Page 3 of More Than a Good Friend

Beau sets a cup of punch in front of me. “I’m just hoping she doesn’t quit. She’s been awesome, and Ava needs the help.”

Goldie loves her job. I refuse to be the reason she quits.

“If she threatens to quit because of me, I’ll turn in my resignation.”

He shakes his head. “I don’t want that either. Figuring it out would be better.”

“That’s why I’m asking for advice.” I down the punch in a few gulps. “Maybe something stronger would help.”

“Nope.” Dallas sits across from me. “Don’t do that. I think you can salvage the friendship, but give up on the idea of marrying Goldie.”

“But she wants to get married. I know she does.”

Kent sighs. “She wants to fall in love, Dag. That’s different than getting married for other reasons.”

Parker nods. “Take it from me. I know a thing or two about this. He’s absolutely right.”

“What are you talking about? You and Bluebonnet are constantly grinning at each other and looking like lovesick teens.” I’ve noticed all the sappy looks. Before I never much cared, but seeing how happy all these guys are with their wives, I’ve been a little excited about getting married.

He shrugs. “It’s that way now, but things were different at first. I wouldn’t change a thing. However, I wouldn’t recommend it either.”

Dallas taps the table. “In your proposal, which could’ve used some work, you mentioned a deal. Tell us about that.”

“Goldie’s family moved to town when I was in high school. Actually it was our last year of middle school. And one day, in the hall, some guys knocked books out of her arms and laughed at her name. Her real name is Marigold, and that’s what she used to go by.” I close my eyes, thinking back to that day. “Anyway, I walked over, picked up the books, handed them to her, and then draped an arm around my new friend. I told the guys that if anyone bothered my friend Goldie, they’d have to deal with me. Everyone started calling her Goldie, no one teased her, and when we discovered that we shared a birthday, we became fast friends.”

Dallas lifts his eyebrows. “That’s actually kind of sweet, but I didn’t hear anything about a deal in that story.”

“Oh, yeah. On our fifteenth birthday, she was upset about some guy—he was a jerk that I’d warned off of her—and while we were talking, just hanging out, I told her we wouldn’t be single forever. She worried she’d never get married, and I told her that if we were both still single when we were old, then we’d just marry each other. And we were stupid back then and thought thirty-five was old. She liked the idea.”

Kent looks like he’s trying not to laugh. “When was the last time you discussed it?”

“That one time. But I remembered. I figured she did too.” I cover my face with my hands, not even sure what I’m feeling. “But she doesn’t want to settle for a guy like me. It makes sense, but I’m just disappointed. It’s a shocker she hasn’t been swept off her feet already.”

“You think maybe that has something to do with how you interfere when she goes out on dates?” Parker pokes my arm. “Just maybe.”

“You can’t do that.” Dallas leans forward. “If you care about Goldie, let her find someone and fall in love.”

“I’ll keep out of it. But you guys better make sure she’s safe and not dating creeps because—”

Kent rests a hand on my arm. “We’ll be around if she wants help.”

“Good.” The idea of Goldie dating ties my stomach in knots. “Because she’s awesome. I probably wouldn’t have graduated high school without her help. And she’s always happy to be my designated driver. She’s a catch. And I want her to be happy.”

My phone buzzes, and everyone’s gaze snaps to the screen.

Goldie:Still friends. But I need some space for a while.

Me:Okay. A week?

Goldie:I’ll find you when I’m ready to talk.

“She said she needs space.” I turn my phone face down so I don’t keep reading the words over and over.

Dallas stands. “Let’s eat cake.”

This is the worst birthday ever.

CHAPTER3

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