Page 20 of A Me and Him Thing
IT’S ONLY TWOnights later that I receive a call from Ren. I knew not to expect a call on his Sunday family day, so really the wait didn’t drive me crazy. Minimal insanity at best.
I guess I need a friend because I really missed him.
I breathe a sigh of relief, spin around, and karate kick the air when I hear his voice. I startle Mandy with my actions, and she lets out an ear-piercing howl as she scampers away.
She adores me.
I want to call Quinn so much. I want to tell her all about Ren and the way he…
No. Just no.
Besides, there’s nothing newsworthy to share, even if Quinn and I were still telling each other everything.
“Hey Bree, would you like to taste test with me?” he asks.
I’m not sure what that means. Taste his lips? Man, rebound brain is a bear. “If I say yes, will my experience be good or bad?”
“So good you won’t be able to handle it.”
Oh wow. My imagination is on overdrive. My entire body is tingling with anticipation. “What did you have in mind?”
“Every Thursday night my chef prepares several main dishes for me to try. Just small portions. Then we decide which ones to feature the following week. How’s your palate?”
“I have one.” Doesn’t everyone?
“The way you enjoyed the Peking duck the other night, I’d say you have a refined palate. Want to join me for the taste test? I could use another opinion.”
I pause for far too long.
“Are you there?”
“I’m here.” Yes, I am. So is he. Will he become a permanent fixture in my life? Regardless, his invitation is unique. I’m actually excited about it. “Sure. As long as I don’t have to eat anything gross.”
Ren scoffs. “Bite your tongue. This is a five-star restaurant, not aSurvivorchallenge.”
Now I’m thinking about his tongue. And his lips. And his dark eyes. His thick hair. His long legs. His gorgeous voice.
I’m in trouble.
“I’d love to.” Aw man, I sound out of breath.
“There’s just one catch. We usually do the taste test at about ten at night, after the dinner rush is over. Is that too late for you?”
It’s either the taste test or Netflix binge-watching because lately I’ve been having a hard time sleeping. Decisions, decisions. “I’ll be there.”
“Great. Don’t cook a big dinner for yourself before you come.”
Ha! Not a chance.
After we hang up, I wander into my sparse kitchen for a mug of herb tea. I open a cupboard to grab my favorite mug, but my gaze lands on the box that doesn’t belong to me hiding on the top shelf.
I found Sawyer and Quinn’s love letters stuffed in the box when I cleaned out her closet. I set it in my room so it wouldn’t get mixed in with her other belongings that were being given away. I’d planned to give it to Sawyer, knowing it would be a keepsake he’d want to save. I was waiting for the right moment because I knew it would be painful for him.
Then Quinn returned home, and the right moment never came. The box was accidentally packed with my things when I left their home. I was in a rush, not thinking clearly.
I need to return it to its rightful owners.
I will, one day soon. For now, it’s hidden away from view.
