Chapter 40: Beck

Nerves prickle at the bottom of my gut as I park my truck in Mia's circular driveway and cut the engine. This is the same nauseous feeling I get in the tunnel, waiting to run onto the field before a game. Like I'm going to puke. I have no idea why taking Mia out on a date feels like such a big deal, but it does. All I know is that I want everything to be perfect.

I grab the flowers from the front seat and take the wide stone steps two at a time before ringing the bell. The sound echoes inside the cavernous entryway. I run a hand over my button-down shirt and khakis one last time.

Wait a minute-are the khakis and dress-shirt overkill? Maybe I should have kept it casual. I'm not looking to spook her.

Damnit.

It's too late to do anything about it now.

Why did I think this was a good idea?

After a few agonizing moments that feel like an eternity, the door swings open, and Mia stands on the other side of the threshold. That's all it takes for the doubts filling my head to disappear