“Obviously.”
“Maybe a little porch. Mainly just a quiet neighborhood like the one we had growing up.”
That’s exactly it. Sure, it would be nice to have the large bedrooms and fancy, updated appliances, but at the end of it the day, I’m just looking for something that feels like home.
The server appears and reaches for our empty plates. “Can I get you anything else? A coffee refill, maybe?”
I try to help by quickly snagging the utensils and stacking them on top. “I think we’re good, thanks.”
As if expecting that response, she places the check on the table and winks. “Well, in that case, don’t be a stranger.”
Thinking nothing of it, I snag the bill before Jules can, happy when I manage to be quicker for once.
“She seems interested in you,” Jules says once the server has left.
“She’s just being nice,” I mutter, trying to figure out twenty percent of thirty-seven.
“Areyouinterested?” Jules asks almost hesitantly.
I glance at her, slightly startled when I see that she’s not eventrying to hide the fact that this interaction seems to be bothering her. Most times when one of us gets hit on, we kind of laugh about it. Jules keeps saying she’s not ready to date, and I keep assuring her that I’m not available until sheisready. The conversation usually ends in her blushing, and we move on as if none of it ever happened. Why it’s bothering her so much this time, I don’t know.
Unfortunately, when I flip the check over, the server’s name and phone number are scrawled along the bottom, followed by a smiley face that Ithinkis supposed to be winking.
I shove the bill in my pocket and hope Jules didn’t notice. “You two go get warm,” I say, handing her the leash and my keys to Betty. “I’ll meet you at the car after I pay.”
Jules is eager to agree and takes Ripley’s leash. She gives him a quick kiss on his tan little head then leads him toward the parking lot. Once they’re out of sight, I straighten and head inside, hoping to quickly pay and avoid running into our server.
Then I try and think of a way to prove to Jules that she’s the only one I’m interested in and that I’ll wait an eternity for her to be ready if she needs me to.
Chloe throws her arm around me as we slowly weave through the furniture store. “I’m impressed you’ve finally come to your senses and decided to upgrade from a single side chair to a whole entire sofa.”
I push her arm off me in mock offense. “Hey, a chair was all I needed. But Ripley deserves a nice comfy couch.”
Chloe snorts as if the whole idea of furniture shopping for the sake of a dog is a weird motivator. “It’s going to be really funny when you haul this thing into your apartment and have to haul it right back out when you find a house.”
“It’s going to be even funnier when you and Dominic have to help me move it,” I fire back.
“Hopefully, we’ll be in Seattle before that happens,” she mutters. She shoots a glare over her shoulder and wanders in the opposite direction, but I know the idea of not being around for big moments is killing her.
It’s kind of killing me, too. She’s been in my life almost as longas Jules has. She’s been there for me in some of my darkest moments, often hauling me out of the darkness by the scruff of my neck. It’s weird to think of her living across the country. And if it’s weird for me, I can’t imagine what she’s going through. Or Jules. Once again, one of her best friends is going to be so far away.
Speaking of, I look around and find Jules sitting on a three seater. “We should take Chloe to a strip club tonight,” I say and sit beside her.
Jules’s face lights up. “Do you think they have one that’s eighties themed?”
I gasp in delight. “Oh my God, I hope so.”
The image of an annoyed Chloe amuses me more than I care to admit. I’m really going to miss her.
We sit in silence for a beat, Jules adjusting the decorative pillows while I check the price tag. Despite the boring color, it’s right in my price range, and the seats are actually pretty comfortable.
“So,” Jules starts slowly, “what happened with that server?”
“What server?” I drop the tag and bounce on the cushion to see if it springs back up.
“The one from Dan’s Diner. The one who gave you her phone number?”
Ah. So shedidnotice. “Nothing happened.”
