"It wasn’t my best idea," Spencer mumbles.
I laugh while walking the pizza to the breakfast bar separating my kitchen from the living room. "No. She’s okay Spencer." Frankie’s just a little hyper.
I flip open the top of the pizza and get a whiff of pepperoni and cheese, the toppings we agreed upon through text earlier tonight. "She's a puppy. Puppies chew." It's also the reason I don’t have a puppy.
I grab a few plates from the cupboard and slide them on the counter, and for good measure, two forks, as well. Frankie, content with her spot on the couch, doesn't move, even with the tempting smells of meat a few feet from her.
"That's a good sign—she's not begging for food." I don’t really know if that’s true or not, but Spencer seems a little overwhelmed and it might be helpful.
He looks back at Frankie and shakes his head. "She ate two bags of trash before we came."
"Oh." Not so helpful then.
"She must have a grudge against bags because one of them was empty—in the cupboard under the sink." He keeps staring at Frankie, his head jerking back and forth like we should all be a little wary when she's so quiet and not moving.
I lightly push the plate into his arm to draw his attention back to me. "I'm sure it's a phase."
Probably.
Maybe.
Spencer puts three pieces on his plate and then randomly, his head jerks up, his eyes wide in excitement. "I brought a movie."
He’d asked what I liked through text, and I told him anything. It seemed like the right answer to give to a guy you're hoping is not a serial killer and you've invited into your house. At this point, I can only cross my fingers he hasn’t picked some Rob Zombie movie likeHouse of 1000 Corpsesor something. Me hiding in my closet underneath a pile of blankets is probably not the chill part of tonight’s plan.
This is why I should not be allowed to text guys. I’m too reckless. I agree to stupid things.
"What did you decide on?" I ask hesitantly. Please no horror movies. Oh God, what if it'sCujo?
"I called my sister in Texas, and she suggested this." He pulls out a DVD case from behind his back.
I use a few seconds to puzzle it out because I’m pretty sure DVD cases are too big for a man’s back pocket. Unless he’s hiding a massive fanny pack back there, that case has been down his pants.
A place I hope to one day become acquainted with. I'm way too wrapped up in thoughts of where this case has touched to give it my attention, but I sneak a peek at the cover. Looks harmless enough.
A simple white background with a cute couple on the front, a big, fluffy Labrador retriever right smack dab in the middle. What could go wrong?
“So what is it you do, Joslin?” Spencer asks, now starting the required small talk portion of our evening.
“I’m a pediatric nurse. And you? What brought you to Pelican Bay?” I can’t imagine there’s a huge need for hot guys in the city. There aren’t many jobs, and I would definitely remember if Spencer had gone to school with us or been here for any length of time. I’m a member of the Pelican Bay phone tree. A guy this hot would definitely warrant a phone call.
“Just finished my time in the military and took a job with Ridge Jefferson’s firm. Do you know him?”
“Ridge? Who doesn’t?” I respond, leaning across the breakfast bar and taking a bite.
Spencer inclines back like I’ve shocked him. “Oh.”
“Oh?” I question…and then his response hits me. I chew faster and swallow hard. “Notoh.Just oh. The Jefferson brothers are kind of legends around here. The whole family, really. They own the hardware store, too. You can’t live in Pelican Bay and not know a Jefferson.” I hurry to explain.
**
An hour and thirty minutes later, Frankie, sensing my distress, nuzzles closer. Her head rubs against my arm until I lay it over her neck and scratch under her chin.
"Can I get you a Kleenex?" Spencer asks from the other side the couch.
Like a woman who knows another has been wronged, Frankie stretches out, kicking him in the leg with her back paws. Spencer and I sit at opposite sides of the couch—as much distance between us as possible—while the dog lays spread out in the middle. It would be a funny scene if we were in high school and not two adults on an awkward first date. Tonight isn't comical so much as wretched.
"No. I'll be okay." I swipe at the few remaining tears before they have a chance to make it far down my cheeks.
