Page 2 of Kiss Me Forever

"No, I came here to check out the area because I'm starting a new job tomorrow."

"Really? Congratulations. What will you be doing?" I asked, intrigued.

"I hate to say anything, because I don't want to jinx it."

"Fair enough," I replied. My phone vibrated in the pocket of my jacket. I took it out. "Just one moment. It's my niece calling."

“Go ahead. I don't mind."

I answered right away. "Hey, Paisley."

"Hey, Uncle Luke. So, I'm on it. I am now looking on Pinterest. Do you want to give me any more details?"

"No, it's just recon work," I said, trying to keep from sounding suspicious. “Just show me things you’d like, okay? Something you'd want for yourself."

"Riiiight. Okay."

"Send me pictures, okay?" I wasn't good at gathering information on the sly when it came to my niece. She was probably seeing right through me.

"Will do."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"What was that about?" Megan asked as I put the phone away.

I chuckled because my one-sided conversation probably sounded odd to her. "Since you don't know her, I can tell you the secret. I want to build her a treehouse for her birthday. And this was my obvious attempt to get some information out of her to figure out what she’d like."

"I don't think that was obvious at all. However, the ‘something you'd want for yourself’ was a bit too on the nose. How old is she?"

I laughed. It was easy talking to Megan, and I was flattered by her interest. "Ten. She's astute, but I don't think she suspects anything."

"Kids love treehouses. I babysat for a couple who had one when I was in high school, and it was always a lot of fun. That's a good gift."

"Thanks. I'm usually shit with gifts, but I do pick up on when people want something."

She sipped from her glass again, looking down at it. "I'm really liking this drink. I thought the bartender might just be trying to sell me on it, but he was right. It's light and refreshing."

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" I asked her. "We don't have to talk about it at all if you don't want to. I don't want any details. I just thought maybe talking to a stranger might help calm your nerves...ifyou’re nervous."

"Iamnervous," she replied. "New beginnings are always nerve-racking, don't you think?"

"True.” I hadn’t had one in years, though, so I couldn't offer too much advice on that. “But I know you'll do great."

"How come?"

"Well, for one, you’re a good conversationalist, and I can tell you're serious about it."

"How can you tell that?"

"You came to check out the area today and didn't just show up tomorrow. I'm assuming that means you wanted to make sure you knew where everything was so you weren't late or overly stressed. Shows you’re planning on making a good impression."

"Exactly. I even poked my head inside to get acquainted with the reception area so I didn't get lost in the building. Every one of these buildings is so huge."

"They are," I admitted.

“Then I saw the sign for the bar’s grand opening and figured I’d grab a drink to calm myself. So,table stealer, what bringsyouup here?" She glanced up at me, leaning slightly forward and resting her elbows on the table.

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