. and instantly felt guilty, then I got mad at Blossom who decided halfway home from her walk she was done and sat her ass down. I tried to put on some mascara, but the only tube I could find was so old I couldn’t even get the wand out.

Then, to top it all off, I realize standing in front of my tiny closet; I have nothing that would qualify as date-worthy to wear. Frustrated, I grab the one shirt I’d bought in a melancholy mood a few of months ago, when I saw it in a store window along Main Street. The color had jumped out at me, reminding me of my eyes I so carefully hide behind the bland brown contacts. It’s nothing special, three-quarter sleeves with a bit of a flare and a relaxed scoop neck, but the high-quality fine knit feels luxurious against my skin.

I match it with a clean pair of functional jeans and my plain white Keds before taking a quick glance in the mirror. It doesn’t look right and I think I know why.

Taking in a deep breath for courage, I make a quick stop in the bathroom before grabbing the box of éclairs, my purse and keys, and head out.

I’d added his number and address when he sent it over and followed my phone’s GPS instructions to get there. A regular house, but in a great location. I pull into the driveway beside his truck and sit for a minute to calm my racing heart.

Out the passenger side window I can see the park where I take Blossom for her walks on the other side of the river. So close and yet separated by the deep, churning body of water. The symbolism gives me pause. Perhaps this wasn’t a good idea.

Before I can change my mind and back away from his house, my phone dings with an incoming text.

Sumo: Are you gonna sit out there all night?

Sumo

She looks different. More vulnerable, somehow.

I quickly open the door before she has a chance to ring the bell. When her eyes come up to mine, I take in a deep breath.

Those eyes. The same color as the shirt she’s wearing. Beautiful, although I can see the apprehension lurking in their depths. She’s exposing