The novel follows Daphne Bell, a young woman with an odd gift from the universe.
But as they continue seeing each other, Daphne begins to doubt the paper’s prediction.
Particularly because Daphne knows things Jake does not… that have the potential to break his heart.
‘Expiration Dates’; Rebecca Serle.courtesy of Ann Molen
Read the first chapter ofExpiration Datesbelow.
Its weighty, this note.
Significant in my hands.
I find it slipped under my door on my way to dinner.
This has never happened before.
But then again, its not the kind of thing that happens twice.
The restaurant is in West Hollywood, not far from where I live.
I like to choose the place.
The wind has even started to pick upreminding us of all that fall can bring.
The hostess at Gracias Madre, a casual vegan Mexican place on Melrose, recognizes me immediately.
Youre the first one here, do you want to sit?
The space is beautifula bar area spills out onto a large and lively patio to the side.
Im nervous, and Im never nervous.
Im wearing a black halter top and a pair of 501s.
Sure, I tell her.
I love your jumpsuit.
I point to the denim romper shes wearing.
I could never pull it off, but she definitely is.
Its from the vintage on MelroseI took your tip.
Throwback, I say, as we walk.
Good s—.
There are several places in West Hollywood that sell second-hand, but Wasteland is the best.
I dont have a ton of hobbies, but thrifting is one of the few.
The answer is no.
One from my landlord, Mike, who wants to know if the gardeners came today.
I shoot him back an emoji.
A flurry of pings on a group chat I have mutedcollege friends, something about Morgans bachelorette.
I havent seen half of them in a decade, Im surprised theyre even including me.
And one from Hugomy ex-boyfriend (well get there):Well?
Hes not here yet, I write back.
Then:Just sat.
We convey too many important things in too few words these days.
Im meeting Natalie at Craigs, should be done by 8.
I give a shot to remember who Natalie is.
The girl he met at Bikram?
Or the one from Bumble?
I put my phone facedown on the table.
Five minutes go by, then ten.
I order a drinkone of their alt margaritas from the menu.
Something with agave and smoked jalapeno.
It arrives and goes down salty and tangy.
He runs late, I think.
Its not ideal, but I can live with that.
Ive been pretty good about it.
Its all about learning the rhythms of your city.
Dont try and get to WeHo from Brentwood in the afternoon.
There is always construction on Wilshire by Westwood Boulevard; take Sunset.
Another text from my mom?
My parents live in the Palisades, on the other side of the 405 in Los Angeles.
Its also about as far as you’re free to get and still live in the same city.
Love it!I write back, without opening her email.
It would take more than two texts, and I want to be present right now.
Thirty-three years, six significant relationships, forty-two first dates, one long weekend in Paris.
And now, here we are.
The first and last blank sheet of paper.
Hes wearing a button-down shirt and jeans and carries a single red rose.
Hi, I say.
I make a move to stand up towhat?
I sit back down.
He hands me the rose.
When he speaks his voice is pleasant and familiar.
When he smiles, the lines around his eyes crinkle.
You were right, I say.
I take the rose.
What took you so long?
He shakes his head, like,Oh boy.
How much time do we have?
I take him in.
Real, incarnate, across from me now.
He has a birthmark under his jaw, a freckle by his left eye.
All of these minute details that make up a person, that make up this person, my person.
A lot, I tell him.
We have a lot of time.
Copyright 2024 by Rebecca Serle.
From EXPIRATION DATES: A Novel by Rebecca Serle.
Reprinted by permission of Atria Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
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