“That’s a good title to have.” He holds his hand out to me, and I take it. Hand in hand, we both head toward the truck. “Howabout next time you want to sing karaoke though, you just tell me, and I’ll take you out to a real show?”
“That sounds fun.” My bottom lip rolls under my top teeth in disbelief. I got lucky with this guy. He’s so fun and easygoing, yet he really was concerned when he thought I was sick. “Just know . . .” I pause and give him a challenging side eye. “You are not going to take my title from me.”
“Just you wait.” He throws his head back and laughs before giving me a stern look. “You think you’re competitive? You haven’t seen anything yet.”
“I think I hear a challenge,” I joke. “Care to make a bet?”
“Absolutely.” We’ve reached the truck, and he opens my door for me, standing back while I hop in. “Not karaoke though. I get to pick the challenge, and it starts tomorrow.”
My lips slide into a grin that fills my entire face. “Deal.”
He shuts my door, and while I wait for him to return to the truck, my gaze drops to the ground. It’s all fun to joke about, but I don’t live here. It stinks to find someone I connect with so well, and I’m just going to leave.
He’s quiet when he climbs in his seat and shifts the truck back into gear, steering back to town. Part of me wants me to invite him back to the coffee shop for a drink and more conversation, but even though I have a key, it’s not my store. I don’t really know Graham or how he’d take it to have guests so late. I don’t have any other ideas, and he doesn’t offer anywhere else to go, driving me back to the lodge. He’s quiet when he pulls into the parking lot. “Thank you for taking me out,” I say as I turn to him to say goodnight. “I had a nice time, and I’m sorry for worrying you.”
He slides his arm on the back of the seat, and it feels like a subtle invitation to move closer, but I’m not sure. “I had a great time too,” he says as his eyes lock with mine. “If it’s still okay, I’m going to text you tomorrow.”
“I’d like that.” I trap my bottom lip in my teeth and wait for him to say or do anything to indicate he wants me to stay, but he’s still. After a quiet beat, I put my hand on the door handle, and push the door open, calling back, “Night.”
“Night,” he says as I shut the door, and I turn to go back into the lodge. I’m feeling a little down that the date is over. It’s still fairly early, and I hope it wasn’t me who made it end so soon. A tightness creeps into my chest, creating a pain in my heart different than anything I’ve experienced. It’s like I miss him already.
thirteen
Stallone
The next morning, my mind is quiet when I wake. Peaceful, and with only one thing on my mind. I can’t wait to see Arielle. As soon as I’m back from walking Lucky, I turn on one stove burner. While I wait for my pan to preheat, I text her.
Me: Are you ready for a little friendly competition?
Little dots pop up on my phone screen, indicating she’s typing back, and butterflies dance in my stomach in anticipation. I shuffle to the fridge for the egg carton and have enough time to crack two eggs into the pan before her reply flashes on my screen.
El: You’re not going to win at karaoke.
Chuckling, I type my response.
Me: Remember, I said no karaoke. I had something more adventurous but equally competitive in mind.
Her reply is lightning fast.
El: Like what?
Me: It’s a surprise. Can I pick you up after work?
El: Yes, I close at 6 again.
Me: I’ll be there.
El: Should I do anything to prepare?
Me: Maybe bring some tissues for when you lose.
El: Ha! Funny. I never lose.
Me: See you in a few hours.
El: Can’t wait.
I drop my phone to the counter and turn back to flip my eggs, chuckling to myself. She is just so much fun to be around. Now that we have the whole karaoke thing out in the open, I hope we can spend some real time together without so many interruptions.
