Page 71 of Those Who Are Bound

Jonah

LucycheerfullyenteredthePlaza Starbucks on Sunday morning, glowing from excitement even as she smacked down the yellow skirt that threatened to blow up from the stiff breeze swirling outside. She had her hair up in a white fashion clip, matching the white pumps that clicked on the hardwood floors as she made her way to him.

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever!” she gushed, leaning down to give him a peck on the cheek before taking a seat in the oversized chair opposite him. “You look happy, my friend. And handsome, as usual.”

Jonah gave a small salute with his coffee. “So do you; lovely, as usual.”

Taking up the chai latte he had ordered for her, she sipped, wiggling her eyebrows at him over the rim. Having satisfied her initial craving, she leaned forward dramatically. “My first event.”

“How’d it go?”

“Ah-mazing,” she said. “Okay, it was only a kiddie party, but it was so good. It was four hours, but I swear it felt like twelve with all the shrieking. At least the children were happily shrieking. Thank you, thank you.” She brushed her shoulders in self-congratulations.

Jonah laughed. “I’m proud of you, Luce.”

“Me, too. One of the dads took my card for future reference—something about a niece getting married.” Lucy wrinkled her nose in happiness. “But I want to hear all about you. Elliott still hadn’t returned by the time I left last night…” Her sing-song tone indicated that he may have something to dish.

Jonah shook his head at her. “Lord, Lucy.”

“Does that mean you have some confessions to attend to today, Jonah Montgomery? Were you calling upon God last night? Was she? Is she a religious girl or does she call you Daddy?” she teased.

“Lucy!”

“Inquiring minds, Jonah, that’s all I’m saying.” She smiled as she took another sip.

“We’re too close, you and I, if you think that’s an appropriate question,” he said, although he was smiling.

“And you’re being way too coy.”

“Nothing happened, so cool your jets.” Even saying that much seemed like a betrayal.

Her teasing expression fell. “Oh.” Then, on a high squeak, “What the hell is wrong with you?”

Jonah sighed, looking heavenward.

“No, no. No seeking outside help,” Lucy said. “She’s hot, she’s smitten, and… I know it’s been a while for you…”

“Are you the pot or the kettle?”

Lucy’s mouth dropped open. “We’re not talking about me.”

“Seriously, you need to back off.”

A calmer expression came over her face as she relaxed back into the chair. “You really like her, don’t you?”

Jonah raised an eyebrow.

Lucy answered for him, “Yes, you do. I like seeing you so happy. And she’s straight-up besotted with you. I swear, every time you sent her a text while you were gone, her whole personality changed. She started acting like, well… you, all shy and smiling.”

“I’m not shy.”

“You’re holding your cards close, my friend,” Lucy pointed out. “For you, that’s like the white flag of surrender.”

Jonah laughed. “What are you talking about?”

“I mean, stick a fork in you; you’re done.”

Jonah gave her a look. “Eat your croissant.”

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