Her words filled me with warmth. “Fine. You can buy. I’m paying for dessert, though.”
“I can live with that. They have a banana espresso martini with my name written all over it. I’m going to pair it with their double fudge brownie.”
“That’s a lot of sugar right before bed.”
She shrugged. “Living with my mother, I learned that life is too short to not indulge. If you get a chance at a crazy dessert, even if it’s before bed, you should take it.”
Her words made sense. I never ate dessert after seven o’clock. “I guess I’ll get the short ribs and the cheesecake.”
“What about a cocktail? You’re not driving.”
I smiled. “I’ve always wanted to try the banana martini too.”
“I think tonight is going to be your lucky night.”
11
ELEVEN
Hanging out with Brody was more fun than I’d anticipated. He was anal-retentive, yet knowing the reasons behind his behavior, I couldn’t help understanding why he was the way he was. That made me not just feel sorry for him but like him as well. The whys of his behavior cast him in a new light. I had no idea if that was a good or bad thing.
What are you doing?
When the text came through the next morning I didn’t know who it was from, and I frowned.
Chopping up my husband into little bits so I have an easier time burying him.
I always messed with scammers when they texted. It was my goal to make them as uncomfortable as possible.
And here I thought you would be waxing poetic about the banana martini.
I froze, then I smiled. It was Brody.
How did you get this number? I’m not complaining or anything. I’m just curious.
I readjusted so I was more comfortable in my bed, anticipating a fun conversation. When had I started associating Brody with fun? That was weird to think about.
The contact sheets for the author events. We all have each other’s numbers.
Ah. That made sense. I hadn’t even looked at the contact sheets. The fact that Brody had—he needed to haveallthe information—wasn’t surprising.
I’m still in bed. I’m debating what I’m going to do today, I texted.
When the little bubbles popped up, anticipation built inside me. At that very moment, I knew exactly what he was doing. There was no wondering. There was no guessing. There was just knowledge. That was a powerful thing for me, a person who had grown up never knowing anything.
You’re just getting up?he texted.I’ve already written three thousand words today.
Is that a good thing?I was honestly curious.
Yup. Do you want to take a walk? I could use a little head clearing.
I wasn’t much of a walker, yet I liked the idea.Give me twenty minutes.
BRODY HAD A BOTTLE OF WATER WITHhim when I met him outside the house. He handed it to me, smiled, then inclined his head. “Which way do you want to go?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea. I don’t know the neighborhood very well yet. Which way do you think we should go?”
He didn’t consider it long. “That way. The houses are better in that direction.”
