Page 37 of Girls Will Be Girls
“I’m serious.” He laughs back.
“I’m scared you might be.”
He drinks the last of his drink and stands up from the booth. “You want another?” He smiles.
I nod.
As he walks off, he squeezes my shoulder, and his hand lingers for just a second. It sends tingles all down me, and I know I definitely want something to happen between us. If him touching me for barely a second turns me into a gelatinous puddle, imagine what being with him would be like.
I’ve really got to decide what lane we’re heading down: dating or casual.
I think I need some more towel time to sit and think this over.
When Lou gets back to the table we finish the rest of our food, the hottest wings sending us into a moment of desperation as we both scarf down our fries to make the burning stop.
I think I’m rocking a perma-blush now from the heat.
He tells me more about the tour, how much he actually likes the politician he’s following, how he sometimes wishes he could not be neutral for one day, and tell people how much they should vote for them. He also tells me about how he grew up in New York —hello, rich Upper East Side parents— and moved to D.C.for something new (I only get a slight tingle of hope in my belly thinking that means he’ll be in New York often); how his twelve-year-old dreams to become a basketball star were dashed when he realized how much working out you have to do; and lastly how much he despises wine.
“It’s just bitter grape juice, Louisa. Why do we all pretend to like it?”
It’s the most passionate I’ve ever seen him.
I tell him about my day, the paddleboarding, about Buck, how I’ve agreed to go to a theme night here next week, almost hinting that he should come too. He asks me about my life, living in Brooklyn, about my job. He does what Casey did and forces me to send him my favorite articles so he can read them, which I do reluctantly.
I go up to the bar to get the next round, but Willie’s there giving me a disapproving look, his arms folded in front of his chest.
“What?” I ask, looking behind me as if he’s not directing that stare at me.
“I’m not serving you anymore.” He says.
“Why?” I say shocked. “I’m not even drunk?”
“Yeah, but if I give you one more, there’s no way you’re waking up to hike at 5 am.”
“How do you-” I stop. “Are you stalking me, Willie?”
He lets out an exhale through his nose, which I guess for Willie is laughing. “You’re the one who had my number. If anyone’s the stalker, you are.”
“Wait.” I grin. “You’re the hiking guy?”
“Yeah?” He asks, confused.
“I had no idea!” I beam. “That’s so exciting!” Maybe I am a little tipsy.
“Isn’t it just?” He says dryly. “Now go to bed.”
“Yes, sir.” I nod and salute him as he walks off, shaking his head and serving someone else.
I gesture for Lou to come to the bar, beckoning him with my hand. He laughs and comes to stand right next to me.
“What?” He laughs, looking down at me. “You forgot your card or something?”
“No. I need to go home.” I say. “Willie won’t let me drink anymore.”
“Wow, two beers and you’re wasted? Cheap date.” He teases.
“Thought this wasn’t a date?” I push back.
