It was kind of weird, waking up in a house that wasn't mine. Not to mention I've only known this guy a week. I never would've thought I'd be doing this. If someone had told me I'd be staying at my divorce attorney's house in New York City after only knowing him a week, I would have said they were crazy for a million different reasons, but mostly because that definitely doesn't sound like something I would do. I've never been this person. I waited three years before I slept over at Luke's or let him sleep over at my house. So, yeah, kind of weird, but also kind of nice.
I was pleasantly surprised when I walked out of my room and smelled something being made. It smelled kind of like French toast. I went downstairs, and smiled when I saw Niall, then my gaze swung to Emmy when she called my name and came rushing towards me, Draco close behind. I said hi to them, then walked into the kitchen and next to Niall while Emmy focused on playing with Draco.
"How'd you sleep?" Niall asked, keeping his voice low.
"Good, that bed is really comfortable."
"I'm glad. I haven't slept in there myself, so I would've felt horrible if it sucked."
I laughed. "You have no worries."
"Um, so about today..."
"Let me guess, you have to work?"
"Actually, no." Relief washed over me. "I did extra yesterday so I wouldn't have to go in today."
"Oh, okay."
"I was thinking we could go over to Sarah's parents' and you could meet them. I know that's probably not on your list of things you'd love to do, but I know Emmy wants them to meet you."
"Oh, I don't mind."
"Really?"
"It's totally fine."
He smiled and turned to face me, then gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I was thinking we could have them watch Emmy for the night and we could spend some time alone."
My stomach twisted. "Yeah?"
"That is, if you're okay with it."
"That's sounds perfect."
"It's a date."
I'm sure my face was beat red, but I didn't care. He's actually asked me on a date, which means he's definitely interested in me. I feel so relieved.
The second we were done with breakfast I went upstairs to get ready and ended up FaceTiming Tatum and Quinn to get their opinions on what I should do with my hair and what I should wear. I couldn't imagine that we'd be stopping by here for an outfit change, so I had to be smart. It had to be something that was appropriate for meeting Emmy's grandparents, but also cute enough and maybe even slightly sexy for a date with Niall.
We ended up settling on an oversized sweater and tights with a jacket and Docs, I curled my hair and put half of it up. I was so excited. It was hard to stop smiling, and I was relieved to see Niall looking equally happy.
I had to admit, I was steadily growing more nervous the closer we got to the house, but it didn't turn out so bad. Mary and Al were so nice and so welcoming. I didn't really expect it, because I mean, I am hanging out with their daughter's daughter and ex-boyfriend, and I could tell they could see exactly what was going on between me and Niall. They seemed happy for him, for both of us actually. They asked me a million questions about White Lake and my bakery, and my friends. They briefly asked about my divorce, but only to make sure I was doing okay. They really are the sweetest people in the whole world.
We were there for a few hours, then we had to say goodbye to them and Emmy, so we could start our date. We drove back into the heart of Manhattan and he took me to an amazing restaurant. We couldn't stop talking. We talked about our childhoods and fun memories, and not so fun memories. We walked for a bit and found somewhere to get dessert, which started a small disagreement about which ice cream flavor was the best even though we were sharing a box of chocolates. By the end of the night, we were walking with his arm around mine and his hand laced with my hand so that I was completely tucked against his side.
