22 Dani This had to be the most awkward, awful ride to a restaurant in the history of the entire world. I spent the entire time, including when Max stopped to fill his truck with fuel, mentally kicking myself for suggesting that we eat at a restaurant so far outside of town. His idea of going to the local saloon would have shortened the tense drive down to a few minutes, and the rowdy atmosphere of the bar would have alleviated the need to chat during our meal. I was beginning to dread the idea of trying to make small-talk while sitting across the table from this Adonis in a relatively quiet pizza joint. He was undoubtedly already regretting asking such a socially-stunted woman on a date. When the first few bright white snowflakes began to swirl in front of the windshield, I said, “Oh,

