Page 39 of For The Weekend
“I used to be. I played volleyball growing up, but after I quit, I sort of lost my desire to be in the gym.”
He eyes me at the stoplight. “You’re not wearing any pink.”
I gasp when I realize I forgot and dig into my purse as he hooks a left to park the car. Using the mirror on the visor, I apply my bright-pink lipstick, blotting on a tissue. When Roman opens the door for me, I don’t know what to do with it, and he holds out his hand. “Give it to me.”
I stick the tissue in his palm and hop down, holding hisother hand. With the sun setting, the sky is a watercolor painting, and it’s funny to be downtown but not going into my bakery. I wave to Mio’s parents as we walk by the window of their sushi place. Roman places his palm on my back, ushering me across the street to Tabby Cat, a wine bar and bistro with tables outside that are filled up. Directly across from us, I spy Morgan cleaning up Sweet Cheeks, about to close down, while Stone Ink is lit up and open, with people milling about inside. Through the windows of Chapter and Verse, I can see Nicole organizing books while Ian holds a cat so a toddler and their parent can pet it.
It makes me wonder about Roman’s daughter.
“Who’s with Mazie tonight?” I ask as he opens the door for me.
“June and Riley. They’re having a girls’ night.”
I cluck my tongue. “And I’m missing it for you.”
“Sorry,” he says flatly. “Being my fake girlfriend really fucks up your social calendar, I guess.”
“I’m glad my fake boyfriend has a sense of humor to go along with all the muscle. You’re not just brawn. You’ve got brains too.”
“Too bad it’s fake though, hm?” His dark eyes tilt at the corners, playful. “Won’t see how big your fake boyfriend’s dick is.”
I choke on my tongue. “Is it? Big, I mean.” I wave away the question. “That was inappropriate. But you were the one who brought it up. Look at what you’ve done to me! Now I won’t be able to stop wondering about your dick.”
As we approach the check-in stand, he lowers his head, his mouth against my ear. “You won’t have to wonder. I’m telling you it’s big.”
My brain goes static and then shuts down, so I’m unable to do anything but follow when Roman gives his name to the host,who leads us to a table near the bar. But with my mind back by the entrance, I can’t pay attention to what the man is saying. Something about our server and the wine list.
I blink over at Roman, who’s staring at me like he knows he’s scrambled my mind. “All right?”
“Uh-huh. Yep. Definitely.”
“Good.” He lowers his attention to the menu, but with how long his legs are, his knees butt up against mine, and I’m completely useless. Thank god, Nate strolls over.
He’s wearing his baby in a carrier on his chest and a big grin. “Eloise, hey. How are ya?”
“I’m good.” I pinch George’s foot, lowering my voice to the monster gravel he loves so much. “Georgie!” He shrieks in laughter, kicking, and I keep going. “I’m gonna eat you up, I love you so.”
“Hey, I never had the chance to thank you for his birthday gifts,” Nate says, and I wave him off.
For George’s first birthday a few weeks ago, I’d given them aWild Things-themed basket, including the book, some stuffed Wild Things, and a T-shirt with the characters on it.
“I know you’re really busy with this place.” I wiggle George’s foot. “And this big guy.”
Nate nods. “My best boy. Helping Daddy out, right?”
George claps a few times, cooing “Dada” a few times and then “Mama.”
“I know, I know, Mama’s coming to pick you up soon,” he says, smoothing his palm over his son’s head. Then he informs me, “Tabby’s working late.”
“That’s what she gets for being so smart,” I say, and he laughs.
“Got that right.” He turns toward Roman. “What’s up, man? Roman, right?”
Roman nods, and they shake hands.
“How’s your daughter?”
“Good.”
