Page 23 of To Build a Home
“She’s a Mosby. I know who she is. You forget I’ve lived in this town longer than you’ve been alive. She just moved back, right?”
“Yeah, not that long ago.”
I don’t go into too much detail with Terri because, honestly, what she has been through is really nobody’s business but her own.
“If you want my advice,” Terri starts.
“I don’t,” I reply.
“Well, too bad, you little shit. I know someone taught you to respect your elders. My advice to you is don’t wait too long to tell her how you feel. Someone might not hesitate and snatch her up before you man up enough to. But be gentle with her heart because it’s more than just one you’ll be holding in your hands.”
He then clears his throat. “Now, enough of this emotional bullshit. If you don’t want to get caught by the little lady, then I suggest we get down to business.” He claps a hand on my shoulder and spins me around to complete our order for the week, along with the strawberries and a few necessities that are just too good to pass up.
Chapter 13
Payton
“Come on, Payton, you need to go,” Sara Beth whines as we carry the empty dishes toward the kitchen. “Jer’s friend Nixon is here, and we thought it would be fun to all go out.”
Sara Beth and I have worked most of our shifts together, and she’s become a good friend.
Since I arrived on my shift tonight, she’s been bugging me about going on a double date with her, her boyfriend, and his friend. I’ve met Jer a few times when he’s come in. Thankfully, she hadn’t brought it back up all evening till now. I guess since it’s slowed down, I can’t avoid the conversation anymore.
“I don’t know him, though.”
My statement causes her to laugh. I didn’t think it was reallythatfunny. “Isn’t that the point of going on a date? You can’thonestly believe that you can only go out with people you know, can you?”
“Well, no.” With both my hands full of dishes, I use my ass to push through the swinging kitchen door, with Sara Beth hot on my heels.
I know I’m not leaving here tonight without agreeing with her. I would say she’s not above begging or possibly bribery.
Why am I hesitating so much? This would be my first date after my divorce. Joel has moved on. Why shouldn’t I?
I try to ignore her as I head toward the dishwashing station. “It’s not like it’s a total blind date either.” She pulls her phone from her apron and scrolls through a few things before revealing a photo zoomed in on a blond guy who looks straight out of a Hollister ad. He’s clearly athletic, as most of his muscles are on display, wearing a toga? He’s hot, sure, but I have a feeling that he knows it, too.Been there, done that. Bought the T-shirt.
“Come on, Payton. Please.” The way she says the word “please” makes it sound like there are about twenty more letters added to the simple five-letter word.
“Come on, Payton, what?” a deep voice says behind me. That same voice that in my dreams says that phrase minus a few words.“Come, Payton.”
Before I get the chance to tell him it’s nothing, because he is the last person I want to join in on this conversation, Sara Bethopens her mouth to speak. “I’m trying to get Payton to agree to a double date with Jer and me and a friend of his. It would be so much fun, and face it, girl—” She focuses her attention back on me. “—you need to get out.”
“What are you talking about? I get out,” I say, but there’s not a lot of conviction behind my words. I mean, I do, but not in the sense that she’s referring to. Two weeks ago, I was out at the farmer’s market with Rhyland.
That day was a turning point for us, shifting something in our dynamic. Gabby and I actually see him around the house, even if it’s just in passing.
I stop washing dishes to turn to find Rhy’s green eyes on me. My breath quickens a little at the intensity of his gaze. What is he thinking at the moment? Did he feel the shift in things with us, too?
I’m not ready to date, but as that thought crosses my mind, I know it’s not true. It’s thewhoI’m going out on a date with that is the issue. I want it to be the man in front of me, taking me out to experience this.
So instead of confessing that I would rather stay home with Rhyland or let him be my first date post-divorce, I choose to hide behind a crutch—my daughter. Of course, I feel guilty over it, but maybe at least she can help me get out of this.
“I don’t have anyone to watch Gabby.”
“You can’t ask your mom?” Sara Beth adds, clearly not allowing me to hide behind Gabby.
I shake my head. “No, I already have her watching her enough.”
My eyes glance over at Rhyland, who has remained silent since Sara Beth made her big revelation.Save me,I plead with my eyes.
