“Hi, Dora. Hope you’re not disappointed,” he says quietly.

“Disappointed? Definitely not,” I reply with a wide smile.

I like Ron. His hair is a rich, chestnut brown, neither short nor long. He’s just a few inches taller than me, even with my heels on. He has two adorable dimples that appear in each cheek when he smiles. He has a good build and definitely cleans up nicely. He hands me the flowers and I wonder where he found such beautiful ones this time of year.

“You look amazing, Dora.” His voice interrupts my brain’s musings.

“I was just thinking the same about you, Ron.”

“Well, kids, you have fun. Don’t keep her out too late, Ron.” Jeff sounds like a stern father. I elbow him gently in the side as I take Ron’s hand and lead him to the elevator.

“Oh … Jeff, be a dear and put these in water for me, and don’t forget to put a penny in the bottom of the vase.” I walk back and hand them to a grinning Jeff. “Also, don’t wait up,” I say before returning to Ron, who’s holding the elevator door for me.

Ron’s nervous, but his silence is killing me. We’ve been in the car for ten minutes and he hasn’t said a word. Great.

“So where are we going?’ I ask, trying to sound casual.

“A restaurant Jeff told me you love.” He clears his throat. “I hope that’s okay.”

He keeps his eyes on the road, but he swallows hard, waiting for my answer. He’s different in class. In fact, he loves telling jokes and making people laugh, so why is he so uptight right now?

“Has to be Papa’s then, because that’s my favorite.”

“Yeah, that’s it. We should be there soon,” he replies woodenly.

Really? Like I don’t know.

I want to ask him if something’s wrong, but I don’t think he’ll tell me the truth. The warm bright lights of Papa’s penetrate my deep thought, and luckily, we snag a parking spot a few feet from the front door.

The place is packed, full of happy, laughing people. Papa is playing host. His eyes widen and he belts out, “Dora, my beautiful, redheaded angel. My worlda has just become brighter.” He holds out his arms and I move in for the hug. He smells of pizza sauce and Old Spice. “And who is this younga man?” he asks, staring hard at Ron, who looks like he wants to leave.

“Papa, this is my friend, Ron.”

As the words leave my lips, I realize they’re true. He is, and will stay, just a friend. There’s no chemistry. I feel a little depressed.

“Aww. He looksa like a nice young man. I havea your table ready for you.”

He leads us to the back, and Mama waves and blows a kiss to us from across the room. Several of the waiters say hello as we pass by. It’s a big table that Papa takes us to, and I wonder why there are so many seats. Before I can mention it, I hear a commotion behind us. I inwardly groan as I realize we’ll be joined by others. Not just any others, but my roomies and one of my so-called best friends, a grinning Jeff.

“Dora, what are you doing here?” Jeff asks, all innocent.

“Surprised? I think not. You told Ron this is my favorite place.”

“I mentioned it, but he never said he was going to bring you here. Hey, Papa, these two are on a date, and it wouldn’t be right to join them.”

“Ah, Jeffrey, we are fulla. No more tables.” Papa looks upset and I feel guilty.

“It’s okay, they can join us. Right, Ron?”

Ron nods his answer and everyone grabs a seat. At least the models look to be chagrined. Not Jeff though, he still has the smug grin on his face.

“We had no idea you were going to be here. Honest.” Colin’s English accent sends a warm sensation down my spine. I don’t look up from my menu. My tongue is a little too tied at the moment.

Jeff is sitting to my left, and I reach under the table and pinch his thigh as hard as I can, wondering what he’s up to.

“Oww.” He slightly jumps and then turns to me and glares.

“You deserve it,” I whisper, leaning over and blocking the others’ view with my menu.

“Wait until you get home. That’s going to leave a bruise,” he replies through clenched teeth.

“Okay, who’s ready to order?” Sal, a part-time waiter and a new dad, pulls my attention away from Jeff.

After everyone orders, the mood at the table begins to resemble a funeral service. No one is talking and everyone is avoiding everyone’s eyes. The only thing we’re missing is bouts of crying. What a fun date. If I’m being honest, I’m kind of glad Ron and I aren’t here alone. The friend thing is really beginning to sink in. I guess it’s time to get this funeral—I mean party—started.

“So guys, any photo shoots coming up soon?” I ask and watch as all eyes zoom in on mine. I swear I hear sighs of relief from the whole table.

“No, it’s pretty quiet this time of year. I have one Christmas gig on Monday, but then it’s free time until January,” Drew replies.

Mr. Aussie speaks up next. “I’m traveling home in two weeks where it’s, like, ninety degrees. So, I booked a few shoots while I’m there.”

“A couple of shoots in freezing cold London. What was I thinking?” Colin’s voice makes me want to go with him just to keep him warm.

Stop it, Dora. Get a grip. Out of your league.

“Shoots?” Ron asks.

“Oh, Ron, I’m sorry. How rude of me. These are my roommates.” I make the introductions and watch as poor Ron seems to sink into his chair. He’s intimidated and I need to correct the situation. “Surely you’ve heard how I ended up with these nerds.” I watch three sets of eyebrows shoot up, but I ignore them. “Liam has a superstition that the number four is lucky for him. Their old roommate left and they were so desperate they bullied me to move in.”

“I had heard a rumor around campus about this, but thought it was just gossip.”

The food arrives, saving me from having to talk anymore. Hopefully a few glasses of wine will relax Ron. My stomach growls and laughter erupts, breaking the tension, thank heavens. I would have been embarrassed, but for once I’m glad my stomach loves to talk.

After a couple of glasses of wine myself, I’m feeling like this evening has been salvaged. Ron seems like he’s finally enjoying himself, and my roomies have made him feel like an old friend. They really are a cool bunch of guys. Pushy, yes, but they have hearts. Even Jeff is having fun, although that will end quickly when I ream him for his antics when we get home.

Papa and Mama stop by our table whenever they can. All in all, it’s a great evening. Sal has been amazing, refilling empty glasses and making sure we’re kept satisfied. I catch Ron looking at his watch. I check mine and see that it’s almost one in the morning. I grab Sal and ask for our checks.

“Checks are taken care of,” he replies and I shake my head.

“Who?”

Sal points across the table to Drew, who smiles at us. What a beautiful—I mean, handsome—smile.

Okay, so it’s a freaking hot smile.

“It’s the least I could do after crashing your date.”

I watch his luscious lips as he talks, wondering what they would feel like against mine. Damn, Dora, time to go home.

“Hey, Ron, you live close by, right? Why don’t we take Dora home? I know you have that thing in the morning,” Jeff casually says.

“Well …” Ron starts, and then everyone reassures him that they’d be happy to take me home.

“Is that okay, Dora? You won’t be upset?” Ron looks at me anxiously.

“No, Ron, it’s fine. After all, they know where I live.” I smile and then kick Jeff’s leg, which goes unnoticed since it’s hidden by the red-and-white checkered tablecloth. He grimaces, glaring in my direction. I stand and pull Ron up with me.

“I’ll walk him to his car and meet up with you guys in a bit.” I don’t wait for an answer as we maneuver through the still-crowded restaurant.