“I’m sure she really did have a nice time. That’s not really the question,” Brewser says.
I nod.
“But you’ve probably taken dozens of women to dinner,” he adds.
I don’t know about dozens. Then again I’m not going to do the math.
“You should’ve done something special for Nora. She’s special. Dates with her should be unique.”
“Define unique,” I say.
He shakes his head. “That’s something you’re going to have to figure out for yourself.”
I blow out a breath. These people are confusing, not helpful.
My gaze lands on the jars next to the register and I sigh. Now the front of the jars simply have a drawing of a thumbs up anda thumbs down. The sign behind them readsAlex’s date with Nora in New Orleans.
Now they’re voting on my dates? While the dollar bills in the two jars are more even than the Brussels sprouts question, the thumbs-down jar is clearly still winning over those who feel I did a good job.
Obviously, this is going to be a regular thing. And I can’t avoid this café. It’s basically the first floor of my house.
Did I say that living above a café had its perks?
The cons are starting to outweigh the pros.
“Well, Nora invited me to movie night,” I tell them. There, see? She wants to spend more time with me.
“Movie night here in Rebel? Down at the park?” Beckett asks.
I focus on the fact that the friendly, easy-going hockey player is sitting at the counter next to his sister. Sutton gives me a friendly smile.
“Hi,” I greet.
“Thought maybe you could use some reinforcements this morning. Friendly faces,” he says.
I nod and glance over the room full of people who are still listening in on everything as if we’re all having one giant conversation together. “I appreciate that.”
“I think the dinner at the Italian Barrel sounds really nice,” Sutton says, lifting her voice. “It’s a super fancy, expensive restaurant.”
“With a sixty-nine dollar cheese plate,” I say for some reason.
There are gasps around the room.
“I can give you three kinds of cheese for four-ninety-nine,” Bruce says, coming through the swinging door.
How could he have heard all of that from back in the kitchen?
I sigh. “Is that right?”
“Yep, all shredded up together in one package.”
Laughter ripples around the restaurant.
“Yes, movie night here in the park,” I say to Beckett, deciding to ignore Bruce.
He nods and lifts his cup. “Well, that will be good.”
“That’s straightforward, right? Movie night. What do people do? You spread out blankets on the grass? Bring lawn chairs? Who knows Nora’s favorite movie candy?”
