“Oh, that’s the new diner downtown, right?”Cara and Idefinitely talkedabout trying them out.Their social mediapages are cute as hell and the food looks good.
He nods, falling into step next to me.
“Sweet, I've been wanting to try them. I've heard really good things.”
“I went when they opened. The food’s to die for. And, they have a salad bar.”
I rub my tummy as it rumbles. “I do love a good salad bar.”
He glances at me from the side of his eye as his car comes into view, his mouth curling into a small smile.“Well then,you're in luck.”He opensthe passengerdoor for me.“After you.”
I roll my eyes but slide into the passenger seat.As excited as I am to try out Miss Fortune’s,Ikind of wishIwasin the breakroom. At least then I could have called Ellis.
Oh my god. Could you be any sappier? Be less needy, Scarlet.
“So how's your day been?” he asks as we pull out of the parking lot.
“Pretty good.” I shrug, checking my phone when another pic comes in. This time, it’s James and Fefe.
Sunshine: These two area nightmaretogether. They stole mom’s RV keys, herlip balm, andone of her slippers.
Me: Oh no! I hope she’s not too mad.
Sunshine: Worse…she’shighly amused and is encouraging them.
I laugh under my breath as I save the image to my phone.
“Good to hear you laugh,”he says tightly. “You’ve been off today.”
Geez,Ididn’trealize he paid such close attention.Maybehe’sjustreallyperceptive. “My best friend is on her honeymoon, and I'm helping watch her son, and I feel bad for not taking off.”
“Ah,” he says, as if he understands far more than I’ve said.
“Ah, what?” I ask, arching a brow.
“Got a case of baby fever?”There’sa knowing lilt to his voice, andI’mnot entirely sure how I feel about it.Because, yes, I wantchildrenbut it’s absolutely not on my radar yet. Not really.
“Sure.” I laugh it off. “Something like that.”
“Hmm,”is all he says, as he drums his fingers against the steering wheel.
“So, where exactly is this place?” I ask after a few minutes. I thought it wasdowntown,butwe’reheading toward the interstate.
“Taking the scenic route.” He glances at mebefore training his eyes back on the road. “They’rereplacing some drainagepipeor something, sothere’sa detour.The traffic’s a nightmare.”
“Right.” I shove my hands beneath my thighs to keep from fidgeting. Something doesn’tfeelright, but I’m ninety percent positive that’s my paranoia talking. Clint’s been nothing but nice—a good friend—for as long as I’ve known him.
He tries to make small talk but the further we get from downtown, the more anxious I become.
“Are you…” I glance around, forcing myself to swallow and keep my voice calm. “Are you sure we didn’t miss our turn?”
“That’s precisely the issue, Petal.” Clint goes deathly still as he pulls to a stop at the red light. “We did miss our turn.”
Mypulsethunders in my ears as my breathing turns ragged. “Wha-what did you just call me?”
“You heard me.”
“Clint?”My vision flickers as I try to make sense ofwhat’shappening.“It’s been you…” Ishove myself against the car door. “This whole time?”
