Page 79 of Who's Your Daddy
Cal: I can’t do that.
Me: Oh my God Cal stop being Joey from Friends and just tell me.
Cal: You stop being Rachel and I’ll do just that.
I snort. I’m oddly proud of him for understanding myFriendsreference. God, this man is more clever than I’ve ever given him credit for. Though if I tell him that, it’ll only burst his already overinflated ego, so I ignore all of it.
Me: I’m not doing this back and forth. I have to find a brunch place. Sloane is coming to Jersey.
Cal: Oh I saw the perfect spot.
Me: What?
Cal: Yeah. Tops Diner. The sign claims it’s the best diner in the world. Do that one.
Me: Really?
Cal:You won’t know until you try it.
Me: Why are you texting? It’s not a work day. I’ll talk toyou tomorrow.
Cal: Whatever Lola wants.
I slide my thumb over the screen, closing out of the Messages app, but before I can navigate to the browser to look up the diner, the device buzzes again.
Sloane: Leaving now. Let me know where to meet you ASAP.
Dammit. There’s no way I can talk her into meeting in the city now, so I look up Tops Diner. Might as well check out the menu.
Instead, my search populates a slew of TikTok’s and Instagram reels. After watching two I have to give Cal credit. This place looks awesome.
I quickly call for a reservation, then text Sloane the address. An hour later we’re sliding into a booth in a place that gives anywhere in New York a run for its money.
The high ceilings and huge windows make the dining area bright and open. The clean lines and light wood give it a modern feel.
Huh. Who would have thought a place like this existed in the armpit of a state that is New Jersey.
“I’ll take a mimosa,” I tell the server.
“I’ll try the golden patron,” Sloane mutters, her tone a little sharper than usual.
“Going for the hard stuff,” I tease as the server walks away, eager for the story behind her mood. “Ready to tell me what happened Friday night?”
Sloane shakes her head. “You first.”
The giddiness bubbling up inside me goes flat instantly. “Cal and I went to a fundraiser,” I say, waving a hand dismissively, “and had to spend the night in your love suite. You know this.”
Her lips kick up on one side. “So something happened?”
“It’s Cal.” I attempt a scoff but the crack in my voice betrays me.
“That’s not a no.” Sloane puts an elbow on the table and rests herchin in her hand, her long black hair slipping forward over her shoulders. “I want details.”
“I don’t….no details to tell.” I shift on the cushion, unease rolling over me. Cal and I had one night only together. And part of a day, I guess. So I’d rather keep our little lapse in judgment to myself. The last thing I need is to be another Callahan Murphy groupie.
“Sure.” Chuckling, she tucks her dark hair behind her ear. “But considering all the nothing that apparently didn’t happen?—”
I groan.
