“So, essentiallyLegally Blonde?”
I burst out laughing. “Sure. Let’s do theLegally Astipiaversion.”
“Just saying.” She smirks, her eyes twinkling. “I’d watch.”
So would I. My brain starts churning at the idea.
She glances at her watch, her smile slipping into something apologetic. “I’m sorry to cut this short, but I have to go.”
I stand as she slides out of the booth, waiting for her to pass me before throwing some cash on the table, adding a hefty tip. That brownie really is worth it.
“Which charity?”
She sighs as we step onto the sidewalk. “No charity tonight. I have a class then pure schmoozing-enforced family time.”
I hide my smile. “Which business?”
“Hendrix. He’s launching a new app tonight. Seems pretty excited about it.”
We both hesitate, standing just outside the coffee shop, the conversation stretching into silence. Molly tips her head to one side, her curls catching the golden glow of the streetlamp.
“You know, we should do this again,” she says, her tone casual but warm.
I hide my pleasure behind a smirk. “I could go for another brownie.”
She punches my arm weakly, her laugh light. “You doofus.”
Lifting her hand, she flags down a cab. As it pulls up to the curb, she glances over her shoulder. “You have my number. Call me.”
“Sure,” I say, watching as she climbs into the cab. She shoots me a grin and a little wave before the door shuts, and then she’s gone, the car vanishing into the sea of brake lights and bustling traffic.
I rub a hand over my chest, frowning at the strange ache blooming there.
“You gonna stand there or chase her?” a raspy voice calls out.
I turn my head, spotting a homeless guy leaning against a lamppost.
Raising an eyebrow, I reply, “Friend, that kind of action doesn’t come until the end of the movie. Me and Molly? We’re in the opening act.”
The old man huffs, shaking his head. “In my day, we wooed our broads. Didn’t just stand there staring at their backs as they walked off into the sunset like schmucks.”
I pull out my wallet, handing him a fifty. “Thanks for the advice.”
His eyes light up as he snatches the cash, shoving it deep into his jacket. “You need more advice? You know where to find me.”
I give him a mock salute before shoving my hands into my pockets and heading down the street. I don’t have anywhere to be, nothing pressing to do, so I wander, letting the city’s rhythm guide me. The lights blur together, the sounds of honking horns and chattering people washing over me as my thoughts drift back to Molly.
My phone buzzes.
“Ma, were your ears burning?” I ask, answering the call.
“Why would my ears be burning, oh son of mine?” she asks, her lilting voice full of amusement.
“Never mind. What’s up?”
“Your father has had a work issue arise, leaving me without a date. Are you free tonight?”
“For what?”
