Page 53 of Worth the Trip

“I am.”

“Why?”

“’Cause I like your laugh.”

That slowed her down.

Her eyes met mine.

I didn’t dress the answer up or take it back.

I liked her laugh.

She knew now.

Good.

The server returned to collect plates we’d somehow emptied while talking and looked between us.

“Y’all want dessert?”

Nolani turned toward me. “What do you recommend?”

I leaned back. “Look at you, requesting informed counsel.”

“I’m considering expert testimony.”

“Growth.”

“Don’t make me regret this.”

“Praline bread pudding.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You answered too fast.”

“’Cause I know the answer.”

“And if I hate it?”

“I’ll take the loss.”

“That’s new.”

“I believe in situational accountability.”

She laughed beneath her breath. “One bread pudding. Two spoons.”

The bread pudding arrived warm beneath bourbon caramel, toasted pecans, and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream already beginning to melt. Nolani took the first bite.

Her eyes closed.

I leaned back in my chair.

“Yeah, keep doing that, and you gon’ make my recommendation look better than it was.”

She pointed the spoon at me. “Don’t ruin this with arrogance.”

“That was appreciation.”