Page 36 of The Ruse of Romancing
Chapter 20
Dani
Thenextmorning,Iwoke with bleary eyes and a crick in my neck. After spending the afternoon shopping with Allen, I’d come home full of ideas. As I’d typed, the hours disappeared until the next thing I knew I was waking up on the couch wearing one of the new sweatshirts I’d purchased, a smile on my lips, and Poppy’s bracelet digging into my arm, leaving little imprints that would probably take all day to fade. Yet, I didn’t mind as the marks reminded me of hours spent holding Allen’s hand, his fingers tracing over each stone and sending shivers of attraction up my arm.
Yesterday had been... unexpected.
I had no idea I could have so much fun with a man I’d only just met. Allen was kind, creative, flirty, and outgoing. He’d been endlessly patient with me as I dragged him through multiple thrift stores and tourist shops, looking for more clothes to get me through my time here in Oregon. He’d gone along with it, joining in the fun by trying on some of the crazier items wefound, including a jean vest with patches that I was still sad he hadn’t purchased. As we’d shopped, we’d held hands, making it clear we were there together, despite the many women who cast interested glances Allen’s way.
He’d ignored them all, keeping his attention trained on me.
We’d swapped stories and laughed. I was still embarrassed when I thought about how long it took me to learn he was a graphic designer.
“You know, I’ve learned the value of a skilled graphic designer,” I’d mused as we browsed the jewelry section of one thrift store where I’d spent far too much money.
“I like to think what I do is worth something,” he’d said with a laugh, handing me a small bracelet with a heart-shaped pendant to examine.
I slipped the bracelet on my wrist, its delicate chain contrasting sharply with the bulk of the bracelet from Poppy. I took the bracelet off, talking myself out of purchasing any jewelry for now.
“I meant, I couldn’t do what I do without incredible graphic designers who create covers and promotional graphics. I’d love to see your work some time,” I’d said, handing back the bracelet.
“I’d love to show you.”
Allen’s fingers had wrapped around mine and given them a squeeze before accepting the bracelet and putting it back. And even though it was a perfectly average moment, I couldn’t help but feel like something significant had passed between us, like we’d somehow taken a step forward in this undefined, only-just-beginning relationship of ours.
It left me wondering if Petros needed to take Hypatia thrifting. Or maybe he needed to forge her a bracelet from the depths of the underworld. Something a little more in alignment with their story and world.
As I’d dropped Allen off at his car in the beach parking lot, he’d paused and finally asked for my phone number.
I’d rattled it off quickly before remembering my reception problem until the internet was fixed tomorrow, but Allen hadn’t seemed worried. Instead, he’d saved my number and made plans to meet up in a couple of days for dinner. It had all felt so easy and simple and wonderful, and I couldn’t wait to tell the cousin crew about it. Just as soon as I headed into town to find good coffee and cell reception.
And if cell reception also meant I might hear from Allen today, all the better.
I changed into another one of the sweatshirts I’d purchased the day before, a gray crewneck with a bigfoot graphic on it with the words,Hide and Seek World Championemblazoned at the bottom. I threw my hair up into a bun, pulled on some joggers, and headed to my car. I whistled the entire way to Sugar and Sea, grinning like a fool. Maybe a change of scenery and the fresh sea air really were all I needed to get my creativity going again. Of course, an entire day with Allen Bradley hadn’t hurt anything either. I had several thousand words to show for my writing session last night and the ideas were still coming. I’d only stopped writing because of exhaustion.
The bakery was busy when I arrived, so I got in line, pulling out my phone to play a bit of catch-up now that I had cell reception. I had several messages from the cousins but nothing from Allen. Reminding myself I’d been with him just yesterday, I pushed aside any feelings of disappointment. He’d text and, if not, I’d see him at dinner tomorrow.
Once I’d read and responded to all my missed messages, I popped a message into the “Cheaper Than Therapy” group chat, needing to share my good mood with someone:
Dani:
It’s official. You all have to pause your lives to come to Oregon. Sadie, you would love the food! And Poppy, there are so many fun thrift stores.
Lucy:
Who are you and what have you done with Dani? Either there’s something in the water in Oregon or you’re doing more than just writing a love story there...
Chloe:
Lucy has a point. You’re only this chipper when a hot guy is involved. Anything you wanna share? Is it your neighbor?
I snorted. If only Chloe knew just how different Allen and Mason were. Though, come to think of it, it had been at least forty-eight hours since Mason had done something to annoy me. He’d been surprisingly helpful with the whole internet situation.
Sadie:
Food and thrift stores?? Someone is avoiding writing... and why are you so happy about two things you never want to do when you’re home?? Answers. Now.
Avery:
