Page 50 of Love Like Lightning

“And how are you liking Colorado?” Hank sets his tea down and leans back in his chair. “Did you spend any time in Denver?”

“I’m really enjoying it. It’s beautiful here. I didn’t get a chance to explore Denver, but I’ve heard great things. Although I don’t know how it’ll beat being up here in Ever Lake. I’m hoping to explore a bit more, find some hidden gems.” She glances at me, almost in question, as she finishes speaking.

I’m getting ready to reassure her that I’m up for exploring and showing her any hidden gem she’d like when Betty interjects.

“Well, listen, have you been over to Gousten at all?”

“I haven’t.” Gia, shaking her head, reaches for a cookie.

“It’s just one town over. Real cute, not as cute as Ever Lake, but I’m biased. There’s this really nice Italian place, just opened recently. Hank and I were thinking of trying it out.” Betty turns a sly smile on her husband before looking back to Gia and me. “You and Henry should come. You can walk the small downtown area and explore a little.”

Any response I might have gets stuck in my throat as I gape at her. Hank doesn’t say anything, but he’s got a smug-looking smile on his face. It sounds a whole lot like Betty is trying to set us up, and I know for sure I told them both that this is a strictly friendly situation.

“Oh, no, I couldn’t—” Gia tries to decline, but Betty does what she does best.

“You’d be doing us a favor, really. We’ve been waffling about driving out there, but if we have you two to go with us, then we’ll make it a night out.” Her smile stretches, and she shoots me a not-so-subtle wink. “We need an excuse to get out of the house.”

The simple manipulation is as clear as day to me. They don’t need an excuse for anything. They go out more than I do these days, and they don’t care if they’re driving one town or ten towns over to do it.

I can see it because I know them, but I can tell by the look on her face that Gia doesn’t. She’s gonna fold and agree. Part of me knows I should speak up and call Betty on her bullshit. The other part of me has also been thinking about that Italian restaurant and wants to try it out with Gia. That’s the selfish part.

The part that ultimately wins out.

“Well, I guess we could.” She’s flicking that silver ring on her thumb. “But full disclosure, I come from a very Italian family, so I’m going to be critical. Maybe not aloud, but internally.”

Betty and Hank both laugh, and Gia joins in, stopping the ring spinning. It’s such an easy moment, and it has me brimming with warm, fuzzy feelings.

Not for the first time since we met, I start to wonder if anything with Gia was ever just about the sex. I quickly remind myself that there’s no sense in trying to analyze any of the feelings I’m having.

No sense at all. I promised her friendship, and that’s what we’ll have. It’s clear she’s not interested in me in any other capacity. As much as I’m starting to really wish she was.

“It’s a date!” Betty nods once with a sense of finality, and I have to bite back a groan at the phrase.

It’s not a date.

At least not for us.

22

Gianna

This is not a date. It’s not even close to a date. Even if we’re going with a married couple and the optics of the dinner read like a date, that’s not what it is.

Then why did I go back to that little boutique and buy this brand new beautiful purple sweater dress for the occasion?

Cringing, I ignore that probing question. I swipe on some mascara and look right at myself in the mirror. Maybe this isn’t a real date, but I sure am acting like it might be.

Henry should be here any minute, and I’ve been psyching myself out all day thinking about this dinner. I’m excited. Honestly, a good Italian meal sounds great, but I’m worried that he might think this is something it’s not.

Despite how clear I’ve been and how understanding he is, I’m not entirely sure if going out to a presumably romantic dinner with Hank and Betty is the best idea.

Lines might get blurred.

Just as my head is about to burst with worry, I hear a knock at the door. Stepping out of the bathroom, I head to the door that leads out to Main Street, but when I check the peephole, I don’t see anyone. Confused, I look around and hear another, more insistent knock from the other door in the room.

I check the peephole there and see Cam. I pull the door open, hoping that whatever he needs doesn’t take long. There’s nothing I want less than to have to explain who Henry is and what we’re doing together.

“Why are you dressed like that?” The blunt question drops rudely out of his mouth. As always, he’s sporting a suit, although this time without the vest.

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