FIFTEEN
Kendall
With back-to-back clients, the day flew by, and I took periodic peeks at my phone. I don’t want to get my hopes up with Dane, but it’s tough when we are exchanging text messages that have me replaying our time this morning. His lips on mine. His hands on my body. And my heart beats faster.
Finally, everyone is gone for the day, and I can text Dane back.
Kendall:
Hmmm…I do like a good surprise, and now I can ask questions :)
Dane:
You caught me taking a break from the case. What’s your first question? Only one at a time.
Kendall:
That was a good hint. How long will we be on the ferry?
I waited a couple of minutes, hoping for a quick response that didn’t come. As I sweep up the last of the hair, everyone else is cleaning up their stations. Taking my apron off and hanging it up, I switch out of my work shoes for a comfy pair of slip-ons. I grab my purse and say goodbye to everyone.
Heading quickly to my car in the back, I slide into the driver’s seat—enjoying the feel of the expensive leather on my skin. With hope, I glance at my phone to see if Dane messaged back. Nothing yet. Taking a deep breath, I start my car and pull out onto Main Street.
It takes me only ten minutes before I’m pulling into Lane’s driveway. I jump out of the car and power-walk to the side door. Time spent with friends is always therapeutic. Even more so when one of your best friends is a therapist.
I knock and walk in, saying, “Hey, I’m here.”
Lane comes around the corner and gives me a big hug. “What’s going on? I didn’t think you were going to make it tonight.”
“I was running a bit behind at the salon.” I throw myself into one of her kitchen chairs. Looking around dramatically as I say, “So…I heard you might be doing some updating around here.”
“And where might you have heard that?” she asks, taking a seat at the table across from me, eyeing me with suspicion.
“It just so happens that I went out to dinner with Blake last night.”
She interrupts me with an arched eyebrow. “And you had dinner with him because…”
“You know he’s been asking me for a while, and I said yes.” I give her a pointed look. “But, I heard from him that you are updating your kitchen. When were you going to tell me, tell your friends?”
“It’s not that big of a deal, Kendall.” She averts her eyes.
I’m not buying it. She was keeping this close to her chest. I’m more than a little interested in what she’s thinking about Blake and this kitchen renovation.
“So when are you meeting with him?” I prod, knowing full well, they met this afternoon.
She hesitates and fidgets in her seat, but then says, “He came over this afternoon.”
“Oh, this afternoon, huh?” Lane hasn’t said a word to us. She must have known I’d find out.
They would be such a cute couple. I’d like to see them together. An idea pops into my head. I can make that happen during the soft opening. Lane will be there, and so will Blake. I’m always looking for ways to set up my friends as their personal matchmaker. I live vicariously through them, since I haven’t been interested in dating. Well, not until this week, when I couldn’t seem to say no to Dane.
I glance at my phone again to see that he has finally responded.
Dane:
I knew you were smart AND gorgeous! One hour and fifteen minutes…
I’m giddy and glance up to see Lane staring back at me. My smile doesn’t go unnoticed.
