CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Hailey sat on her bed, still in her well-loved pajama shirt, with her laptop open trying to get some work done before the office opened. Mr. Michaels needed some more files and she had reports she needed to send in. She’d collected the documents needed for Mr. Lanceton’s audit and had sent those in. It had been harder than she’d thought it would be over the last month trying to work from Florida, but she was grateful Mr. Michaels had allowed her to. She didn’t want to think about her time with her grandparents coming to an end soon, especially because she wasn’t sure when she’d be able to return. And, if she were being completely honest, she didn’t want to think about not seeing Peter anymore.

She stood and stretched. A glance in the direction of her laundry pile reminded her it was time to do a load or two of clothes. She began gathering her clothing when her phone rang. It was Peter.

Immediately, her hands started to tremble. “Hello?”

“Hi, Hailey. It’s Peter.”

“Oh, hi.” She said it nonchalantly so he wouldn’t suspect she’d already put all his contact information into her phone.

“Are you busy this evening?”

Normally she liked more notice for a date, but she was willing to forego that formality for Peter. “I think I’m free.”

“Would you like to go out with me?”

“Yes, I would.” Going out with him again was dangerous, but Hailey wasn’t willing to say no.

“I’ll come over after work. About five-thirty.” His voice was light and upbeat.

She sat on the bed, excitement churning inside her. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

“No. But it involves the dessert I owe you.”

“I’m not sure what that means, but it sounds fun.” Anything with Peter sounded magnificent.

“I’ll see you later.” He ended the call.

She had no idea where they were going or what they were doing. How could she choose an appropriate outfit? Maybe she needed a new one.

***

After a shrimp salad for lunch, Gran said, “We have another bingo night tonight, would you like to come?” She began clearing the table.

Hailey didn’t want to disappoint Gran, but she had no desire to give up a night with Peter to play bingo. “I can’t.” She handed Gran a plate.

Gran ran some water over the dishes. “More work?”

“No, not work.”

Gran turned, stared at her, and then smiled. “A date? With Peter?”

Hailey nodded, trying to keep the smile from exploding on her face, but she failed.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Gran said.

“But what about bingo?” She didn’t want to make Gran miss out.

“I can always do that.” Gran waved her hand. “Besides, I need to finish knitting the baby blanket for my new great grandson. And Harry and I can watch a movie.”

“Are you sure?” Hailey didn’t want to cancel the plans, but she could rearrange them to suit Gran.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Gran wiped off the counter. “What are you going to wear?”

“I don’t know.” Hailey mentally rummaged through her clothing, but nothing stuck out that she wanted to wear for this date. “I was thinking about going to the mall to find a new outfit. Do you want to come with me?”

Gran seemed to consider the idea. “I’d really like to go with you, but some of my friends were going to come over today.”

Hailey rolled her eyes. “More plotting for the love-challenged?”

“Now, dear, I know you don’t approve of our services, but we do help people find each other.” Gran gave a sharp nod. “And, goodness knows, the world can do with more love.”

“I guess.” Hailey still thought it weird that a group of old ladies sat around planning dates for unsuspecting victims, but it seemed to be relatively harmless, and it made Gran happy.

“I can reschedule our meeting, and I suppose I could ask Raymond across the street to come play cards with Harry.”

“We wouldn’t be gone long,” Hailey said.

***

Hailey and Gran drove over to the mall and shopped in a couple stores. Hailey found a fitted red dress. She walked out of the dressing room and stood in front of a three-way mirror. The dress looked even better on her out there than in the small room. “That’s adorable on you,” Gran said.

“You think so?” Hailey twirled around.

“Really shows off your figure. Wish I had a tiny waist like yours.” Gran patted her side.

Hailey stared at herself in the mirror. She loved how the dress made her feel—feminine and dainty. “Maybe it’s too dressy.”

Gran studied her. “He didn’t tell you where you’re going?”

“Nope. I think he wants it to be a surprise.” Hailey wasn’t too fond of surprises. She didn’t care much for impulsiveness or spontaneity—she preferred to make plans and know exactly what was going on—but tonight she’d make an exception. Being with Peter made her want to branch out, even take a chance.

“He’s a good one, Hailey.”

“Let’s not jump to any conclusions. This is a date, not a marriage proposal, Gran,” Hailey said, reminding herself of the same thing.

Gran wagged her finger at Hailey in the mirror. “I still say he’s a good young man and you shouldn’t let him go.”

“I don’t have him. This is a friendly date. Nothing more.” Even as the words left her mouth, she hoped they weren’t true. She’d been moping around long enough after Kevin, and she was ready to move on. It was time for a new chapter. Actually, it was time for a whole new book.

Hailey purchased the dress and they drove back to the house.