Page 30 of Here's to Tomorrow

And that’s how my Saturday begins.

* * *

After an exhausting day at three different parks, I’m relaxed on my mom’s couch. Joey’s curled up next to me drifting in and out of sleep withFinding Nemofired up on the screen.

Times like these are my favorite.

I had to reschedule the card game with the guys for next weekend after the sleepover was cancelled due to a sick kid.

If I’m being honest, I would have rescheduled, canceled sleepover or not. I’ve been trying to avoid them after my evening with Rae last night because I know those two assholes are going to question me until I’m blue in the face. I don’t want to rehash it all and have them analyze every little detail. I want to keep it—keep Rae—to myself for a while longer.

I’ve been fighting the urge to text her all day. Even though I was out with the most amazing kid ever today, she’s been right in the front of my mind. I want to talk with her, but I have no idea how to start up a conversation. I could be lame and ask for that marketing help, or I can try to think up something smooth.

Yeah right. Better stick with lame just to be safe.

Me: So, hey, did you still want to help with that marketing thing?

I toss my phone onto the coffee table so I don’t stare at it until she texts back. Instead, I end up staring at the clock over the TV.

It takes her five full minutes to respond.

Rae: Actually, no. I completely changed my mind. I’m SO swamped with work right now, I’m afraid I don’t have the time. I was just being nice. Wait, who is this?

Her sarcasm knows no bounds.

Me: Hudson

Rae: Which one? I know a few.

Me: The sexy one, of course.

Rae: Shit. That could be at least two different guys. :-p

I laugh out loud at that one.

“Why are you laughing? That wasn’t even funny,” Joey says, pointing to the television.

“Nothing, kiddo. I just thought of something funny.”

She pats my arm and lies back down. “Okay then.”

Me: It’s the extra sexy one. The one you can’t stop thinking about…

Rae: Oh. Hudson Carter? How the hell are you, dude?!

Little smartass.My phone vibrates again before I’m able to respond.

Rae: Fine. I give. You caught me. Yes, I’m still willing to help you. What do you have in mind?

My fingers fly over my keyboard and I’ve hit send before I can take it back.

Me: Have coffee with me tomorrow? We can talk then.

Rae: Sure. Where and when?

Holy shit. I just asked Rae out!

“Oooh! You said a bad word! Pay up!” Joe exclaims next to me.

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