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make sure the battery hadn’t died.  She tried to remind herself she was a grown woman and if Ryan didn’t call, that was just the way it was going to be.  If he didn’t call, she would be fine…disappointed, but fine.  
    She was beginning to think he wasn’t going to call, but then her phone rang as she was walking up the stairs to the front door of her house after a long shift at the hospital.  She was exhausted and her feet hurt and she couldn’t wait to climb into a hot shower and settle in on the couch for a night of nonsensical television.  The startle of the phone caused her to drop the keys she’d been fiddling with and she began fumbling through her purse, trying to find where the phone had disappeared to.  She finally felt it underneath her wallet and managed to pull it out on the fifth ring and flipped it open without bothering to look at the number.
    “Hello?” she asked quickly.
    “Hi.  Is this Mallory?” a deep voice asked through the receiver and she instantly recognized it as Ryan’s.
    “Yes, it is.”
    “Hey, Mallory.  This is Ryan.”
    “Hey.  How are you?”
    “I’m good.  I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner.  Work’s been keeping me busy.”
    “That’s okay.  I’ve been busy too, but I’m glad you called,” she said and then wondered if that sounded too desperate.
    “I was hoping you’d have dinner with me tomorrow.”
    “ That’d be nice,” she said without any hesitation.
    “Great.  Any suggestions on where we should go?”
    Mallory thought for a moment before replying.
    “There’s a restaurant called Bandaloop you might like.”
    “ Bandaloop?  Sounds interesting,” he said and Mallory could picture his skeptical look on the other end of the receiver, probably imaging more strange food. “Can I pick you up at seven?”
    “Sounds good.   I’ll text you my address.”
    “Alright.   I’ll see you tomorrow then,” he said and then hung up.
    Sliding the phone back into her purse, she bent down to pick up the keys that were still resting on the concrete.
     
    ****
     
    It had been forever since she’d last been on a date and as she got ready she was nervous.  Work and taking care of the house and her mother took up most of her time.  Meeting Ryan had been by complete chance.  She doubted it would actually go anywhere, but she was still looking forward to going out. 
    It was nearly seven o’clock when she fin ished getting ready.  The doorbell rang and after looking quickly into the mirror once more, hoping the long, black skirt and white cotton top was okay, she skipped downstairs where her mother was sitting on the couch reading.
    Mallory walked over and opened the door.  Ryan stood in the glow of the setting sun and she smiled at the sight of him.  He was wearing a pair of jeans and a dark green polo shirt, which made his eyes stand out.  His hair was gelled neatly and she noticed how smooth his face looked.
    “Hi,” he said with a smile.
    “H ey.  Come inside while I get my purse,” she said, motioning him in.
    Her mother looked up and eyed them curiously from her spot on the couch.
    “Hi,” she said, staring at Ryan. “Who’s this?”
    “This is Ryan,” Mallory replied. “Ryan, this is my mom, Claire.”
    “Nice to meet you,” Ryan said, walking over and extending his hand.  Her mother took it hesitantly.  Ryan probably didn’t notice, but Mallory did.  Their eyes met and Mallory’s got big as she mouthed, “Seriously, Mom?”   Her mother just shrugged her shoulders though and smiled at her daughter.  Mallory glared at her, silently telling her they’d discuss this later.
    “Alright , Ryan, we should get going,” Mallory said, pulling her purse over her shoulder and waiting by the door.
    “Have fun,” her mom called as th ey made their way out the door.  Mallory didn’t say anything, but Ryan said goodbye to her mother and she followed him out to his dark blue Wrangler.  He held the door open for her and she