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kiosk to check in for her flight and moved along quickly arriving at her gate about thirty minutes before boarding. Taking out a book to pass the time, she heard her phone ring a few minutes later.
    “Hello?”
    “Hi, Maddie. How are you?”
    She immediately perked up at the sound of his voice. “Todd. I’m good. How are you?”
    “I’m glad I caught you. I just wanted to touch base about Wednesday before the week starts and we both get caught up at work.”
    “I was hoping you’d call. I realized I never asked you any details. I know you said it’s a black tie event, but a girl needs to know a bit more to be sure she’s appropriately dressed. I mean you can just put a tux on, which is almost like cheating.”
    As she said it she realized she had never seen Todd wearing anything but scrubs. She wondered how great he was going to look in regular clothes, especially a tuxedo.
    “You’re correct. I’ll be wearing a tuxedo, so it’s easy for me. As for you, I don’t think it’s much more difficult. You just need to pick one dress.” He laughed.
    “What kind of event is it? Dinner? Charity? Awards? Dancing?”
    “Let’s see, yes, no, yes and yes. There will be a band, so depending on how much alcohol is consumed I would guess a little dancing.”
    “Okay, one more question. Do you have any preferences?”
    He laughed again.
    “You know what? I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that question, at least not so matter of fact. I like that about you. I will say this, long or short doesn’t matter to me. You will see full-length ball gowns and short cocktail dresses. The one thing I will request, since you so kindly gave me the option, is you don’t wear black.”
    “Why? Is that what all your other dates wore?” Maddie teased.
    “What other dates?”
    The answer caught her off-guard. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry or sound childish,” she stammered.
    “It’s fine, Maddie,” he reassured her. “The reason for no black is I’m sure a majority of the room will be dressed in it, and I want you to be different.”
    “Why would you want me to stand out?” It was already a unique situation to attend a formal dinner with hundreds of other people for a first date, and standing out would make her feel like she was in a spotlight.
    “Who knows, you may have to take a few pictures. I have to go, but I’m looking forward to seeing you Wednesday. I’ll pick you up at seven.” He chuckled. “And I hate to sound pushy, but I really can’t be late, so I’m hoping we can leave right on time. Besides, I know you’ll look beautiful no matter what.”
    Maddie laughed with him. “I’ll be ready on time. See you Wednesday.”
    She hung up excited but still a bit nervous. Maddie had not been on a first date in over four years. At least now she knew what she was going to wear.

Chapter 6
    W hen the car pulled up to Maddie’s building on Wednesday afternoon, she had only a few hours before Todd arrived. She was excited to see Todd but still anxious since it was an unusual first date.
    Maddie finished unpacking and called her mom to get an update. Her mom was still spending a lot of time at Scott and Lola’s house. Maddie sensed she was holding back on something, but she didn’t have time to get into it now.
    “Have fun tonight, sweetheart.”
    “Thanks, Mom. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
    She hung up and paused to check her reflection in the mirror. The emerald green dress was strapless and fit to every curve of her body. Even with four-inch heels, the skirt fell almost to the floor. Maddie put on an antique gold and crystal necklace that hung between her collarbone and the top of the dress. She slid in the matching studs and wore her hair up in a loose chignon.
    Maddie stepped into her shoes and checked her make-up in the mirror one last time. She walked out of her building with five minutes to spare and smiled as she soaked up the warm evening air. Sid was standing outside near the door and she asked about