It’s the most vulnerable thing I’ve ever said out loud, and I wish I could stuff it back in my big mouth.
“Lu, there’s no risk. You couldn’t ask for anything I don’t already want to give you. Woman, you’ve owned me for so long—we’re way past the return period.” I giggle, and he’s quiet for a second before continuing. “And we’ve got five more weeks, so if I ever drive home before the weekend, it’s because I need you. Maybe I need to steal some ofyoursoul.”
“Promises, promises,” I tease.
“I’ll keep every single one.”
“I know you will.”
Chapter 35
Faithfully
I’m quaking with nervous energy, and Lainey’s no better since I told her Annie and the guys are coming tonight. Now that she’s seen his videos, she’s a total Sammy fangirl.
I haven’t heard from Jude since I got to work, but I don’t expect him until late. Maybe not until I get home. Friday night traffic is brutal, and I’m sure he’ll want to catch up with his mom and unpack.
I miss him, and I’m anxious to toss our big pillows on the floor and watch a movie.
Will we still do that? There’s been no time to establish a new normal, but I desperately miss the same things I’d miss if we were only friends. When I said I didn’t want things to change between us, I meant it.
Mostly.
Of course, I’d like to taste the wintergreen Tic Tacs directly from his mouth.Yikes.My inner thoughts are aggressive today.But I want the guy who steals my hair ties, flicks guitar picks at me, and licks my hand.
I haven’t had a wet finger directly enter my ear in over a week, which I suppose has been replaced by kissing me against various surfaces.
Okay, honestly, I forget what my complaint was.
Nathan was in this building less than a week ago. I’m aware he could walk in at any time, but surely he has enough going on to keep him away from me. He has a baby on the way, for crying out loud.
He can hate me all he wants, but he never went out of his way for me before, so hopefully he won’t start now.
Jude was right. Nathan wouldn’t have accepted the breakup no matter what, and I may not have escaped that nightmare without Jude.
If anyone wants to call me a cheater, I’ll just have to let them.
Dave’s been hiding in the kitchen all week, letting me run the dining room with Lainey and train a new hire. Gavin’s barely sixteen, and he’s spent the last two nights unsuccessfully trying to impress Lainey with terrible jokes and tabletop parkour with all the grace and style of your average orange cat.
So far, he’s spilled mop water, filled saltshakers with sugar, and repeatedly mixed-up drinks, causing a lot of complaints about tea.
This is the South. No one orders unsweet tea without a medical reason.
“Trust me, Lainey.” I say conspiratorially. “He takes initiative. Just wait till that jawline firms up along with those shoulders. Once his prefrontal cortex grows in, you’re going to wish you were nicer to him.”
I’m glad Dave hired someone, because I want out of here. Soon. Lainey’s submitted a few applications to other places too,but even if she and Gavin both stay, they’re too young to work more than a few nights a week when school starts.
“Iamnice to him,” she hisses through gritted teeth. “But if you don’t tell him to stop doing handstands in the booths, I’m gonna knock his ginger behind on the floor. I’m tired of seeing his skinny legs flyin’ everywhere. I’m afraid I’m gonna get my head knocked off.”
I’ve only witnessed this brand of energy in one other person, andholy herd of buffalo, I do not have the strength for another Sam.
Little League teams file in one after another, occupying the dining room all evening, and Gavin’s out there high-fiving all of them, asking about their games. He gets everything they need and contains the chaos on vibes and instinct.
“You hit a double! Whoa, that’s awesome!” he tells a snaggle-toothed girl while he refills drinks at their table, keeping them away from the counter so we can restock napkins and condiments.
Despite Lainey’s annoyance, Gavin’s got potential.
We’ve just caught our breath when my phone buzzes, alerting me that Sam has completed a drive.
