Page 76 of Doughn't Let Me Go

“Billion?” I grin. “Not yet.”

She laughs. “But essentially, right?”

I nod, chancing a glance at where our hands are still joined, hoping she doesn’t notice and pull away. I don’t want to stop touching her yet.

“Basically. I was really good at my job, but I didn’t make the cut when the company downsized. I was forced out on my own and built what I have now.”

She smiles brightly, like she’s proud of me.

My chest tightens, and so does my hand when she tries to pull hers away.

She doesn’t fight me.

“I’m happy for you, Porter. That’s a huge accomplishment.”

“Thank you,” I say, genuinely grateful for her words. “Honestly, my guidance counselor is why my assistant even kept your application. She almost tossed it because of you not meeting the age requirement, but then she read your letter and knew I’d connect with it.”

Dory blushes, her eyes dropping to our joined hands. “I’m glad I wrote it, then.”

“Me too.”

We’re quiet for a bit, just sitting here enjoying each other’s company.

“I’m old enough now.”

Her voice is low, hushed. Like she’s embarrassed or something.

“I know.” I lean across the table, lifting our joined hands, and place a small kiss across her knuckles. “Happy birthday, Dory.”

Her breath catches, and I like the way it sounds.

“Here we go—” The waiter stands at the end of the table, a tray full of food in hand. “Oh.Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Our hands drift apart, and I miss the contact already.

Our regular waiter distributes the insane amount of food I ordered—with extra ranch—and leaves us to enjoy.

We tuck into our meal.

“What the hell is cheese stick pizza?” Dory asks, looking at my slices incredulously.

“It’s exactly what it sounds like: cheese pizza with mini cheese sticks on top.”

She wrinkles her nose.

“Oh no you don’t,” I say. “No knocking it until you try it.” I hold my slice out for her to take a bite. “Try it.”

“Are you sure it’s good?”

“No, I just ordered two slices for shits and giggles.”

“Sounds like a waste of money to me,” she smarts off right back.

“Try it,” I urge.

She rolls her eyes but takes a tentative bite. As soon as the flavors explode on her tongue, her eyes widen and she sits back, groaning. “Holy shit. That’s… That’s…Wow.”

“Right?”