“We should double date!”Lula exclaims.
I drop my head back and groan at the ceiling.“I just moved in.We’re not dating or anything.”
“Not yet!”she says, eyes sparkling.“You should ask her out.You can take her to Palmer’s!It’s the best restaurant in town.”
“Maybe,” I say as the server drops off our drinks.
“Oh, this is so exciting!”my sister announces, practically bouncing in her seat.“We’ll plan your date when I get back.I want to wash my hands before the food comes out,” she adds before heading to the bathroom.
“So?”Koa asks once she’s gone.
“So, I’m screwed,” I admit.“As soon as she opened the door, I just… I don’t know, man.I’ve never felt that before.”
“That’s how it happened with Lula and me,” he says, taking a sip of his Coke.“You’re a goner.”
I glare at him.“Thanks for that advice, man.”
“Anytime.”He grins.“But honestly?There’s no point in fighting it.That just causes heartbreak and more pain.If you think this girl is the one, then she probably is.Go for it.”
“Isn’t it weird to date someone when I’ll be leaving again soon?”
Koa shrugs.“If it’s worth it, you’ll make it work.Long distance is hard work.”
My gaze drifts out the front window to scan the street.It takes me a moment to realize that I’m looking for her, wondering if her shop is nearby.
“Is your roommate worth the effort of dating long distance?”
I clear my throat.“Yeah, I think she is.I mean, I just met her today, and this all feels kind of crazy, but I can’t shake this feeling.It’s like as soon as I saw her, something critical inside me shifted.”
“Welcome to the club, buddy.”
Lula comes back, and I try to steer the conversation away from Daisy and our upcoming date.It doesn’t work, and by the time we’re done eating, Lula has not only planned our first date but also our wedding.
“Want to come over for a bit?”Koa asks.
I shake my head.“Nah, I’m going to go finish unpacking.Maybe hang out with Daisy if she’s around.”
“And ask her out,” Lula instructs.
“Yeah, maybe.”
Lula squeals and claps her hands.
I stand, taking that as my cue to leave, and toss some bills onto the table.“I’ll see you guys later.”
“See you,” Koa calls.
“Call us if anything happens!”Lula adds.
I wave as I leave.Shaking my head, I climb into my truck and search for the hair salon in town.I know it’s crazy to drive by, but I want to check it out.I want to see if Daisy is still there or if maybe she’s headed home.
There’s only one salon in town, and I drive by slowly.All the lights are off, so I know she must have gone home.I smile as I turn the car around and head back toward her place.
Our place,I correct, grinning to myself.Damn, I have it bad.
I pass Mancini’s Pizzeria.I wonder if she’s hungry.
Pulling over, I hop out, deciding to get a cheese and pepperoni pizza for us to share.
