CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Elan meets me at the beach for a walk the next morning, early.
“So, how did it go?” I ask Elan.
He shrugs. “It was nice. She was nice. We talked a lot. Found out we have a lot in common.”
“That’s great. Are you going out again?”
“I haven’t asked her yet, but yeah, I think so.”
“Are you excited?” I ask him. “You don’t sound so excited.”
“I am. Really, I am…”
I nod. “I see. You don’t want to hurt me.”
He nods back.
“You won’t. You can’t. I’m genuinely happy for you, Elan. I mean it.Tell me. I’m dying here.”
“I think maybe dinner and a movie next weekend.”
I nod. “You have my stamp of approval. Just be sure to take her somewhere where there won’t be a lot of us around… you know, people who will interrupt your private dinner and not care.”
“I thought about that. I was thinking The Crab Shack. If she’s not allergic to shellfish, that is.”
“I love that idea. You both can be messy with crab legs or lobster. I think you’ll have so much fun.”
“I’m not sure what movies she might like, but I’m sure we’ll work it out.”
“I’m sure of it. I bumped into her in the bathroom the other day. She seems really nice. And, omigod, she’s so naturally pretty it’s just unfair,” I complain.
He chuckles. “You’re beautiful, too, Jillie.”
“Not like that. Not even close.”
“There are always different kinds of beauty,” he tells me.
“I know. I’m comfortable with who I am, how I look. I’ve got nothing to prove to anyone.”
“Exactly.” He takes a drink of his water. “Anything happening with Leo?”
I shake my head. “No, but he’s really talented. I didn’t know.”
“Yeah, he is. He’s going to go pro, no doubt.”
“I can’t wait to see you on the court when basketball season starts,” I admit. I’ve heard he’s stealthy. I’m curious to see him in action.
“I’ll show you all my best moves,” he teases.
“You’ve already done that,” I tease back, and he laughs.
“Not all of them. Boundaries.”
“Sometimes I hate them.”
He smiles. “Me too.”
