Page 75 of More Than a Good Friend

Archer drops into the chair next to me. “I’m making a milkshake run. Want to come along?”

“Sure.” I shove out of the chair. The evening is going to be long. I might as well enjoy something while I’m waiting for Goldie to get back.

He waits until we’re pulling out of the ranch before he asks, “What’s eating at ya?”

“You know that stupid saying about letting something go? I did that, I think. Goldie is going out with that Luke guy again, and as much as I don’t want to like him, I do. He seems like a great guy, successful. Exactly the type she deserves.” I tip my head back. “I just woke up too late.”

“You don’t know that. Three dates isn’t really all that many.” He taps the steering wheel. “It took me a long time to move on from Lettie. She was the one for me. I was sure of it. So I get how you’re feeling.”

I need to figure out a way for Archer and Lettie to cross paths accidentally. Then Nico can’t blame me. But I haven’t come up with a plan. Yet.

“Before when you mentioned it, I didn’t really get it, and I’m sorry. As lousy as I feel, at least Goldie will still be my friend no matter who she ends up dating or marrying.” The last word sticks in my throat, but I push past it. “I can’t imagine never speaking to her again.”

“It’s rough. For a long time, I thought if I could just talk to her for five minutes, I’d get some sort of closure, but I gave up thinking that. Now, I don’t care to talk to her. Nothing she could say can erase the pain.” He pulls up to the drive-thru. “But don’t give up on Goldie yet.”

We order fries and milkshakes, then park in the lot and talk while we eat. I tell Archer all about my cousin and how she went to the zoo with us.

“You know. You might like Gabby. She’s only a few years younger than you are. Want me to introduce you?”

He shrugs. “I’ll think about it.”

“You still chatting with that unseen girl?”

“Yep. Every day. I’m thinking about asking her where she lives. But we’ll see.”

Maybe I shouldn’t finagle him bumping into his ex. He’s moved on, and what if this unseen girl is his person?

I dip a fry in my chocolate milkshake, then check my phone. “I can’t believe I’ve been hanging out with Goldie for more than twenty years and never realized how amazing she is. I mean, I knew she was an angel of a person. But she’s gorgeous and fun. And I see the way Luke looks at her. He sees all that. Smart guy.”

“I wish I had great advice for you, but Mason gave the best advice so far. Just keep being her friend and spending time with her.”

I smile at the message from Goldie letting me know she’s headed home. “I plan to. Let’s pull back through the drive-thru. I want to get her a strawberry milkshake.”

* * *

Before gettingout of my truck, I shoot off a text to Goldie.

Me:Tell your mom that I hope she has a great day. I’m sure she’ll be happy to know you’re dating someone.

Goldie:Haven’t decided if I’ll mention that. Are you going to see your mom?

Me:Just pulled up in front of the house. I bought lunch so that she didn’t have to cook. Because Mother’s Day.

Goldie:That’s sweet of you.

I pocket my phone and grab the bags of barbecue and the bouquet of flowers.

Mom yanks open the door before I even knock. She has a sense about when her kids are near. I’ll never understand how she knows.

She wraps her arms around me, and I hold the barbecue out to one side and the flowers out to the other.

“Happy Mother’s Day. Love you.”

“Oh, mijo. You brought me flowers. Thank you.” She takes the bouquet and sniffs. “I made rice in case there wasn’t enough food.”

“I told you I’d bring plenty. I didn’t want you to cook today.”

She waves her hand. “It’s no bother.”

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