Page 27 of Thick Girls Take Chances

“Does she know?”

I stopped mid-chew.

“About what?”

“Does she know about the show?” Pop looked at me like I had the brain of a gnat and shook his head. “What else would I be talking about?”

“No.”

I finished my water and crumbled the bottle.

“Don’t you think you should tell her?”

“I will,” I said. “I’m just waiting for the right time.”

“When’s that gonna be?”

“I don’t know. Like I said, I haven’t found it yet.”

He grunted.

“Just don’t wait too long.”

I thought about that for a minute then asked the question that’s been swirling in my head for the past couple weeks.

“Do you think it’s really that big of a deal?”

Pop stood and stretched then walked over to check the concrete. I didn’t think he was going to answer, but then he turned and shrugged.

“I don’t know. Only she can tell you that.”

He walked over to the tools and picked up his edger. I stood and watched as he moved the tool back and forth, using the form as a guide to create perfect edges. He makes it look easy, but I know for a fact it’s not. I can do it if necessary, but it takes me twice as long and doesn’t turn out as nice as when he does it.

I followed Pop as he moved down the sidewalks doing his thing.

“I’m not hiding anything from Eve,” I said, picking up our conversation. “I just…that part of my life is behind me. It doesn’t even seem like that was me.”

“But it was you.” He sat back on his heels and looked up at me. “And maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I think that when you’re getting to know someone, you want to know all about them, not just bits and pieces.”

Pop is a man of few words, but the ones he speaks are usually right on point.

“You’re right.” I dragged my fingers through my hair and let out a deep breath. “I’ll find the right time.”

Chapter Twelve

Eve

“So, it’s been a few weeks now. How are things going with Max?”

Anjannette dragged out the name, turning the single syllable into three.

“Things are great. We’re having a good time.”

“And the book?” Keera asked.

“I’m happy to say the words have been flowing. I just passed the halfway point this morning.”

Keera screeched and clapped her hands.

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