So, Mitch made the smart play. He stood and stretched, feeling as if he’d gained ten pounds in turkey alone. “Damn, girl. You sure can cook.”
She smiled. “Yes, I can.”
He pulled her to her feet and gave her a hug. “I’d better go.”
She squeezed him tighter, and he let himself hold her a little longer.
Then they both pulled back. “Maybe we can have lunch this week, if you get some time? Or dinner?” He tried to play off the request as casual and thought he’d nailed it.
“That would be nice.” Her eyes were shining, more green than brown in the dim light.
“I’d better say goodbye to Simon before I go.” He found the boy upstairs whispering into his phone.
When Simon saw Mitch, he hung up. He didn’t look happy.
“Problem?”
Simon sighed. “It’s Jenna. She’s still after some kid who doesn’t know she’s alive. I don’t get it. Girls are stupid.”
Mitch nodded. “Yep. And so are we. If you like Jenna, why not tell her?”
“What? She clearly likes someone else.”
“You’re friends, right? Maybe if she knew you liked her, she wouldn’t look at other guys.”
“Maybe.” Simon gave him an odd look. “Does my mom know you like her?”
Mitch didn’t know how to answer him. Becca wanted them to be quiet about their relationship around others, and taking her son’s feelings into account certainly made sense. “Ah, well…”
“You like her. She likes you. Why can’t you just admit it?”
“Fine. I like her,” Mitch growled. “But your mom needs space. I’m not rushing her. And neither should you.”
“Hey, I’m cool, man.” Simon held up his hands in surrender, but the huge grin on his face told Mitch he might have made a mistake being so honest.
“Your mom is an awesome lady. We’re good friends. I don’t want to ruin that.”
Simon’s grin faded. “It’s me, isn’t it? A teenager in the way isn’t helping you woo her. She was right.”
“What?”
“She said I was blocking you. Not cock-blocking, but just, you know, in the way.”
“Jesus.Yourmothersaid that?”
“No, Jenna.” Simon sighed. “Then she started talking about the dickless wonder again. It’s like she’s shoving him in my face or something.”
Mitch crossed his arms over his chest. The poor kid. “Why would you think that? Does she know you like her?”
“Well, yeah. But as a friend. Kind of. I don’t know.” Simon kicked at a bike helmet on his floor.
A subtle glance around the room showed a well-loved boy. Posters of pro-skateboarders took up one wall. A bookshelf full of trophies, ribbons, and pictures of Simon from toddler to teen filled it from top to bottom. A few books looked well-used, and Mitch was pleased to see in Simon a fellow fantasy reader.
“You like David Eddings too?”
“He’s old school, but yeah.” Simon frowned at the helmet. “Everything changed this summer. I don’t get it. What’s wrong with her?”
So much for talking about books. “Same thing that’s wrong with you, probably.” Mitch slapped him on the back, cringing when Simon stumbled. “Sorry. Look, Simon. If you want to know what’s bugging your friend, ask her. Be real with the girl. Women like honesty.”
