They looked at each other for a minute, then returned to passing out the lunch. They agreed to split the sandwiches.
“So about missing you,” he said, opening the bag of chips. “While being your friend is important, I was talking more about missing the boy-girl part.”
A little quiver raced through her. She smiled. “You mean dating.”
“I do. I like dating you.”
“You’re a very nice date, yourself.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
Jax picked up a half of a turkey with mango chutney and apple slices while Marcus chose half of a roast beef sandwich.
“Ramon still doing all right?” he asked.
“He is. It’s like he was never gone. I’m still keeping the door closed, but he’s not shown any interest in going out.”
“You’re back with the kids this week?”
“Yes. We spent Saturday and Sunday night at the store, but starting on Monday he was by himself. Well, him and the cat.”
“Still no name?”
She shook her head. “Gentry made a comprehensive list of possible cat names, but Ramon didn’t like any of them. At some point I’m going to have to insist. We can’t keep calling him ‘the cat.’ He deserves an identity.”
“Maybe ‘The Cat’ is his name.”
“Please, no. It would be oddly depressing.” She scooped some carrot and raisin salad onto a plate. “We posted his picture onPort Palmas Talks, but no one’s come forward to claim him. I wonder if someone did dump him, which makes me sad. Why do that to a cat who’s used to having a home? Take him to a shelter where he doesn’t have to fend for himself.”
“I agree. Some people don’t deserve to have pets.”
Talk turned to the remodel, which was wrapping up.
“You’re going to celebrate not having my guys around,” he teased.
“It was less disruption than I thought it would be, but I’m glad to have the job finished. We’ll have a grand-reopening party for sure. Any excuse to reach out to customers.”
“I agree. And the diaries?”
“They’re mostly back in place. Cheryl kept out a few to read.”
His raised his eyebrows. “You’re okay with that?”
“I’m not, but after her finding out about that little boy beingleft alone, I’m not comfortable telling her no. Sometimes secrets need to come out.”
“Are you going to have the July diary event?”
She nodded. “I’m not sure anyone will show up after what happened, but we’ll give them the opportunity to continue the tradition.”
“Sorry for my part in the screwup.”
“It wasn’t you.”
“My guys, my responsibility.”
She knew he meant that. She liked that he didn’t try to blame someone else. Or get someone else to do the uncomfortable thing.
“Harris wants to break up with Shawna,” she said, when she’d finished the half sandwich. She debated between the roast beef and the egg salad and picked the latter. “Actually what he said is that he wantedmeto break up with her for him.”
