“You look beautiful tonight, by the way,” he says. “I don’t know if I told you that. But you do. Thanks for dinner, it can be at my place next time. Maybe we can have Lauren and Rhett over too.”
I nod, unable to get any words out. Not trusting whatever I really want to say.
Tanner turns down the steps and leaves. Leaves me to tuck Winnie into the couch and lay in my bed wondering. Replaying what just happened. Recounting the way it felt to have his hands on my hips, his lips against my neck, and his fingers in my hair. Maybe it’s the second beer, but I even let myself wonderwhat if. What if there’s no use fighting whatever we have. What if this really could be something real. Tangible.
What if?
16
“So. How was Tanner last night?” Lauren is avoiding my gaze by keeping her eyes down on the menu in front of her.
“What are you talking about?”
“He was supposed to come over for beers with Rhett and Jackie last night, but he called saying he got tied up and couldn’t make it.”
“I don’t know what you’re?—”
“And,” she cuts me off. “I called you to hang out with me and Mayben since the boys were occupied but you didn’t answer.”
“I was just?—”
“So, there was really only one conclusion to draw.”
I pull my lips in and bite down. “It’s Winnie’s fault,” I say quickly, which brings a sputtering laughter from my sister. “What?” I ask defensively.
“You just threw your five-year-old daughter under the bus because you got caught hanging out with a guy.”
“Well,” I pick up my menu and pretend to read it, “I had brought home pizza for just her and me, and while I was inside,she was on the balcony inviting him up to dinner. I didn’t have a choice.”
She nods. “I guess that also explains why we are all invited to his house for dinner.”
I narrow my eyebrows. “What?”
“Have you checked your phone?”
I pull it out now and see a group chat started by Tanner inviting us all over. Tonight.
“Oh.” I shove my phone back in my purse.
“You guys aren’t just hooking up, are you? Because I don’t think his heart could take it. But I also imagine it would be good for both of you finally get naked and?—”
“Oh my God Lauren.” I choke on my water and instantly grab for the napkin to wipe my mouth. “Are you insane?”
“I bet Tanner doesn’t hook up. I'm sure he makes sweet, sweet lo?—”
“Hi ladies, are you ready to place your order?” I glance up and find a waitress that’s not Mayben. Thank God.
“What’s the strongest thing you serve?” I ask her, narrowing my eyes back on my sister.
“Uh,” she looks over her shoulder. “We have black coffee?”
“That’s fine,” I tell her. “And a piece of pie.”
“Iced tea and chicken tenders.” Lauren tells her and does a terrible job hiding her amusement.
“Listen,” she says once the waitress leaves. “Tanner isn’t casual. And whatever you two are, doesn’t seem casual either.”
She’s right, even if I don’t want her to be. I try to focus on my menu, but the letters are all scrambled and no matter how many times I read it, the line between friends and more is starting to look just as fuzzy.
