Page 28 of Time Loops & Meet Cutes
“Yeah, I’ll have to grab some cans for the jet.”
“Are you taking off somewhere soon?”
“I’ve got a few hours.”
I swear he looks at my mouth, then snaps his gaze back to my eyes. “Any plans for the rest of the day?”
I wonder if he wants to see me whenever he’s done here. Or maybe he’s just making conversation.
Probably the latter. I’m not great at reading these situations.
By four thirty, I’m almost done with my second beer, and the taproom is fairly busy. There’s a group of seven guys at a table just behind me, and an older couple by the window. A few men in their twenties sit at the bar and ask a bunch of questions about the beer, which Cam gamely answers.
I consider ordering a third Corktown, then decide against it. I don’t feel like getting drunk, and the only reason I want to stay here is Cam, who’s now occupied.
“Can I get you another?” he asks me as I knock back the rest of my pint.
“No, just the bill, thanks.”
He nods, and it’s not long before I’ve tapped my credit card and am ready to go.
“Noelle. Wait.” He slides a scrap of paper toward me.
“Your number?”
“You can toss it. No pressure. But I’m going to a night market tonight. Gotta talk to someone—I want them to bring their food truck here in August—but after that… No pressure, like I said.”
“I’ll see if my busy heiress schedule allows it.” I’m tickled that this sea shanty–singing brewery owner wants to see me again. I lean forward and touch his wrist. “I’ll text you. I promise.”
After I get home and grab a snack, I add Cam’s number to my contacts, then spend a good five minutes typing and deleting potential messages before sending something simple.
ME: It’s Noelle. You still want to meet up tonight?
I don’t immediately get a response, but that’s okay. If he’s working behind the bar, he won’t be able to check his phone.
About half an hour later, he replies.
CAM: Hey! Good to hear from you. How about I meet you there at eight?
ME: Sure! I’ll let you know when I arrive.
I set down my phone and practically squeal. I have a date tonight, and it’s not because I engineered a fancy—or messy—meet cute.
I’d forgotten what this feels like.
12Noelle
“Dumplings?” Cam asks, gesturing to a booth.
“Not tonight,” I say. “That’s what I had for lunch.”And it’s been the main food group in my diet for a while now.“Feel free to get them for yourself, though. Those ones are pretty good.”
“Yeah?”
“I had them at a festival, um, earlier this year.”
Yes, it’s a little awkward that I can’t tell the entire truth about my life, but it’s nice being at the market with Cam. I’ve been here countless times before, yet it feels different tonight. Like I’m seeing it with fresh eyes. There’s an older couple dancing to the music. I vaguely remember them from before, but now the sight makes me smile. I examine the cupcake booth, wondering which flavor Avery would enjoy most. Perhaps I shouldn’t wait until I escape the loop to do something for her birthday.
We turn down another row. I place my hand on Cam’s arm so we don’t get separated in the crowd. He doesn’t seem to mind, which is excellent, because now that I’ve started touching him, I don’t want to stop.
