Page 72 of More Than a Good Friend

“I let a guy give me a pedicure just so I could hang with her at the salon. But you are the only other person who knows that.”

“You’re smitten.” She grins and takes another sip of her drink, making me wait for an answer. “And I’ll go on that double date with you. But won’t she find it a bit weird that your date is a decade younger?”

“Sadly, no. She probably won’t be surprised by that at all.”

CHAPTER25

GOLDIE

What was I thinking when I agreed to a double date? And worse, Dag and I rode in from Stadtburg together, and we’re meeting our dates here at the zoo. He hasn’t said one word about who he’s spending the day with, and it’s killing me.

I don’t think he’s done any of his weekend partying since... the proposal.

Allowing myself to think that something shifted that day will not help me. If Dag is developing feelings—which I highly doubt—he’ll have to use his words. Until then, I’m going to continue my hunt for love.

Luke walks up, carrying flowers. “Goldie, hi. I’m so sorry about last weekend. I felt horrible canceling at the last minute.”

I accept the flowers and give him a hug. “These are beautiful. Thank you.” What am I supposed to do with the flowers while I walk around the zoo? “Did the project get wrapped up?”

“Not yet, but I’ll work on it tonight and tomorrow.” He glances at Dag. “Hey there. You must be her friend.”

“I am. Name’s Dag.” He glances at the flowers. “Glad you could make it today.”

The subtle snark isn’t helpful, but I resist the urge to thump my friend.

“Luke. It’s nice to meet you.” Thankfully, my date is ignoring the jab.

And the handshake doesn’t seem like a battle for dominance, which gives me hope that today might actually be enjoyable.

Luke gives me a surveying look. I’m in shorts because the weather is warm, and my sandals are showing off my recent pedicure.

“That color on your toenails looks great. Very nice.”

Dag rubs the back of his neck and walks toward a young woman.

Is that his date? She’s a kid. That’s an exaggeration. She’s probably in her twenties. But a lot younger than Dag. I’ve seen him go out with some very interesting women, but never anyone this young. Maybe I just quit paying attention.

But I’m not going to make a big deal about it. He is who he is, and I’m on a date with Luke.

One thing is for sure, this double date was a bad idea, and I’m going to have words with Tandy for encouraging it. Why does Dag want to tag along on my dates anyway?

Dag shoves his hands in his pockets as he walks up with the young woman beside him. “Goldie, Luke, this is Gabby.”

Gabby smiles. “Nice to meet you. Beautiful flowers.” She spins around and shows us her backpack. “I wore my panda today. Isn’t it cute?”

“That’s adorable. And fun. What a great idea for the zoo.” I could rib her about being young, but that’s just mean. And besides, the backpack is super cute. Maybe I can find a kangaroo one.

We’re doing the usual get-acquainted chitchat as we walk to the ticket booth, and that’s when the battle starts. Both men reach for their wallets.

Luke waves off Dag. “I’ve got this.”

I hold my breath, hoping Dag doesn’t make this complicated.

And shockingly, he nods. “Sure thing. Thanks. That’s really kind of you. Next time we go out, it’ll be my treat.”

“That works.” Luke gives his attention to the ticket lady.

Next time? I never agreed to a next time.

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