Nova:Okay. I know you don’t think this is necessary, so I appreciate that you texted anyway.
It is absolutely unnecessary, but you’re pushy because you love me.
Nova:Correct. Good night, you impressive force of womanhood.
Back atcha, babes.
Nova sent a row of laughing emojis, which was fair as, in their entire friendship, Claire had never before called her “babes.”
Not being alone with this mission, even if only through a brief check-in afterward, felt strange but not terrible. Not great though, as long as some stubborn attachment inside her wished she could send a second text to her boyfriend.
For those two busy weeks at Tai’s work—the one Saturday excepted—Claire and Tai spent all the time they could together, often at his condo or hers. Still, when his last event was finished, relief rolled over her. The next morning, he texted before seven.
Tai:What would you like to do for our next date? Choose anything, and we’ll do it.
Claire finished opening the bar and weathered the morning rush before texting him back. She’d thought she’d need more time to come up with ideas, but instead she knew within ten minutes exactly where she wanted to go with him.
How do you feel about horses? Be honest.
Tai:Curious. I’ve never been around them.
But the idea of them doesn’t scare you?
Tai:Nah. You want to go riding?
I’d really love to. Here’s my usual place, if you want to check it out.
She sent Tai the link to Warbler Ranch, and he sent a thumbs-up. In a few minutes, he texted again.
Tai:How about this Saturday? I can reserve a trail ride for us from 10:00-12:00.
That sounds great. But I wasn’t thinking you’d pay for both of us.
Tai:Claire Elisabeth. Don’t be ridiculous.
A smile stole onto her face. She loved it when he used her middle name. He still rolled his eyes when she used his, but she’d caught his smirk, so she knew it didn’t bother him.
I never want to assume, that’s all. Trail riding is on the expensive side, as hobbies go.
Tai:Assume I can afford it, whatever “it” is.
I know you can.
She couldn’t quite explain her lingering reticence. Maybe it was stubbornness, but she’d been on her own so long, capable and independent. Maybe allowing him to pay felt like giving something up.
Tai:Is there more to it?
A little laugh escaped her. Of course, he was tuned in even over text.
This might be a single woman thing. I was single a long time and I’m comfortable knowing nobody but me is going to pay my way. I think it feels like I’m surrendering a little of that self-sufficiency when you pay for anything bigger than dinner. It might not be a single woman thing, it might be a Claire thing, lol. It also might be stupid.
He didn’t respond for a minute. Then she saw three dots: he was typing. He typed for a while.
Tai:Not stupid.
All that typing for two words? Oh, he was typing again.
Tai:Whether it’s just you or it’s a lot of long-term single women, I don’t want to minimize it. Your feelings matter always. I do enjoy paying. But not to take anything from you, only to give you whatever I have to give, and I happen to have money.
