Page 16 of More Than a Good Friend

“I have plans next weekend.” I glance at the mood ring and drop my hand into my lap when I see that it’s still black. Food didn’t change a thing.

As he eats the surf part of his meal, he explains the merits of essential oils and how combining them with crystals changed his life.

Maybe I should tell him how Dag changed my life. I went from being mercilessly teased to having the most popular guy in school carry my books to class. That didn’t win me any favors from the cheerleaders. They shot daggers in my direction, but I didn’t steal anything from them. Dag was never more than a friend. He’s not looking for love. Doesn’t have even one romantic bone in his body.

And it’s not much of a surprise given his parents. Dag’s father and uncles nudge each other when a pretty woman walks past. Even when their wives are sitting at the other end of the table. And most of his parents’ interactions involve the father barking orders and the mom waiting on the men hand and foot.

It’s a completely different dynamic than my family.

My dad catches my mom around the waist and kisses her neck when he thinks no one is watching. And she giggles like a young girl in love for the first time.

I could compile a long list of complaints about my mother. She loves me but tries to run my life in ways that are annoying. But there has never been any doubt about how much she loves my dad.

Their marriage example has me craving a love like that.

I’m not going to find that with Louie.

“Too bad. We’ll compare calendars and see when we can make it happen.”

My phone lights up, and a text splashes on the screen.

The Hot One:Your place or mine tonight?

Louie yanks my phone across the table. “You have two dates scheduled? On the same night?” He pulls a face. “I figured we’d go back to my place after dinner. But I guess you have plans withthe hot one.”

His use of air quotes at the last part cracks me up, and I don’t even try to bite back my laugh.

“That’s my friend, who had uninterrupted access to my phone for all of thirty seconds. He’s probably waiting on me because I borrowed his truck.” I wave at the waitress. “Thank you for meeting me, but I have a long drive home, so I should get going.”

“You aren’t going to my place?”

I shake my head and hand the waitress my card. “I’m paying for my entree.”

“Got it. I’ll be right back.” She rushes away.

Louie cuts off a bite of steak. “I’m just shocked because things seemed to be going so well. I even bought you a mood ring. Is this because it’s broken?”

“That’s not the reason.” I slide the ring off my finger and set it on the table. “It was a nice gesture. Maybe keep it for your next date.”

“Good idea.” He pockets the ring.

As soon as the waitress hands me my card, I’m on my feet. “Have a good evening.”

“You too.” He doesn’t even look up from his steak.

I march out to Dag’s truck, ready to be home. Dating is going horribly. Tomorrow has to be better, right? Third time is a charm.

When I slide behind the wheel, I tap out a text to Dag.

Me:My place. You can wait inside. I’ll be home in about forty-five minutes. Give or take.

The Hot One:Can’t wait to hear about your date.

Me:You changed the name of your contact in my phone.

Why change it back? It’s not wrong.

The Hot One:I thought you’d like that.

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