Page 152 of The Rules of Dating

“Tonight. I booked an appointment under a fictitious name.”

“What time is that?”

“Six.”

“I have an appointment at six thirty, but I can probably move my guy to tomorrow so you guys have the place to yourself.”

“That would be great.”

He nodded. “No problem.”

“Thanks, Deek.” I handed him back the stencil. “I have to run. Would you put it in your drawer so it’s safe until later?”

“Sure thing.”

“I appreciate it.” I waved.

“By the way,” Deek yelled after me. “If I find your ass-cheek imprint on my chair tomorrow, we’re going to have a problem.”

I smiled and tapped two fingers to my forehead in a salute. “Got it, boss.”

My next stop was to meet Billie and Saylor after Mommy and Me. Saylor had a check-up at eleven, and I’d promised my parents I’d stop over for lunch after. My mother had subtly reminded me that it had been a while since she’d seen my face. I arrived at the class a few minutes early and watched Saylor and Billie from the window. They were both laughing, shaking tambourines and dancing around like they didn’t have a care in the world. It made my heart feel so warm and full. These two little ladies were my entire world. I knew it was too soon to ask Billie to marry me, but she was going to be my wife someday. As corny as it sounded, I’d met my soulmate.

As if to prove she was my other half, Billie turned around and her eyes immediately found me watching through the window. I waved before walking inside to wait by the door until class was over.

“Hey, Daddy!” Saylor skipped to me. “Are the shelves fixed?”

My brows pulled together. “What shelves?”

“Billie said you were fixing the broken shelves in the laundry room.”

I looked to Billie who bent to speak to Saylor. “Umm…sweetie, could you go get my purse from the cubby for me, please?”

Billie waited until Saylor was out of earshot. “Two of the ladies inquired where my boss was today, assuming I was the sitter again. So I told them he was at home recuperating because he’d spent all morning drilling me. I thought I said it low enough that Saylor wouldn’t hear. But apparently, she caught part of it because she asked me what you were drilling. The shelves in the laundry room were the best I could come up with.”

I hooked an arm around Billie’s waist and yanked her close. “I love it when you get all possessive.”

“Oh yeah?” She grinned. “Good because here comes another member of your stupid fan club.” Billie grabbed two fistfuls of my shirt and planted her lips on mine.

Yep. I fucking love my girl possessive.

After Billie was done marking her territory, the three of us walked down the block together. We stopped at the corner, where Billie had to go into the subway station to catch the train down to her shop. I gave her a quick peck. “Can I see you later?”

“Sure. But I might be kinda late tonight. My last client of the day is new, and I have a feeling he might be difficult.”

It was hard to contain my smile. “What makes you say that?”

“Well, for starters, he made the appointment using a middle initial. Who makes an appointment anywhere using their first name, middle initial, and last name? Someone who is very precise and picky, that’s who. And of course, he wants a rose tattoo. Not even original art. He told Deek he likes the one on the sample wall.”

I couldn’t hide my smile this time. “Sounds awful. But maybe he’ll surprise you and be cool.”

“Doubt it. Anyway, I have to run. I’ll text you when I’m done for the day.”

***

At 6 PM precisely, I walked into the shop with a huge bouquet of wildflowers and an envelope tucked in my back pocket. I’d expected to see Justine at the front desk, but I found Billie there instead.

Her lips curved to a smile. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? It’s a good thing you didn’t show up to the Mommy and Me class looking all adorable with those flowers. Your fan club might have trampled me.”