Page 13 of More Than a Good Friend

“Dad worried about Mom when she lived in New York. He’d talk to her on the phone really late sometimes to make sure she made it home safely.”

“How do you know? Weren’t you sleeping?”

“Sometimes, but you can ask them. He’ll tell you. Anyway, if you’re worried about Goldie, maybe you could marry her, and then she wouldn’t go out on dates.” He bobs his head, seemingly proud of his great idea. “And then you could kiss her because married people do that a lot. All the time.” He rolls his eyes.

Clearly Mason has forgotten what happened at the party. Or maybe he wasn’t paying attention when I made a fool of myself.

“Pretty good idea, but Goldie doesn’t want to marry me.” It comes out sounding sadder than I intended. I am sad, but I’m trying to act like it didn’t do a number on my heart.

“Oh. That’s right.” He scratches his head. “The piñata.”

“Yep.”

“Hmm. She might change her mind. Have you gotten her flowers? Or maybe just try the kissing part.” He taps the side of his head, like he’s trying to shake loose other good ideas.

I’ve never thought about kissing Goldie, but I would if I thought it would make things better. I’m not sure she’d be all that happy with the idea though.

“Goldie and I are friends.” I hate that it sounds like an excuse.

Mason jumps out of the chair and does a dance. “I know what you have to do.”

I can’t believe I’m asking for relationship advice from a kid. “What?”

“I have a friend at school. Her name is Minnie, and we sit by each other in class, and we have lunch together. When we go on field trips, I sit by her on the bus. And Mom sets up playdates for us sometimes.”

“I don’t follow.” I already sit by Goldie at meals. Or I did before the botched proposal. And we’re a little old for field trips.

Jaw open, Mason tilts his head back. “Duh. You have tospend time with her.” Grinning he crosses his arms. “Yep. And buy her flowers. Grayson buys his wife flowers all the time. Then she’ll want to be your girlfriend. And then, she’ll marry you.”

His idea isn’t bad. I’m not sure about the flowers part, but spending time together is a great idea. Not to make her my girlfriend. I’m ignoring that part. I just want our friendship to be like it used to be. And time together will help with that. “Thanks, buddy.”

“You’re welcome.” He goes back to his game.

And I check the time. I promised the guys that I wouldn’t camp out on Goldie’s porch. Waiting inside her cabin might be too much, and hanging out in the trees near her place might be considered creepy. Then I remember that she’ll be returning the truck at the end of the evening.

I’ll know when she’s back, which is good because until I know she’s home safe, I won’t be able to breathe normally.

But we never settled on where to meet, so later, I’ll text and ask if she wants to meet at her place or mine.

CHAPTER7

GOLDIE

Ican safely say I’m zero for two, and my date and I haven’t even found a place to eat yet. This guy—I think his name is Louie, but I’ve booked so many dates, the names are starting to run together—is leading me in circles around the mall, trying to decide which restaurant tickles his fancy.

Yes, he used those words.

We’ve walked into seven possibles so far. And each time, he’s led me out with little explanation about why we aren’t dining there. Some of those restaurants smelled divine.

Comparing him to Dag isn’t going to help me move on, but my good friend would’ve glanced around, sniffed the air, and headed to the nearest restaurant that served steak or barbecue. He has no trouble making decisions about where to eat.

“I think I’ll grab a seat here on this bench while you decide what sounds good.” The more I walk, the hungrier I get, and this could turn ugly if I don’t eat soon.

“I have to see the restaurant. Feel the vibe.” He waves his hands. “Oh, I brought you something.” He yanks a small box out of his pocket.

It’s way too soon for gifts, and the jewelry-size box has me a bit nervous.

He lifts the lid and hands me a ring. “A mood ring. These are the coolest. We’ll see if our vibes match.”

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