Page 12 of Cash

Livi’s eyes light with humor as they slide to Terry.

“Was Snots a problem?” she asks while leaning down and giving his fat head a loving rub.

“Of course not. He’s adorable. Lars and I are happy to have him stay with us anytime you want to go for a run and he doesn’t,” Terry assures Livi.

“He never wants to go,” Livi replies with a laugh.

“If you can get him this far, he’s welcome anytime, Livi,” Dad adds.

“Thank you very much. I might take you up on that,” Livi answers.

Snots continues to snore as Livi, Terry and Dad chat. I add a comment or two from time to time but mostly just listen. I’ve found I learn more about someone from watching and listening than talking. And I like what I’m learning. Livi’s obviously a people person. She slid right into conversation with men she doesn’t really know and is confident in herself. She listens as well. Lots of people can talk but not as many are good at listening. She cares about what the guys are saying, and that says a lot about the kind of person she is.

Mind made up, I wait for my opportunity to speak with Livi alone. I don’t have to wait long.

“Well, guys, it’s been fun, but I have to get a move on. Time to hit the shower and get Snots fed. Thanks again for today. I’m sure you’ll be seeing me again,” Livi states with a laugh as she stands.

Snots gets a chuckle from all of us as his head snaps up when Livi mentions getting him fed. I stand as well and wait while Livi snaps the leash to the dog harness. I follow them down the deck steps.

“You leaving already, Boo?” Terry shouts.

“Yeah. See you two tomorrow,” I answer as we walk away.

“Terry! Get your ass back over here and give them a minute!” Dad whisper shouts.

“I like watching him walk away! I’m not giving that up!” Terry replies in a none too quiet tone.

“Don’t you dare interfere with my chance at a grandchild!”

“Do they know we can clearly hear them?” Livi asks with a laugh as she comes to a stop next to my bike.

“No. They believe they’re being cagey as fuck.”

“They’re not very cagey, but they’re funny as hell,” Livi says while looking up at me with a beautiful smile in place.

“Yeah, they can be. You got a last name, Livi?”

“Moore. Olivia Moore but everyone calls me Livi.”

“Dinner, Livi? Friday night?” I ask.

“Are you asking me out because of something James said at the bar?” Livi asks with a small cringe. “Because, God knows, that man spews words that I have no idea where they came from and…”

“No. Dinner Friday night, Livi,” I state, no longer asking.

Livi stares at me for a moment before slowly nodding her head. I’m not sure what thoughts ran through her mind but whatever they were, they didn’t discourage her from accepting my offer.

“Yes, Cash. I’d like that,” she answers softly.

“Great. Address?”

Again, she stares for a moment before replying.

“How about I meet you somewhere?”

I grin. I like this woman, and I like that she’s smart enough to want to get to know me before handing out her home address.

“Tombstone’s Steak House. 7pm work for you?”

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