I didn’t lie when I said I had a break coming up, but now I feel so out of sorts that I can’t find any appeal in eating the sandwich Liv left for me earlier.
That alone tells me that my attraction to Arlo has the potential to easily grow into something more.
Penny comes into the break room and leans against the wall, crossing her hands over her chest.
“Do you need me outside?” I ask. “Let me just stuff half this sandwich in me so I’m not hungry later. My cocktails are always extra-alcoholic when I’m hungry.”
She snorts. “Nope. Luke was the only bartender we had for a while. He can handle it.”
“Okay, thanks.” I take a bite of the sandwich, but all I can think about is if I will ever have the chance to savor Arlo again or if that was it. Do I regret not taking more? Or was it the best decision?”
“Are you really going to make me ask?” Penny says.
“Ask about what?”
“Really? We’re doing this in reverse now? I want to know what’s the deal with the sexy guy from the craft store.”
I sit back on the chair and try my poker face. “No deal. He’s a friend.”
“Oh really? I’m a friend, and you never kissed me like that.”
“That’s because you’re a girl.” I should get the award for the stupidest thing ever said.
Penny doesn’t even dignify my statement with one of her own. She just stands there, staring at me, waiting for me to break. It’s like she’s been spending time with my daughter.
“Fine,” I huff. “I admit there’s…some attraction, and it might go both ways. I don’t know. We’ve known each other for literally a couple of weeks. We’re friends. He was upset over something, and I went outside to comfort him.”
“And one thing led to another, right?”
“Right.”
Penny comes over, takes the chair across from mine, and grabs the uneaten half of my sandwich.
“Jesus, this is amazing. I’m so jealous you get to live with Liv,” she says, moaning as she takes another bite.
“You can’t move in. There are already too many smartass women in my life.”
She laughs. “Try being smart, and you won’t need us. Till then, enjoy the ride. So…here’s my unrequested theory…”
I sigh, waiting for her big reveal.
“I bet you decided you’re going to keep your head down while you’re here for the sake of Liv and Ava, right?”
I nod.
“That’s very noble of you, and knowing your history with Mrs. Martin, I don’t totally blame you for it. Except you’re forgetting one important detail.”
“What’s that?”
“You.” She puts the rest of the sandwich down and links her fingers together. “Levi, you can’t live a celibate life while you’re in Stillwater. You deserve to be happy here. The past is in the past where it needs to stay. Don’t be afraid to chase your future.”
“You’re talking like he’s the man I’m meant to marry one day or something.”
“What if he is? You’ll never know unless you give yourself the chance to try.”
I stand up and clear the sandwich wrap and crumbs. “It really isn’t like that, Pen.”
“Uh-huh.” She purses her lips and walks back to the bar.
