“You did this, didn’t you?”
She shrugs a delicate shoulder. “I take full responsibility for the idea, but Arlo came up with the plan.”
“Arlo Larson.” I turn to my devious knight in flannel armor. “This is rather presumptuous of you.”
“I had hope.” He clears his throat. “But if you think it’s too much, I can stay and give you the keys to drive to the destination by yourself.”
“This is not third date material.”
“I know. I skipped right to old married couple.” He winks at me as my jaw drops.
“She’s going.” Robin stands, lifts me from my chair, and sets me on my feet. “You haven’t taken a moment to yourself in thirteen years. I love you, but you are wound tighter than a tennis ball.”
“How is a tennis ball wound?” I tease, though I know he is right.
“The inside of them are nothing but rubber bands.” He waves the thought away. “You know what I mean.”
Somehow, I actually do. I pick up my fork, twirling the edge on the antique white tablecloth. “And Lark?”
“Is going to help me move in.” Robin winks at me, though we both know none of his stuff is even here yet.
I should be angry at him, at them, for redirecting my life and taking things out of my hands, but I once learned that if I didn’t take control of my life, then it would take control of me.
I ended up here, lost and without direction. Now I have a job, friends, and possibly something more with the man sitting beside me.
“All right.” I let my fork clatter to the plate, and everyone around me jumps at the sound. I walk over to Lark and give her a big backwards hug. Pointing at Robin, I say, “You and I will have a chat when I get back.”
“Go have fun for once in your life.” He tips his glass at me.
Without looking at anyone else, I meet Arlo’s gaze. “Ready?” I cock my head to the side, and without waiting for him to catch up, I saunter out to the foyer. I slip on my boots, grab my coat, and pick up my luggage. A few moments pass before I finally hear a chair scrape and Arlo sprints after me.
“After you, Birdie.” He opens the door for me like a perfect gentleman and not like he’s setting me up for a weekend of debauchery.
Wait… No, that isn’t what this is about.
Shaking my head, I skip out to the driveway, then skid to a stop. “Are we taking the tow truck?” I frown at the monstrous beast, then frown even harder at the thought of taking Saffron’s even older truck. It might fall apart on the way to our secret destination.
“No,” Arlo growls like a man beast before a chirp echoes in the air. “We are taking Sera’s girly Volvo.” He mocks the name as though it pains him.
“I hear these are very safe vehicles.”
“There’s lipstick in the center console.”
“It’s your sister’s car.”
“Just get in.”
“Aww, you went from excited to grumpy in sixty seconds.” I toss my luggage in the backseat before sliding into the very luxurious passenger seat. I don’t know what he’s complaining about, this is perfect.
Before even getting in, he slides the seat all the way back and folds himself inside before looking at me. “I didn’t think you’d say yes.”
“Is that why you’re grumpy?” Maybe it’s the wine or the splash of coffee liqueur I added to my favorite beverage, but whatever it is, I grab his face and squish his cheeks into a smile. “There you are.”
“Birdie,” he warns, but all that comes out is a muffled grumble.
“Yes, Arlo?” I make his face stretch into a wide grin.
I drop my hands and allow him to repeat what he said. “You said yes.”
