I laid my arm over his shoulder and walked him toward the door. “How do you feel about sunflower seeds?”
35
Keith: Lunch Intervention
“Ilike raisins too.”
Oh, god. James was speaking again. When would he learn? I looked up from the safety of the merchandise boxes only to find him making a play for Taylor again. I glanced over at my manager, Nick, who was already silently chuckling; and that, of course, made me stifle a laugh.
Since the day James had started working for me at Kali’s, he’d formed a massive, unrequited crush on Taylor, the hottest surfer chick this side of the equator. None of us had the heart to tell him his chances with her were about as good as him getting out of a revolving door in one pass, but still he insisted.
James was nothing if not persistent. He was pursuing Taylor with the same determination he’d employed in tackling his addiction. That day I took him home like a stray dog in need of a bath, I hadn’t had the highest hopes for him. Yes, I was determined to do what I could, but I wasn’t sure he had the strength of mind to overcome his cravings. But what I also hadn’t banked on was my parents welcoming scruffy James in like one of their own and nurturing him back to health.
Soon my old friend was his goofy self, just without the puff of smoke that used to settle over him like stinky smog. Together we moved into a condo on the beach and became Murphy’s platonic co-parents. And now, nearly a year clean, James was in a good place and ready for love. Unfortunately his heart had imprinted on Taylor, the sea goddess he had absolutely no business making a play for.
“These are blueberries, James.”
I could almost hear her eyes roll. Taylor’s patience was wearing thin. This was, after all, a multiple-times-a-day occurrence.
“Oh. I like blueberries too.”
“That’s nice.”
I cringed. Those two words were some of the worst a guy would hear from the love of his life. James was going down.
“Actually,” he hesitated. “I lied. I don’t really like blueberries because they turn my teeth blue.”
Taylor’s eyes widened, perhaps realizing for the first time that she too might suffer such a fruit-related malady. I could see her vain attempt at cleansing her pearly whites with her tongue.
James saw it too and jumped at the chance to correct his mistake. “But you look good with blue teeth.”
Oh, well, shit. His plane just hit the ground, exploding. So painful. I turned away, my cheeks burning hot for him. I needed to take James to a library or a Starbucks, somewhere he could meet a girl who might appreciate his unique ramblings. Yet I knew my friend. He’d be back at it tomorrow, trying desperately to get the girl to notice him. I had to hand it to him – even with his awkward attempts at bonding, James was further than I was with women. At least he was trying, which was more than I could claim.
The door chimed as a tall brunette walked in, and I had to do a double take. Emma? I was still getting used to the drastic change in her. Not only was her hair not bleach blonde, but her belly was swollen and her smile was ear to ear. Who was this woman and what had she done with my cranky sister?
Heading straight for her, I wrapped her in a hug. “What are you doing here?”
“Taking you to lunch.”
We hadn’t done our biweekly lunch dates since she’d met and fallen in love with Finn. I’d only initiated them years back when she needed the company, but now that she was a happy and fulfilled woman, she didn’t need her big brother anymore.
“Well, hot damn. Are you paying?”
She glanced around the busy shop. “I should think you could afford it.”
She was right, I could. “Nick, take over. James, leave Taylor alone and watch Murphy for me.”
* * *
Settled into a booth at a restaurant down the street, Emma talked about all the new and exciting happenings in her life – Finn and the baby who was only a few more weeks away. I’d never thought I’d see the day when Emma let her guard down and opened herself up to love. I was so proud of her.
“So, tell me what’s happening with you. I see you still have your stray.”
“Murphy?” I asked.
“No, James.”
I laughed, taking a gulp of my soda before she covered my hand with hers. “How are you doing, really?”
