It only took Max two days to call and ask me out on a date. He'd text me the night we met saying he was happy to have met me. No matter how happy I was, there was still something missing. That stupid fluttering feeling that took residence in my stomach every time Reed was around wasn't there with Max. I tried to tell myself it was because we'd just met. I was sure they would come after we had a date.

Noel was laying across my bed scrolling through her phone while I got ready. I was going to be meet Max at the restaurant. He'd offered to pick me up, but I felt better about meeting him for the first date. Since Noel knew him I figured he was safe, but I still didn't want to take any chances.

"You look smokin', Pen. You might get more than dinner going out looking like that."

"Ugh, you have a one track mind. I'm not looking for anything more. I just want to get to know him."

"Suit yourself, but I bet he  knows his way around the bedroom. He has that strong silent type feel to him and those are the ones that can usually put it down."

"It sounds like you need to call up Ray and see if he can help you with your libido."

"I'm ahead of ya, babe. I'm going to his place tonight. He's cooking me dinner and then I'm going to be his dessert."

I could have sworn little hearts popped out of her eyes like the emoji on my phone.

"I would say TMI but after all these years I know there are no boundaries with you."

Noel's laugh bubbled out of her. "You got that right." There were a few seconds of silence before Noel spoke again. "So, I saw Reed."

My body stiffened. I turned around moving my eyes from the full-length mirror I'd been looking in to at my best friend.

"I'm sure this isn't the first time since you still go to his gym."

"No, but I talked to him this time."

All I could do was grunt in response. I wanted to know what he said, but I didn't need to torture myself.

"He misses you. I let him know how I felt about him and his stunt. He’s kind of pathetic when it came to you."

Why was she doing this right before my date with Max? I'd been doing better about not thinking about Reed every five minutes. Now he'd most likely be on my mind all night while I was with another man.

"I don't think this is the best time to talk about this. I'm going out with Max tonight. I can't sit around and cry over him forever. He made it clear that he didn't want me so I'm moving on."

Noel got up from her spot on the bed and walked over to where I was. She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me into a hug.

"Hey, I just want you to be happy. If it's with Max great. If it means you end up back with Reed, after a good knock upside his head, I'll support that too. You're my best friend Pen, I love you."

I laid my head on her shoulder and took a few deep breaths.

"I know, that's all I want too."

***

The place I was meeting Max at was modern and nice, but not over the top fancy. When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw him standing by the door. My nerves go into overdrive. Reed had been the only date I'd had in years and spending time with him had been easy.

When I realized what I was doing, I squeezed my eyes shut and willed him out of my thoughts. Max seemed like a great guy and he deserved my undivided attention. I made my way to the entrance of the restaurant where Max was waiting. I admired the beautiful man in front of me as I got closer. He certainly was nice to look at.

He spotted me and grinned.

"Penelope, it's so great to see you again. You look lovely." He opened his arms to hug me. I walked into him and  allowed myself to enjoy his brief embrace.

"Thank you, and It's nice to see you again too."

Max extended his elbow out for me to take.

"Shall we? I've only been here once but everything I had was great. I hope you'll like it."

"I didn't even know this place was here. I'm always up to trying new places."

Inside a hostess showed us to our booth. The lights were dim, but still bright enough to see the surrounding tables. We browsed the menu and made small talk about work and hobbies. It wasn't until the waitress left with our orders that Max got down to business.

"Penelope, tell me, why is it that you’re single."

Dear lord, I loathed that question. I always felt like it was a trick question. Do they want me to say I attract jerks with small packages like Alec, or sexy jerks that have trust issues like Reed? Or should I go with the textbook answer; I just haven't found the right guy? All felt pretty pathetic in my current situation.

I decided to give him honestly, but without giving a lot of details.

"My last relationship didn't work out and I've just been doing my own thing. I figured things would happen when they happened. I'm in no rush." There, that sounded good I hoped.

"I can understand that. It can be hard to find people that you vibe with. You'd think with online dating that it would be easier to find quality dates, but I haven't had the best luck."

"One dreadful experience turned me off of online dating for a while. My friend has had profile's on pretty much every dating website there is. I don't know how she does it."

I remembered then that Noel's current flavor of the week was Max's friend. I tried to think of a way to recover, but he saved me before I had to.

