Page 91 of February

“Okay. Sounds like fun,” she replied.

“Monica?”

“Yeah?” She looked over at Bridgette.

“About the business…”

“I told my dad that I don’t think we should buy it. At least, not yet, okay? We’ll figure this out. We can make a plan of attack, and I can help you tell your parents whatever we come up with.”

“I’m scared they’ll say no.”

“I know, babe. But we’ll figure it out, okay?” She rested her head on Bridgette’s shoulder when they stopped at the light.

“Does this mean you’re staying at least a little longer?”

“I don’t have a flight booked, Bridge.”

“Good,” Bridgette replied, kissing the top of Monica’s head. “I’m scared about that, too.”

Monica didn’t say it out loud, but she was scared about the same thing. She squeezed Bridgette’s hand when the light changed, and they made their way across the street.

CHAPTER 21

“You’re going on a date with Monica?” Jill asked.

“Yes. And I have no idea what to wear. So, will you help already?”

“Where are you going?”

“Voodoo,” she replied.

“You’re taking that woman to a hole-in-the-wall barbeque place?”

“I wanted to keep it casual. I’m not great with fancy.”

“And you think she’s great with holes in the wall?”

“Jill, you arenotbeing helpful. I asked you to be helpful. Come on. I’m nervous.”

“Okay. Well, it’s not that hard. You’d be out of place in anything other than jeans there, so wear your nicest pair with a little give in them so you can be comfortable while you eat.”

“Got it,” Bridgette said as she pulled a pair of jeans from her closet.

“And you’d have to wear something you know could get stained. You’re not a messy eater that I’ve seen, but itisbarbecue. I’d say layer up. Wear a decent shirt with a sweater over it so that if you get the sweater dirty, you can take it off. Will you have a jacket?”

“I don’t know.”

“Wear one. You might not need it, but if you have to take the sweater off, you’ll have it if you get cold.”

“Or, ifshedoes.”

“There you go, Casanova. You’re getting it now.”

“You’re making fun of me? This is my first real date in forever, and you’re making fun of me?”

“Hey, you calledme, not Melinda.”

“Mel is busy with Kyle. I tried.”

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