“And now I’m taking her out for hot dogs.” I lean back in my chair, clasping my hands behind my head.
“Hot dogs?”
“Long story. We’re not getting hot dogs.”
“Alright, time for number two.” Beau rubs his hands together before picking up a second bag that I didn’t see.
“You’re having anotherburger?”
He looks at me. “August, I’m a tank and tanks need lots of fuel. So, when are you taking her out?”
I have no idea where I’m taking her. If I take her somewhere upscale, she could see it as a date, and I’d rather not scare her away. But if I take her somewhere a bit too casual, I don’t want to come off as if I don’t care about where I take her. We could go out of town where there’s more privacy. Ifwe stick around here, I won’t get that authentic Riley that I know and love.
Pulling out my phone, I search for places in the next town over. The first thing that comes to mind is her favorite cuisine: seafood. I’m not big on it, but if I need to sit through the smell of fish to be alone with her, I will.
As I scroll through the list, the name The Oyster Veil piques my interest. I set my phone down and shuffle through more papers.
“I’ll see if she’s free this weekend.”
“Look at you two kids, rekindling your friendship.” He winks. “Next thing you know, you two will stop being so stubborn and admit that you like each other already.”
“She’s my sister’s best friend,” I say, throwing a crumpled-up napkin at him. “She won the bet. It’s nothing more than that.”
“Okay, lover boy.”
A low vibration rumbles next to a stack of papers, my attention shifting to my phone, which is lit up with a text from Riley.
Riley: How’s it going?
Me: I’m currently watching Beau eat a burger like a snake eats an egg.
Riley: I meant with work.
Riley: But thanks for the lovely image.
Me: I’m staring at a pile of papers, hoping they’ll disappear.
Riley: If only you knew someone that can help make that happen. But what do I know?
Me: Is this why you texted me? No fun conversation?
Riley: I just wanted to check in.
Me: Aw, really?
Riley: You’ve ruined the moment.
Me: I can’t help it.
Riley: Of course you can’t.
Me: This doesn’t ruin our date night, does it?
Riley: IT’S NOT A DATE. It’s just dinner.
Me: Really? Even after the amazing kiss we had?
Riley: I’m regretting all of this.
