I don’t know what possessed me that night at the club, but it was like I was a different person. Drake went after what he wanted. And who he wanted.
Cora.
It’s not a long trip to the park, but I don’t want things to be awkward for even the short drive.
“How much did you get done today?” I ask. It’s about the only thing I can come up with.
Chloe tucks a lock of hair behind her ear, resting her head against the back of the seat and turning to face me. “Not as much as I would have liked. I tried my first bracelet last night. I’m still learning the best way to get the charms onto each link in the most efficient way.”
“Learning curve. You’ll get there.”
“I hope so. What if I have this dream that I want to open my own store but I’m actually terrible at it?”
“What makes you think that?” I ask, merging onto the highway.
“I’ve never run my own business before. What if I don’t have a knack for it?”
“Then you’ll take a class.”
“Just like that?”
“What can I say? I won’t let you give up.”
Chloe reaches across the center console and squeezes my forearm. I ignore the zap of electricity that floods my veins.
“Thanks for believing in me.”
“I’ll be your first customer,” I say, finding the exit we need.
As we pull up to the stoplight, Chloe turns to face me. “You already have a necklace. Maybe I can make you something else. Like a clover.”
I beam back at her. “My very own good luck charm.”
“Would you want gold or silver?”
“Silver.”
“You got it. I’ll do anything for you, Dax.”
Like say yes to being my date to the team gala?
Jesus. I really need to get my shit together or I’m just going to blurt it out that I’ve been in love with her since high school. And the last thing I want to do is scare her off right now.
The park comes into view. Thank God.
“What a gorgeous day.” Chloe hops out as soon as I park and turns her face to the sun. “Thanks for bringing me here. I probably would have stayed inside all day otherwise.”
“What are friends for?” I smile, the picnic basket in one hand with the blanket thrown over my shoulder. “C’mon. Let’s find a spot.”
Even though it’s in the middle of the day, it’s busy. Sprawling green fields. Trees rustling in the slight wind. Bees buzzing around flower beds as we stroll down the sidewalk.
“How about right here?” Chloe asks.
“Looks good.”
It’s a quiet area with only a few other people spread out with books in hand. The perfect spot for the conversation I want to have.
“What’d you make for us?” she asks, throwing the blanket into the air with both hands and letting it fall into a perfectly neat square on the ground.
