We all finally decide on our sundaes and sit back at the kitchen table. The clinking of spoons on the bowls rings like a symphony of goodness as we all dig into our ice cream.
With ice cream still in my mouth, I ramble on about Dane. “His grandmother says he’s a sweetheart, but don’t all grandmothers think that?”
“Yeah, but it’s a nice insider look into how she views him—maybe she knows the real guy under all those one-night stands,” Lane pipes in.
“I guess you’re right…I invited him to the grand opening.”
Addison taps on the table. “If he shows up to the grand opening with everyone there, I think he earns some points for that. He’s not trying to keep it a secret.”
“Here’s the thing.” I rub my temples and sigh. “He whispered to me when he left the salon so his Gram couldn’t hear that we were going on a date. What do you think that’s all about? It has me reeling a bit. I can’t figure out why he wouldn’t just tell her.”
“There could be many reasons. Something to talk about on your date. I understand why you would think there’s somethingwrong with that. It’s odd, but don’t forget he just asked you minutes prior,” says Faith.
“It gives me pause to think he wouldn't want his Gram to know. Maybe he doesn’t want anyone to know. That gives me Jake vibes,” I say, and an icy chill runs through me with the thought of Jake.
Jake was so controlling of everything that I did, the people I saw, and he manipulated me in a way that I didn’t even give a second thought—until it was too late. Not falling into a trap like that again is really important for my mental health and overall well-being. It’s taken me a while to work through some of the madness and all the confusion it brought along with it.
“You’ve grown since that whole situation. It’s time to take a risk and see where it goes tomorrow. I’m so proud of you for saying yes to a date with Dane. That took courage, Kendall. You are a strong woman, and you deserve to be happy.”
I stand up and give Faith a hug first. “Thank you for that. It’s exactly what I needed. I guess I’ll find out tomorrow and make the next decision.”
“Oh, you need to ask another question. It’s kind of a fun way to find out, guess, or eventually be surprised,” says Addison.
“Well, I know the only ferry that is that long goes to Long Island, unless you guys have a different guess?”
Lane shifts in her seat. “That’s correct, so…” She digs out her phone. “Let’s look at what’s around there when you get off the ferry.”
“Oh, oh, ask him how far from the ferry port the secret location is.” Faith smiles brightly at all of us.
“Yes, that’s a good one.”
Kendall:
How far is the secret location from the port?
Holding my phone, it vibrates immediately after sending.
Dane:
What are you up to?
Kendall:
Playing detective with my friends, trying to figure out your secret date location. What are you doing?
Dane:
Walking through the garage door after working all day.
Kendall:
Damn! I thought I was the only one who worked late on a Saturday.
Dane:
Guess we have some things in common.
Kendall:
