“Solid scale,” Lamar says as he puts the car into drive. “But what if she doesn’t react how you want? Will you handle the disappointment that comes with that?”
“Valid concern,” Rupert says. “Maybe we just go back to the hotel, order some lobsta rolls, and think this through. You know, spend a little more time together as mates, since I did come all this way to be with you.”
“First of all, Boston is not the only place to get lobster rolls. The beach restaurant in Cape Meril specializes in them, so cool it on the lobster rolls.”
“‘Lobsta,’” Rupert mumbles and then looks out the window, looking oddly dejected. “It’s ‘lobsta.’”
“Second of all,” I say in a sterner voice, because I don’t have the energy for his hysterics. “Even if she doesn’t react the way I’m looking for, I have an idea. I already know that she’ll be at the sweets shop tonight, so it’s the perfect setup.”
“Could be risky,” Lamar says.
“I’m aware, but I have to at least try to shoot my shot with her.”
“Didn’t you already with the kiss?” Lamar asks.
“You would think,” says Rupert.
“I need to solidify something with her. It’s all up in the air. I think surprising her and catching her reaction could help me with my next step, you know?”
“I think you’re making a mistake,” Rupert says. “You’re going in too quick, too fast. You need to give her more time to marinate.”
I shake my head. “No, I have her attention now. If I give her too much time to think, then she’s going to pull away. Right now, she’s talking, engaging, giving me the chance to actually connect. I have to run with that.”
“I have to agree with him,” Lamar says as he maneuvers through traffic. “Stick with the age-old adage tostrike while theiron’s hot. If the energy between the two of you is burning, don’t let another day of no contact go by between you two.”
“See, he gets it.” I gesture toward Lamar.
“Yeah, well, no offense, Lamar, but you weren’t promised a lobsta roll with the company of a best friend, and I was.”
For the love of God.
“Good luck, my man,” Lamar says as he hands me his business card. “Would appreciate an update, and if you ever have a hankering for another road trip, give me a call.”
“I truly appreciate it.” I give him a handshake.
“Go get her.”
I nod and then look at Rupert, who’s still in the car with the window down. “Don’t make yourself sick.”
“Can’t make any promises.” He taps the back of Lamar’s seat. “Off to the lobsta stand.”
Lamar smirks and then takes off, leaving me at the back of the store where Kitty will let me in.
Ready to see Renley, I head to the back door and offer three knocks like Kitty urged. I wait a few seconds and then the door pops open, showing just half Kitty’s face. Her single eye looks me up and down and she whispers, “Password.”
“Yama-mama.”
She nods and then opens the door all the way, letting me in.
I whisper, “Where is she?”
“Up front. I told her I was going to grab a canister for her to display on the shelf. She’s waiting?—”
“Aunt Kitty?” Renley calls out, startling Kitty.
“Just a minute,” she calls out and then turns back to me. Hands on my shoulders, she says, “I’ve noticed the last twonights when you’re texting her, she’s lighter, not as tense. I think this is the right time to make another move. But don’t mess it up.”
“I’ll try not to,” I say, feeling nervous all of a sudden.
