Page 18 of More Than a Good Friend

Archer gets out of his truck as I step through the door. “You going out?”

“Yeah. Didn’t line up a date or anything, but figured doing something was better than staying here. Want to go?”

He purses his lips and seems to actually contemplate accepting the invitation, which is a surprise. Normally, he shuts them down immediately. He never goes out with any of us.

Company would be nice, so I add, “I don’t mind waiting for a bit while you change.”

“You sure?” He tips his hat back. “I can be quick.”

“Just knock when you’re ready.” I push open the door and step back inside my cabin, but then I lean out and holler, “If you’re just going to make sure I don’t bother Goldie, I have news for you. I don’t even know where she is.”

He flashes a wicked grin, then turns around.

Hopefully, I won’t regret inviting him along.

Flopped on my couch, I check my messages and scroll through the handful waiting to be read. Ladies are asking where I’m headed tonight. These aren’t like girlfriends or anything. But when I don’t have a date and am in want of company, these ladies are always eager to volunteer.

They’ll each get an answer in a few—after Archer and I decide—but first I need to see if Goldie texted.

She hasn’t.

I read through the last few messages we’ve sent back and forth. Mostly it’s me asking questions and her giving short answers. When I asked how the date went on Sunday, she replied that it was good. Based on the way he had her laughing, I figured that was the case, but seeing it written out soured my stomach a little. Reading it again has the same effect. I wonder if they’re going out on a second date.

If she starts seeing someone regularly, she’ll have less time for me. Even thinking that is selfish, but it’s a reality I’m not happy about.

When I hear boots on the porch, I hurry to the door. Staring at my phone isn’t helping my mood. But a dance hall will. It has to.

“That was quick.” I pull my door closed. “My truck or yours?”

Having Archer with me is nice because he might agree to be my designated driver for the evening. Now that Goldie is otherwise occupied, I need a replacement.

“Yours.” He checks his phone. “Where are we headed?”

“I was thinking that new place in town. It’s a bar, but they have a small dance floor.” I’ll reply to all my waiting texts once I get there. “And it’s close to here.”

“Let’s go.” He walks around to the passenger side.

I have until we get to the place to figure out what his angle is and why he’s suddenly going out for the evening. “You finally over your ex?”

“Getting there.” He smiles at his phone and taps on the screen. “I’ve been messaging with someone. And that’s been nice.”

“Is she cute?”

“Don’t know. Haven’t seen a picture. We just send messages back and forth. I’m not even sure where she lives or what her real name is.”

Now he just sounds crazy.

“No name. No picture. Where did you meet her?”

“Reddit.”

“On what?” I turn into the parking lot. “Is that like Facebook or something?”

“Similar but very different.”

That makes me laugh. “Clear as mud.” Before getting out of the truck, I hold out my keys. “You mind driving us home?”

“I don’t want to drive. But I’ll call someone to come get us.” He doesn’t take the keys.

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