Page 87 of Electric Blue Love
I picked up a pen and a fresh card and started to copy the recipes, making my own stack.
“You don’t have to do it now,” she said.
“Not for me,” I said as I printed the ingredients to a chicken pot pie recipe. “For the boys.”
We worked in silence for a while. My hand was cramping from holding my hand so stiffly trying to keep my penmanship neat and legible.
“You were with Court tonight?” she said it like it was a question, but she already knew. I’d told her this morning before I’d left that we were going shopping together for Leika’s engagement party.
I nodded and focused my attention on the pie dough recipe in front of me.
“Are you two dating?”
I looked up, surprised by her directness. “No.”
“Why not? He seems like a nice young man. Leo speaks highly of him as a boss and he’s very handsome.”
I fought for the right words. I didn’t want to lie, but I didn’t want to give her the entire story either. “I don’t think Court dates much. He’s a little leery of people and relationships.”
The look on her face showed genuine concern. “How come?”
“He grew up in foster care, got shuffled around quite a bit. I think he got used to people leaving or turning him out so he’s not big on putting himself out there.”
She nodded, and her face turned pensive. “Except with you.”
“How do you mean?”
“Well, he came and met your family. He gave your brother a job. He’s certainly put himself out there with you.”
I couldn’t argue with her logic, but I wasn’t ready to hope that it was because I was different to him – more important. Court put people into categories and I wasn’t sure what I was or how I fit into his life, but I needed to find out before I let him crush my heart into a million pieces… again.
Ipaced theapartment making sure everything was perfect. Chinese was on the way, the apartment was clean, and I had all her favorite drinks and snacks stocked just in case. God, why was I so nervous? I ran a hand through my hair and took a pull from my beer hoping it would ease my nerves.
I’d invited Bianca over to help me write my toast for Leika’s engagement party. I did need to write the toast, but more importantly I needed to spend more time with Bianca. I couldn’t lose her again. I’d survived without her, but I just didn’t want to anymore. She was worth the risk. I was through letting the past keep me from having what I wanted. And I wanted Bianca.
A light knock on the door had me rushing to open it.
“Hey,” she said breathlessly like she was just as nervous to be here as I was to have her here.
I motioned her inside. “Can I get you something to drink? Food is on the way.”
“Sure,” she said as she sat her purse on the counter and perched herself onto the bar stool.
I mixed up the Diet Coke with a splash of rum and handed it to her while I took my place next to her. “How was your day?”
“It was good. I’m actually coming from happy hour with a few of the guys at work so thank you for the suggestion.”
I stilled. Maybe I hadn’t thought this through. She worked with all men. Men who were not blind.
“How was it?” I asked when I found my voice.
She laughed as if catching on to my discomfort. “It was fine. Apparently, I’m a good wing man. I hooked two of the guys up with girls at the bar in under an hour. I’ve taken the Court Adams rule book and passed it on to more unfortunate souls.”
I chuckled and shook my head, ready to defend the wisdom I’d passed on to her when the doorbell rang. We settled in the living room with takeout boxes.
So, what sort of toast are you going for – sweet, funny, both?”
“Definitely funny. Leika and I don’t really do the sappy stuff.”
