I needed to calm down before I really did something reckless and pushed him too far. So, I turned my attention to getting a drink and figuring out our plan for the evening.
I pointed to his beer. “What are you having?”
It took him a moment to react, but then he picked up the glass and offered it to me. “It’s a chocolate stout. Local, of course.” The smile he gave me was radiant, sharing an inside joke. I didn’t respond, caught off guard by how much I already felt for Jude.
I cleared my throat and turned to the bartender, “I’ll have what he’s having.”
She winked at me as she grabbed a pint glass. “You got it.”
After I got my drink I stood next to him, leaning in close. I’d gone home to change after work, but I’d worn one of my OuNYe hats.
Had to stay on brand.
Jude pointed his glass in the direction of my head.
“How did the truck do yesterday?” He looked so serious, like my answer really mattered to him.
“Good. The B&B wants us to do dinner there twice a week now, instead of just Fridays. I met with them today to get it all on paper. They said they’re trying a few different trucks but want tofind a few to be there on certain nights for the long-haul, which would be great.”
He looked so pleased. “That’s awesome, Nesto. Sounds like you’ll be busy this summer.”
I took a sip from the beer and nodded. “They’re really ramping up the ads for the festival, too. I think it’s going to be good.”
Jude nodded in agreement. “They’ve been advertising for months. It’s going to be a huge event.” He paused then, as if considering something. After a moment, he looked straight at me, his expression serious. “If you need an extra hand, let me know. I’d be happy to help.”
There was that reckless feeling again.
“Thank you, I might take you up on that.”
His cheeks reddened at my words. Jude’s shy little smiles were going to be hell on that master plan.
We stood there in silence for a second and I wondered if he was as affected as I was. I wanted to ask him,are you feeling this, too?
But I veered into safer waters. “Enough about me. How was work?”
His face darkened at that. “It was fine.” He exhaled like he was thinking of something annoying, and I wondered if it was that woman.
“Anyone bothering you at work?” He shook his head, clearly not wanting to get into it.
“Oh just Misty being Misty. She didn’t bother you at the truck again did she?”
“No. I hope she’ll just move on to something else and forget I’m there.”
He looked like he wanted to say something else, but instead, jerked his thumb toward the restaurant area. “Do you want to get something to eat?” I was trying to think of a way to getwhatever he’d been about to say out of him when he spoke again. “Or we could do some bowling.”
I laughed, throwing my hands up at the suggestion. “I’m up for it, but you’re going to have to show me. I don’t think I’ve ever been bowling, not that I can remember anyways.”
Jude’s look of horror was hilarious. “What? How is that even possible?”
I shrugged, grinning at his bemused expression.
“I don’t know, I assume there are bowling alleys in New York City, but I’ve never been to one.”
He grabbed his drink and stood up with purpose. “Well, we need to remedy this right now.” I turned around to leave some money for our beers and followed him to the bowling shoes counter. That’s when I remembered why I didn’t bowl.
Deadass, I didn’t fuck with corny-looking used shoes.
“Jude, I don’t know if I’m down with wearing those,” I said, pointing at the shelves. This time he did laugh at me.
