Page 52 of Make It Without You

Me: See you soon.

I tune back into the conversation and wait for the right time to announce I’m leaving. As excited as I am to see Adam, the nerves are coming in full force. Do I rush out of here? Do I take my time? Do I go home to change? Do I show up in what I’m wearing? Is this what it’s like to have a crush as an adult?

It’s terrifying.

“Why do you look so scared, Em?” Jax asks.

I feel my face flame with a blush. “I texted Adam and I’m thinking of meeting him at his restaurant.”

“What!? And you’re still here?” Sarah’s blasphemous expression would be comical if she weren't 100% serious. And in the years that I’ve gotten to know Sarah, she never says things she’s unsure of. She hits me with a throw pillow. “Get your cute butt off this couch and go hang out with him.”

“I’m with Sarah on this,” Kam voices along with Jax.

It takes very little convincing to get me off the couch. And without protest from them, I slide my boots back on and head to my car to leave.

“I needyou to tell me it’s not a bad idea,” I say when the phone connects.

“Hello to you too, Em.” Brandon greets.

I let out a huff of frustration. “Brandon, this is serious.”

I hear murmuring on the other end and then a door closing. “I take it this is about the new guy?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“This is a great idea. And I’m not saying that because I’m a guy. But as James’s brother, you deserve happiness again.”

The streets give way, signaling I’m closer to Monty’s. “Do you think he would approve? James, I mean.”

“Well, obviously I haven’t met him, but if he’s making you question right or wrong then I think James would approve. Who knows? Maybe he even set it up so you two would meet.”

I have thought about that. Because what were the odds that he was working the night I showed up? I know he said his assistant went into early labor. But still. This could have James written all over it.

“Yeah, maybe. Did I interrupt something?” I ask because I heard a door close earlier.

He chuckles on the other end. “Now you’re concerned about being a cockblocker?”

“Ew. Please don’t ever say any word with ‘cock’ in it. I still consider you my brother.” I fight a shudder as I get closer to Monty’s.

“I was planning to get it wet tonight…”

“Oh my god! Good night, Brandon.”

“Good night, Emily,” he sing-songs through his laughter.

Shaking off the end of that conversation, I find a parking spot in the parking garage. I take a deep breath and get out of my car.

Adam

Since Emily texted, I’ve been obsessively checking the door for her arrival while also still doing my job. I shouldn’t be nervous. She’s been here before. Knowing her a little better makes this thing between us a little more real. Add in the fact that she’s decided to cross the line she drew and my nerves have skyrocketed.

While it is in fact spring break, it’s still been slow here. Ohio doesn’t tend to bring people out of hibernation until late April, so my restaurant has time to breathe before the seasonal rush begins.

Movement from the corner of my eye brings my attention to the door. And there she is. I had no clue what Emily was up to tonight when she decided to text me. But if it brings her and I one step closer to whatever it is we’re aiming for, I won’t question it.

Her eyes scan the bar until she finds me at a table off to the side. A small smile graces her face and I get up from where I’m seated to go greet her.

I’ve now seen her teacher attire and her lounge attire. But this outfit is one I think might be my favorite and what I least expected her to wear. Loose dark wash ripped jeans that looklike they’re well-loved, an oversized off-the-shoulder maroon sweater, and worn-in moto boots adorn her feet.

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