“So let’s make a plan, because things won’t always be as easy as they were in Minneapolis.”

Lauren nodded and set down her glass. “I think we start with promising not to shut the other person out. I never confessed to you that I felt it was only a matter of time before you decided I was boring and mundane.”

Now it was Carly’s turn to set her glass down. “You’re the least boring person I’ve ever spent time with.”

Lauren pointed at her head. “Sometimes we get in our own way and tell ourselves the opposite. From now on, I refuse to swallow those feelings.”

“God, I wouldn’t want you to,” Carly said, sitting back. “The next time I spiral, and yes, there could be a next time, I will take your hand. I won’t shut you out.” She lifted her arm and let it drop. “Honestly, the only thing I can imagine spiraling about is not having you by my side.”

“That was a really good answer.” Lauren picked up her glass. “A toast. To getting it right this time.”

“Take two.”

“The more adult version.”

Carly touched her glass to Lauren’s and raised an eyebrow. “Saucy. I like it.”

Lauren blushed. “I didn’t mean like that.”

“Too late. It’s in the history books for all posterity.”

After that little exchange, they seemed to race through dinner. It was almost as if they had something more important to get to. Carly commented on how amazing the pasta was. Lauren mooned over her brined double pork chop, and when they were finished, Carly paid the check, posed for a photo with the server, and they spilled out into the night. Forty-Sixth Street was bustling, and they huddled together to keep warm. A saxophonist along the sidewalk played a slow rendition of “It Had to Be You,” making everything feel special, romantic.

“And now?” Carly asked.

“Take me to your place?”

She chuckled. “Not yours?”

“I know you, and you’ll have booked fancier digs. What happened to the wooing?”

Carly balked. “I’m not a movie star, Lauren. I play games on TV for a living.”

“Are you staying in a penthouse tonight?”

“Why, yes. Yes, I am.”

Lauren poked her in the ribs, and Carly grinned. “Shall we get your things first?”

Lauren considered the question. “Well, if you think I’ll need clothes before tomorrow.”

Carly tugged on Lauren’s arm with new purpose. “Definitely not. Let’s go.”