“What?No. You aren’t buying my dinner. Why would you do that?”
He shoves the bag toward me. “You’ve had a hell of a day. Sounds like the guy who stopped to help you gave you a hard time, and who knows what will happen tomorrow?”
My jaw falls open. “Gee, thanks. Did you miss that whole part about me being nervous? Because that doesn’t help.”
“I’m not saying somethingbadwill happen,” he says, rolling his eyes. “I’m just …saying.”
I put a five-dollar bill on the counter for a tip and grab the bag. “Iamgoing to let you buy my dinner for making me worry about that all night.”
He grins cheekily.
“You are officially my only friend here, Gavin. Congratulations. If tomorrow is a shit show, I’ll be back for therapy.”
“Tell you what,” he says, tossing the towel he had earlier over his shoulder. “If tomorrow is shitty, I’ll listen to you whine and buy your dinner again.”
“Oh, you’re now my best friend here, even if Patti pans out in the friend arena.”
He snorts. “I’ll beat Patti for that title even if she makes it into the friend arena.”
I laugh. “Good night, Gavin.”
“Night.”
“Night, Tucker.”
He throws up a hand in a salute without looking at me.I kind of love this guy.
I head for the door and step out into the cool night air.
My spirits are surprisingly good, considering the ridiculousness of the day. Although, physically, I’m disjointed from the traveling, and emotionally, I’m stressed from the anticipation of tomorrow.
I need to eat and get to bed.
My phone buzzes as I start splashing back across the street. No cars are coming either way, so I tuck my take-out bag under my arm. Then I slip out my phone.
Calista: He won an award.
Me: Calista …
Calista: He was Lineman of the Year two years ago. That’s electrician speak, not football speak, to clarify.
Me: Noted. I just got a burger and made a friend. I’m going to try to relax and get some sleep, so enough with the private eye work, okay?
Calista: Did you tell them you have a best friend already?
Me: LOL. Is that all you took out of that?
Calista: I mean it. You already have a best friend.
Me: I know.
I step onto the sidewalk in front of The Ridges.
Calista: Love you. Call me if you need me. CHARGE YOUR PHONE.
Me: Good night. Love you.
Calista: Night, love bug.
