Emma
“Carley!”I shout as loud as I can.
“What?” She races into the living room.
“You need to help me. I’m going to lunch with Eli and his mom.” I mean, this is freaking serious.
“Okay.” She holds her palms up at me like she’s trying to talk me off the ledge. She sort of is. “Remain calm.” Then, she laughs.
“Funny.”
“Let’s find an outfit. Then we’ll do your hair.”
“Nothing over the top. I just want to look normal.”
“Absolutely. Normal but adorable.”
Rolling my eyes, I grumble, “Whatever. Just do your magic.”
* * *
“It’s sonice to see you again, Emma,” Eli’s mom, Helene, says as she disregards the hand I’m holding out for a shake in favor of a full-body hug. A long one.
“Same,” I say into her jacket collar. Ugh.Same?I couldn’t think of something better to say? I’m so bad at this, especially since I’m so preoccupied with the man standing in my tiny living room. I’m doing my level best not to jump up and wrap myself around Eli like a monkey. He’s a sight for sore eyes. He looks good. Tired. But good.
“Where should we have lunch?” Eli asks, which is great because things were just going to get more awkward between his mom and me.
“I don’t know. What sounds good to you, Emma?” his mom asks, giving me a sincere smile.
“Well, there’s Casetta Kitchen Counter.” That place is affordable. Hopefully they don’t want to go somewhere fancy. I can’t swing that. “There’s Monty’s if you want comfort food. Or what about DLUX?” I shrug. “I guess it depends what you’re hungry for.”
Helene responds with “I’d just like a good salad and a cup of soup on this chilly day.”
I look at Eli, hoping he’s got some suggestions. He doesn’t. I guess it’s up to me. I suggest, “Zoup?” It’s a place known for its healthy soups, salads, and sandwiches. They’re big on natural ingredients as well as posting the nutrition information for everything on the menu. How do I know all that? Carley. That’s her jam.
“Oh, we’ve been there before.” Helene reaches out and touches Eli’s arm. “That place was yummy and very healthy. Let’s go there.”
Phew. I’m glad that’s settled.
At the restaurant, we each order at the counter with me going first. I make my way over to the cashier, ready to pay for my meal, when I feel a hand on my shoulder. “I’m buying you lunch, babe.”
Babe. Wow. It seems like so long ago––the last time he used a term of endearment. “You don’t have to.”
He’s now leaning down, his mouth so close to my ear I can feel his warm breath. And by that, I mean I feel it down to my toes. “We’ve been through this.Weinvitedyou.We pay.”
“Fine.” I only ordered a side salad and water anyway, so it won’t cost much.
“And you’re going to have to order something else. Like some soup?” He looks at the cashier. “She’d like to add something to her order. Is that okay?”
The girl behind the register is just staring at Eli like he’s the best-looking guy she’s ever seen. I suppose he could be.
“Tomato soup, please. A cup.”
“Make it a bowl and add a grilled cheese as well.”
“Eli.”
“I’ll eat whatever you can’t finish.” His lips touch that spot right below my ear and I nearly melt on the spot. Right there in Zoup.
