Page 43 of Whiskey Neat

“Come on, Low.”

He glances over his shoulder then leans against one of our new columns for the patio structure. “I don’t really think it’s my place, but I guess my lack of poker face is betraying me.”

“Yep. Spill it. Is he psycho?”

Lowen chuckles. “No. He’s sweet and funny.”

My brow creases. “Are you attracted to him?”

Lowen rolls his eyes. “For fuck’s sake, Indy, of course not. He’s like an adorable little brother. He’s a less jaded version of me.”

“Okay, so?”

Lowen puts his hand on my chest. “Hear me out, okay? Before you get all defensive.”

I pull my head back slightly. Where is he going with this? “I’m listening.”

“Salem is…” He blows out a breath, like he’s about to tell me terrible news. “Perfect for you.”

I tilt my head, replaying the sentence. “What?”

“Indy, he’s perfect for you. How many times have I ever said that to you?”

“Zero times.”

“Exactly. Granted I haven’t met every person you’ve dated, but I’ve met the ones you kept around for a while, and I always knew, just like you did, they wouldn’t last.” He moves his hand off my chest and holds my hand. “But there’s something about Salem that feels right when I think about him and you as a couple. I’ve honestly never pictured you settling down, but I would love to see it happen.”

“I’m really fucking confused about where this is coming from. You went on a shopping trip for a few hours and came back thinking I should settle down with him? He doesn’t want that anyway.”

“I know. Even better, right? You’re both cautious and have your eyes wide open. It’s beautiful.”

“Okay, back up a little.” I scrub my hand over my scruff. “What did he say or do that has you convinced he’s the guy for me?”

Lowen shakes his head, smiling. “It’s a vibe. Like you said, it’s the way I felt in his presence. Not for nothing, but you practically trip over your own feet when he’s around. That’s new.”

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t plan to say anything. You’re both big boys and can figure it out yourselves, but I have my fingers crossed that you’re finally going to feel Cupid’s stupid arrow straight to the heart.”

“That doesn’t sound remotely enjoyable.”

“Not everyone’s relationships crash and burn. Don’t use me as an example. Unlike you, I got swept up in something I knew in my core wasn’t right for me. You won’t make that mistake.”

“Even if you’re right, it’s not gonna happen. We’re both committed to keeping things casual. He doesn’t want a relationship either.”

A bright smile spreads across his face.

“What?”

“Oh nothing. Just something about famous last words comes to mind.”

“Shut up, Low.”

He rises on his tiptoes and kisses my cheek. “I love this for you.”

“Gee, thanks.”

Lowen chuckles as he goes back inside. I stay on the patio for a few minutes, collecting my thoughts and replaying what he told me. Salem catches my eye, lifting his eyebrow and mouthing, Are you okay?

---