“Naomi,” I tell her.
Mae nods with a small smile on her face. “That’s very sweet.”
“I try,” I rasp.
She tells me the price and I hardly focus, handing her a wad of cash.
Think, Cooper, think.
“So, me and the guys are going out. You should join us.”Seriously Cooper? You and the guys? Why would a woman like this want to join the guys, you idiot?
“Oh, I don’t know about that. It sounds like a guys’ night,” she says politely.
“Well, we’ll be at the Wooden Cowboy,” I tell her.
Yes, Cooper, dig yourself a deeper hole. Now you have to find someone to watch Naomi and get the guys to go out with you. Fat chance Ledger will come.
“Oh well, I’ll be there … but on a date,” she says gently.
My heart sinks, but I’m not a man easily dissuaded.
“Oh yeah? Good for you. Well, thanks for the flowers. Maybe I’ll see you there.”
Mae hands me my change and smiles shyly. “Yeah, maybe. Thanks for stopping by,” she says.
I nod and reach for my flowers.Say something, Coop, say something.
I’m tongue-tied and frustrated. Taking that for what it is, I smile and tip my hat. “Have a good day, Mae.”
“Bye, Cooper,” she says so softly it makes something in my heart flip. Something passes through her eyes, and it makes me hesitate.
I tip my hat to her and walk out the door.
When I get to my truck, I send a text to Fletcher, the boys, and June. When Mae and I see each other there, I need it to look like it was the plan all along, and then I’ll know what joker asked her out.
***
“Are you sure, Aunt Dixie? I hate leaving her with you when you’ve been with her all day. I know you have other things to do in life than watch Naomi,” I tell her while Naomi’s eyes are glued toTarzan.
“Nonsense, Cooper. I want to spend time with my granddaughter. We’re going to have a sleepover and watch movies.”
“Are you sure? You know what? No, I won’t go. I sprung this on you, and I’m asking too much.”
Aunt Dixie pats my shoulder. “Stop it, Cooper. You go out and have fun. I know you don’t get to do that very often, especially since our munchkin came into our lives. It’s good for you. Maybe you’ll meet a nice girl,” she says.
My mind goes to Mae. I need to pump the brakes. She’s going out with another man and I came up with a ridiculous plan to size up my competition. But I can’t help myself.
“Okay, fine. But if you need something or she’s being a little terror, call me. Promise?”
Aunt Dixie snorts. “Last time I checked, I’ve raised three, sort of four kids, including yourself. I know how to handle a seven-year-old.”
I puff out a breath and look at Naomi again. She doesn’t care that I’m here, engrossed in her movie.
“I’ll see you in the morning then. Bye, princess,” I call for her.
She looks at me over her shoulder and grins. “By Uncle Coop!”
I wave, wishing she would come over here and hug me before I leave, but my aunt is already pushing me out the door. “Thanks, Aunt Dixie.”
