Page 34 of Kiss My Glass
Guess pretending it didn’t happen is now out of the question.
“I know,” I admit. “I took myself by surprise, too. Sorry. I was … feeling weird.”
“Okay, so…” Danny’s still a little breathless. “Uh, is your offer still open? Or do you want me to forget this ever happened?”
His goddamn hair is curling over his forehead and my fingers are twitching, desperate to gently coax it back in place. I’ve had an emotional afternoon and one fairly strong bourbon, and I should trust my ever-cautious instincts and back away. Ishouldbut I don’t.
“I can’t tell,” I say, honestly. “Like I said, I have all these stupid emotions churning around in me, and sometimes I don’t know what the hell I feel!”
Damn it. Danny’s calm enough now to realize his hair’s messy and he pushes the curls off his forehead. I feel like an idiot dork but his smile is kind. I’m not the super huggy type but I’m about a second away from throwing myself into Danny’s arms. So maybe there’s my answer?
“Okay,” I say. “I do want to … you know … but I also want to stick to the plan and get to know each other properly. And I don’t know how to reconcile the two.”
“Can I make a suggestion?” Danny says. “Feel free to ignore it if it’s dumb.”
“Well, I have nothing,” I tell him. “So even the dumbest suggestion’s better than that.”
“How about we tell everyone that I’ve asked you to give me dance lessons?” says Danny. “In private, so no one can laugh at me. Nate will buy that. Then we can come back here, dance a little in case anyone snoops, and see how we feel after that. No pressure, I promise.”
“Shelby wants to watchGilmore Girls,” I say.
“You’re not leaving for a while,” Danny says. “Might not be time for all seven seasons ofGilmore Girlsbut you can certainly fit in the four-hour 2016 special.”
“How do you know so much aboutGilmore Girls?” I demand.
“I’m also very well informed aboutDawson’s CreekandFelicity,” he replies. “There was a distinct viewing divide in the Durant family, and on the whole, I preferred hanging out with Izzy and Mom.”
Then he adds, “Anyway. Dumb suggestion?”
He sounds hesitant, unsure, and I think that’s what tips the balance.
“Not dumb,” I say. “But I can’t promise anything.”
“I won’t expect you to,” he says. “Truly. Whatever you want to do is good with me.”
We both stand there, not quite knowing whether to smile or not. I decide to take charge.
“We’d better go, or we’ll be late for dinner,” I say. “Despite Shelby doing her best to drive it out of him like a demon, Nate still insists on punctuality.”
“That he does,” Danny agrees. “Give me a minute to lock up, pardner, and we’ll skedaddle.”
Dinner is fine. Just fine. Danny spins the line about dance lessons, and Shelby buys it without question. Though she’s disappointed.
“I was really looking forward to watching TV with you,” she says.
“Let’s do a binge-watch tomorrow night,” I offer. “The wholeYear in the Lifespecial in one go.”
“Okay!” My sister is easily pleased.
Nate, however,is more naturally suspicious. “How will you do dance lessons in that tiny house?”
Luckily, Danny is prepared. “We’ll use the workshop. There’s enough clear area in there.”
“There’s also a lot of sharp tools,” Nate points out.
“We’ll be careful,” says Danny. “Given I don’t even know the basic steps yet, I doubt we’ll be getting toophysical.”
A piece of food goes down the wrong way, and I have a short coughing fit.
