DANI
“Vanessa, I’m so screwed.”
I sucked down the rest of my mimosa. Her eyes brightened, and she raised her hand to request a refill.
“Two more mimosas, please,” she asked the passing waitress.
“But you can’t drink,” I argued.
“You’re more forthcoming when you’ve had a few,” she snickered, “and I’m driving anyway.”
Vanessa brought me to a neighboring town for brunch. She claimed it was because she didn’t want me anywhere near the Tavern on my day off, but it was obviously so I’d spill the beans where we wouldn’t be overheard.
“You were right,” I moaned and buried my facein my hands.
“As much as I love hearing that,” she preened, “you’ll have to be more specific.”
“Jake’s perfect.”
“Oh.” She elongated the sound. “I don’t think I said that.”
“You said he’d make a great dad, and he would. He’d also make a great boyfriend if he was remotely interested in me, but he was horrified. If I wasn’t already practically dead down there, I’d be mortified at how quickly he ran away from me after he woke up this morning.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Back up and tell me everything,” she demanded.
It all spilled out in a rush.
“Wow, that’s quite an update.”
I snort-laughed, and she patted my hand.
“Hold that thought. The kidlet is dancing on my bladder, so I’ll be back in a minute. Can you order more fresh tortillas for the queso fundido?”
After she excused herself, I checked my phone, surprised to find messages from Jake, which I hadn’t heard over the noise of the brunch crowd.
Jake: Do you like any of these?
My breath caught when I looked at the attached pictures. He willingly went shopping and picked out a bed for me. Beau couldn’t even–
I cut off the thought. Nothing good would come from it.
Me: How much are they?
Jake: That’s not what I asked.
Me: Then I won’t choose.
Jake: I’ll pick then. Hope it doesn’t suck, but it’ll be yourfault if it does.
Jake: I’m leaning towards the second one.
The first was a beautiful sleigh bed with simple, graceful lines and a dark finish. It was gorgeous, but I moved around too much and would kick the foot board. The second bed was simple with an elegant, upholstered headboard and a padded frame. The final one would work, too, but I loved the second one.
Me: I’ll pay you back.
Jake: Sales lady is here. Gotta run.
When I set my phone down, Vanessa met my gaze with a knowing smile.
