Page 65 of Hooking Up

---

Yeah. But she's not quite here. She's thinking something.

I'm not used to it.

I don't like it.

I want all her attention. "And Sandy?"

She laughs. "Yeah. And Sandy."

"You don't like her?"

"No. I do. Just she…"

"Can't stop gushing about her boyfriend?"

"Exactly." Iris laughs. "I thought I was the only person who found it obnoxious."

I shake my head. "I figured it was a girl thing. That he had some amazing trait I couldn't see."

"No. He's nice. And… nice." She pulls the paper off her straw and slides it in her glass. "How did you meet?"

"I did her sleeve."

She nods. "It's good."

"Thanks."

"Really. You're a talented guy."

"I know." I lean back. Press my palm into my thighs. Truth be told, I don't know what to do with praise. I'm not used to it. Not from someone I trust.

She stares back into my eyes. "I'm working on that one."

"The guys at the shop, we do a lot of shit. You're welcome to join."

"Oh baby, you're seducing me with that invitation."

I laugh. Okay. That wasn't smooth. But I'm not sure how to handle this. Usually, I'm trying to draw a hard line between my life and a woman's. "It's fun. Leighton usually comes. And Emma and Kaylee tag along too."

"Who?"

"Brendon's little sister and his girlfriend."

"Doesn't help." Her lips curl into a smile. "But thanks. I'll consider that."

"What else is on the list?"

"Figuring out your goals and going after them. I'm good on that one. School." Her posture relaxes. Like she's sinking into the conversation.

"You have anything else?"

"Not right now." Her eyes meet mine. "What about you?"

Just keeping Sabrina out of my life. And making sure she doesn't OD in some shady motel.

Yeah, they're contradictory goals.

But that's life.

---