Page 71 of More Than a Good Friend

“Work. But he texted a bit earlier and wants to spend the day with me on Saturday. We might go to the zoo.” She stares at the table as she speaks.

That was supposed to be our thing.

She glances at me. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“Nah, have fun. But if you want, we could double date. That could be fun.”

Tandy claps. “That’s a fabulous idea.”

Okay, so I’ve decided I like this lady.

Goldie nods. “Sure. That will be fun.”

Hopefully, my cousin isn’t busy on Saturday.

* * *

I stepinside the coffee shop, and Gabby gives me a big hug.

“Hiya.” She grins. “Thanks for calling.”

She’s grown up since I last saw her. She’s about Goldie’s height and build, and with the dark hair, they could pass as sisters.

I motion toward the counter. “Let’s order. My treat. How are you liking San Antonio?”

Even though I drove all the way into the city to meet for coffee, I still glance around to make sure no one I know is here. I don’t want anyone to know that I’m taking my cousin on a double date. Because that sounds seriously weird. But I’m getting good at weird.

Once we’re at a table, I launch into my request. “I have an ulterior motive for inviting you here.”

“Uh-oh.” She laughs. “How worried should I be? And no matter what my mom says, I do not want to be set up with any nice boys.”

“I have a friend. We’ve known each other since before high school. And I kind of have a thing for her, but she has a date on Saturday.”

“With someone else?”

I nod.

“I’m sorry.”

After a shrug, I lean in to propose my plan. “Yeah, but she agreed to a double date. To the zoo. Have you ever been to the zoo?”

Gabby lifts one eyebrow. “You want me to go as your date to the zoo?”

“Yes. Whew. I thought it would be really hard to explain it without it sounding completely strange, but you figured it out right away. Are you free on Saturday? I’ll pay for everything. Only catch is, I don’t want her to know you’re my cousin.”

“Why are you asking me?” She eyes me over the rim of her cup.

What’s a little honesty between cousins? “Okay so, I was kind of—you might say—a bit of a ladies’ man.”

Her eyebrows lift a little more.

“But I’m reformed. In the process of reforming. My friend is just this really sweet person who deserves a guy who—you know what, I’m rambling. Let me cut to the point. I don’t want to go on a real date because that wouldn’t be fair to my date. My main reason for going is to be around Goldie. But I figure if I take you along, you get to see the zoo, have a free meal, and can enjoy the day. You won’t be hurt if I don’t hold your hand or anything like that.”

“If you try to hold my hand, you’re the one who will be hurting.” Her tone is sharp, but humor is dancing in her eyes.

“You don’t have to worry about that. It isn’t your hand I want to hold. No offense.”

“None taken. You’re my cousin.” She purses her lips. “How much do you like this woman?”

---