By the time the movie was over, the meal was gone, two bottles of wine were empty, and we were relaxed and happy.
I moved to Mal’s lap and snuggled against his chest. It was my favorite place to be. Mal wrapped his arms around me.
“Oh man, you are a great cook. Thanks for such a wonderful meal,” Mal said, kissing my hair.
“You’re welcome.”
“Do you still have any misgivings about us trying to see where this goes?”
I thought about it for a minute. “You know, I’m still a little nervous, but the more time I spend with you, the less of an issue it becomes. I think I owe it to myself—and you—to make the most of this.”
Mal brought his hand up to my cheek and drew me in for a kiss. “I feel the same way too,” he said.
* * * *
Monday afternoon at three o’clock, John and I, along with the oth
