Page 77 of More Than a Good Friend

“What words?” I’m not the dumbest person alive, but currently I feel like I’m in competition for that title. “What are we talking about?”

“With Goldie.” She wags her finger at me. “Tell her.”

Because I’m not actually the dumbest person alive, I know what she means bytell her. “I would, but she’s dating someone, and I think she likes him. If it doesn’t work out for them, I will happily pour out my soul. But not until.”

“You are a stubborn one, aren’t you?”

“I took Goldie for granted for a long time. I won’t mess up a good thing for her.”

Tandy touches her forehead, then presses a hand over her heart. “You’re going to put me in an early grave.” She winks. “Possibly.”

“If Goldie breaks it off with Luke, you tell me, and I’ll be running my mouth as soon as I find her.”

“Promise?”

I nod. “The only reason I haven’t already spilled my guts is because I care about her. A lot.”

Tandy sighs. “You’re really going to let her go?”

“I want her to be happy.”

After a shake of her head, Tandy slides out of the truck. I pull up next to the big party room, but before getting out, I text Goldie.

Me:How about a movie tonight?

Goldie:Can’t. I’m having dinner with Luke.

I send a thumbs-up and blow out a breath. Sometimes doing the right thing is really hard.

CHAPTER27

GOLDIE

On my knees, I’m bent over, scrubbing the floor around the game room toilet. If I’m not careful, I’m going to scrub the pattern off the flooring.

The last several weeks, Dag has been the same as always except sweeter, and he refuses to talk about the earring. Any time I bring it up, he changes the subject.

And the mixed signals have me frustrated.

“Goldie?” Ava’s voice rings out from in the game room.

“In the bathroom.” The door is wide open, so I assume it’s clear that I’m not using the facilities, but just in case, I add, “Cleaning.”

She steps into the doorway. “Don’t worry about meals this weekend. I’ve loaded the fridge with stuff they can heat. And the guys are all aware. I want you to enjoy your weekend.” She leans on the doorframe and crosses her arms. “How long have you been scrubbing?”

“Why?”

“Because the scrubby part of your sponge is gone. Anything you want to talk about?”

I sit back on my heels. “It’s been almost six months.”

She nods, knowing exactly what I’m referring to.

“You know that saying about a bird in the hand being better than two in the bush. But what if the bird in the hand is by all accounts everything you should want but isn’t and the two birds in the bush are actually one amazing bird that makes your heart flippity-flop just thinking about him?”

She gives me an understanding smile. “What are you going to do about the bird in the hand?”

“We’re having dinner tonight, and I’ll say something. Not sure what yet. I don’t even know what Dag’s thinking, which is nothing new, but still. He had an earring custom made to complete my set just because they were my favorite pair. But he won’t talk about it.”

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