Page 70 of More Than a Good Friend

That surprised look is back, and Goldie rubs my arm. “Thanks.”

I’m still waiting for a thumpity-thump, but man my heart soars when she smiles at me. And for the first time ever, I step back from her because if I don’t, I’ll go in for a kiss.

Wanting to kiss Goldie isn’t new. I’ve been thinking about it since that day in Comfort, but the urge to kiss her is brand-new. I nearly leaned in like we’d kissed a million times.

But if I tried that, I’d get more than just a surprised look.

* * *

Goldieand I arrive at the restaurant first. The place looks a little on the hipster side, but I don’t care. As long as I can get a burger, I’m good.

My strategy for surviving lunch is staying quiet. If Tandy asks me to take off my shirt, I’ll chuckle politely and act like she isn’t a walking jump scare.

“Hello!” Tandy waltzes through the door wearing bright pink slacks and a gray sweater set. I’m not sure what it’s called when the shirt is made of sweater material and the sweater on top is the same color, but clearly they were intended to be worn together.

She hugs Goldie, then opens her arms, inviting me in for a hug. I’m doing this for Goldie, and if Tandy gives any part of me a squeeze, I’m going to sit in the car. After a side glance at Goldie, pleading for a rescue if the hug lasts too long, I bend down and let Tandy hug me.

Surprisingly, she doesn’t try anything. Goldie might be right about Tandy being nice, but the decision is still out.

We’re escorted to a table, and a chubby guy in skinny jeans hands us menus. “I’m Chaz, and I’ll be your waiter. Our special today is a kale salad with pickled beets, feta cheese, and maple-glazed nuts. So yummy. I highly recommend that. But I’ll get your drink order and give you a few minutes to decide on what you want to eat.”

The special sounds disgusting. I scan the menu, and panic sets in as I realize there’s no meat. In anything.

Chaz looks at me and asks, “And what would you like to drink?”

“Water.” I can’t go wrong with that.

He scribbles on his little notepad. “Would you like lemon and cucumber in that?”

“No. Just ice and water. Plain ice. No weird stuff.” I’ve had enough weird for today.

I’ve had a man rub my feet, and then I had the urge to kiss Goldie. Definitely weird.

Now I’m eating food without meat. And I’m paying money for it.

I glance up from the menu, and both Goldie and Tandy are staring.

Thankfully, there are nachos listed, and hopefully, I can get it without vegan crumbles on top. Because I’d rather eat dirt.

When Chaz returns with my plain water and the other drinks, he asks if we’ve decided.

Tandy orders the special. Brave woman.

Goldie orders a fancy grilled cheese sandwich, which doesn’t sound so bad.

Then it’s my turn. “I’ll have the nachos with just refried black beans and cheese. No crumbles or aioli or anything else.”

“You got it.” Chaz is being pretty cool about my special order, which I appreciate. “Guys like you always order the nachos.” He winks. “I’ll have everything out soon.”

Okay, so I’ll pay Goldie to leave a tip. After that wink, I don’t want to give him the wrong idea. Or any idea.

Tandy rests her hands on the table, fingers laced. “To what do I owe the pleasure of having you join us today?”

When asked a direct question, staying quiet isn’t an option. “I caught her before she left and asked to tag along. But I didn’t know the restaurant was vegetarian.”

She laughs. “I’m glad it worked out.” Looking at Goldie, she asks, “What happened to Luke? Did he have a good excuse for canceling?”

I listen because Goldie doesn’t share much with me about Luke. If she really likes him, I won’t interfere. I won’t butt in even if she doesn’t like him, but it would be helpful to know if I should ask my cousin about going with me on double dates.

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