Dom: Already told you, Lynne. I like you too much to do friendship.

Ever: Yes, but . . .

But it’s been so long, and I’ve been so lonely, and you are kind, and sweet, and funny . . .

Ever: Maybe I want more than friendship.

Dom: Maybe or definitely?

Ever: Honestly? That depends on your answer.

The world stops on its axis. I’m sure of it. Nothing exists other than this moment, this conversation between two people who live across town. I’ve missed being nervous about things. I’ve missed caring.

Dom: The answer is yes and no.

Ever: ?

Dom: Yes, I want to hang out. No, I don’t want coffee. Ready to be wowed?

I type always, but I inwardly say Rarely.

Dom: Meet tonight after your tour.

SEVEN

“Pottery studio,” I say, looking around me.

When Nora said Dom was going to get me out of my comfort zone, I thought he would at least let me stay in its general zip code. Alas, that’s not the case. It’s ten thirty at night. I thought Dom for sure was going to take me for a romantic walk or a restaurant. But no. We’re at All Clay Long Pottery Studio—open twenty-four hours; that’s its shtick—just on the outskirts of Salem.

Despite the late hour, the place is buzzing with people. It’s a small, crowded space, with a long oval table at the center, individual pottery wheels around it, and purple bowls full of clay next to each one. On the shelves is a display of bowls and sculptures.

There’s no specific type of people who comes here. I spot two more couples who I bet are here on a first or second date, a group of elderly women, and what I bizarrely (yet probably correctly) assume is a bachelorette party. I bite down on a smile, because if Pippa were here, she’d have gone on a rant. I can almost hear her. A bachelorette party at a pottery studio is exactly the kind of thing I expect you to arrange, Lawson. So I’m telling you right now, I want a stripper, and a cake, and some degree of debauchery that would make us not speak of the night ever again unless we get really hammered and the husbands are not around. You feelin’ me?

“I know it’s unorthodox, but I wanted to think outside the box.” Dom grins down at me. He looks fantastic, in a pale-blue dress shirt, elegant jeans, and loafers. I, on the other hand, am in a gothic black dress, my septum piercing visible to all. I’m pretty sure if my mom ever met him, she’d find him a little too perfect, but she is not here, is she?

“I’m digging it.” I smile big to show my enthusiasm. Nora knows I’m on a date tonight, and I suspect that if I don’t come home pregnant or at the very least engaged, she is not going to let me in.

A woman named Maria approaches us and introduces herself as our teacher. She is wearing an apron stained with clay and passes us two aprons. We wrap them around our waists and follow her to our stations. After that ensues an explanation about what we’re going to do tonight. Then we start pottering. It’s not exactly the Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze experience in Ghost. It’s awkward and sticky and a little frustrating.