He scooted closer. “So, what’s your real name?”
“Oh, no. We don’t need to talk about that. I’d much rather hear about Janice’s ideal bedroom.” I raised my sandwich to my fake grin.
He chuckled and shook his head.
Well, he asked for it.
By the end of the lunch period, my brain whirred with all her insights on wallpaper and furniture.
“Lighting issoimportant. I bought a special clip lamp so I look good on-camera,” she enthused.
Sal nudged her shoulder. “You always look good.”
“Aw, thanks.” She lightly touched the spot above her heart and flashed a smile at him, then abruptly turned to me. “I used to be in remote classes, but now I mostly use video to catch up with my friends and nieces. Want to see some pictures?”
“Sure.” It was rude to say no, right? I could stomach a few photos of unrelated kids.
She excitedly swiped through her phone. “Hold on, I havetwo albums.”
I sighed at Sal.
He gave me an apologetic smile and upturned his palms, a silent, ‘What can I do?’
Save me, you jackass.
I should’ve paid him forty dollars for the drone and been done with this debt.
He leaned over his girlfriend’s shoulder. “Aw, she’s cute. Best drooler I’ve ever seen.”
“Sal.” She smacked his arm, thankfully too distracted by his antics to notice I choked on the last bit of sandwich trying not to laugh.
He grinned, then mock-cringed. Goofball. This guy needed all the help he could get.
I packed up my stuff. “Thanks for all…that. I have to get back to reload a phone. Could you make a board of your best recommendations and send them to me?”
“Absolutely. And don’t hesitate to make an appointment at the salon too when you’re ready. Once you makeover your room, it might be time to make over other things.” She wiggled her eyebrows and nails.
“Great.” I tipped my cap. She just called me grubby, didn’t she? Maybe I ought to suggest Sal spring for the tackiest orange phone case for her birthday.
“I’ll walk you back.” He kissed his girlfriend’s cheek; her lips puckered to the air in return, then he bounded after me. “So, what do you think?” he asked.
“I don’t know.” I pushed up my glasses. It was only a first impression.
But I could do this. For him.
“We’ll discuss the scope of your project after closing…on the down-low,” I said. I didn’t need Ash observing our collaboration. She'd ask questions.
“Thanks, Zero.” He hugged me tightly, and thunder crackled through my veins.
“No. Too much.” I backed up. Every nerve ending tingled with the urge to wrap him in a headlock or knee him in the side or…tackle him into a booth. Not sure where that one came from.
He held up his hands. “Sorry. Won’t happen again. Thanks, though. For real.”
“You’re welcome.” I offered him my fist. He grinned and bumped it with his. A static shock zapped between us.
We laughed and jumped back, shaking off the sting.
It had been a long time since anything had tingled pleasantly. Even if it was just for a second, I wanted to try it again. I flexed my fingers. A little static held a lot of power. Too bad I couldn’t wield it.