"Ray is the same. I wouldn't be surprised if that's how they met."

Our meals arrived and to my delight everything was delicious. We talked about everything. We had many of the same interests and similar family backgrounds, aside from the crazy mother thing.  Soon I was completely engrossed in our date and enjoying myself more than I had expected.

Max was telling me about a field trip gone wrong to a local museum with one of his classes. I couldn't control the giggles escaping me. The story was funny, but his storytelling skills took it up a notch.

"Oh, my goodness that was hysterical. I imagine you have all kinds of funny stories from your students."

Max let out a low laugh. "I really do. Even just everyday conversations sometimes have me cracking up when I retell them to my friends. I do have a good time with them though. They keep me young."

"I bet they do."

"Penelope."

My ears had to be playing tricks on me. I knew the voice even though it had been a while since I'd heard it. I had to be dreaming. This couldn't be happening. I looked over at Max trying to ignore what I thought I heard. His eyes were looking just past my shoulder. The smile that was on his face moments ago was no longer there.

"I think that guy is talking to you."

Against my better judgment, I turned my head and my breath caught in my throat. Reed was standing just beside my booth. I didn't see anyone with him. I silently hoped he wasn't there on a date. I chastised myself because who he dated was none of my concern.

He was as handsome as ever in a yellow polo shirt with dark wash jeans. The polo was just tight enough to show off his toned chest. Dark circles marred his under eyes like he hadn't been sleeping well. Just like I hadn't.

"Penelope, do you want to introduce me to your friend?" Max broke the silence.

"I-uh."

"I'm Reed, a close friend of Penelope's." Reed stuck his hand out for Max to shake. Max looked at it with a raised eyebrow before taking it.

"Max, her date."

Oh crap, oh crap what should I do? I tried to think but my mind was shocked from seeing Reed.

Reed turned his attention back to me. "I’m here for dinner with some people from the gym and thought I'd come over and say hi. It's been a while."

Was he serious? He was acting like nothing had happened. Like he hadn't taken my heart and crushed it.

"Yes, it has. It was nice to see you. Max and I are just finishing up our dinner. I hope you enjoy yours."

I turned my attention back to Max hoping that he understood that I'd dismissed him.

"Thank you, Henny Penny. By the way, you look great tonight. I hope to talk to you again soon."

Before I could reply his back was to us and he was headed to his table. Max and I didn't say much while we waited for the server to bring the bill. Once Max wrapped everything up, he placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me outside.

We walked in silence to my car. When we reached it I turned to face him.

"I had a really great time tonight Max. You’re easy to talk to."

"I can say the same for you, Penelope."

"Thank you for everything."

I wasn't sure what I should do from there. I figured a hug was a safe option. Right before I began to go in for a hug Max spoke.

"Is that him?"

My face scrunched up not understanding what he was talking about.

"Who?"

"Your last relationship. The guy that didn't work out?"

My eyes closed. This was awkward.

"Yes, it is."

"I think he wants to see if you can work it out."

My eyes flew open.

"No, he made it very clear that things were over."

How the heck was this how an otherwise perfect night was ending? My luck sucked.

"He may have said that, but his eyes told a different story. I'm a man and I know when another man looks at a woman as more than a friend. He was staking his claim."

I had to laugh at that. "He can't claim me. I'm a grown woman. I'm not some object he can take because he wants it."

"Maybe, but he sure was trying. I'd wager to guess that your feelings for him aren't completely over either."

What was this man, a therapist? I didn't need a psychoanalysis in the parking lot of the restaurant. I hated to admit that he was right though.

"Look, you don't have to answer that. You’re a beautiful woman and I really enjoyed spending time with you. I don't think you’re completely emotionally available just yet. I would love to spend more time with you if or when you are ready. I'll leave that up to you to decide. I don't mind a chase, but I fear that I'd be chasing a heart that’s already taken. I have a feeling that this won't be the last time you see your friend in there."

As much as I wanted to I couldn't argue with what he said. He was right, and I hated it. I gave him a small nod. His arms came around me in a strong embrace and he kissed the top of my head.

When he released me I unlocked my car door and slid into the driver seat. Max stood close by as I turned on the car and eased out of the parking lot. I waved before turning onto the dark streets of the night.