Page 16 of Fall Twice

Me: I can be there in twenty minutes.

He sends back a thumbs-up emoji.

Deep down inside of me, I have an urge to quickly change into something cute and throw on some makeup. But my brain reminds me that it doesn’t matter when the guy is just your friend, so leggings and aWe Don’t Talk About Brunoshirt it is.

By the time I get to Count of Choc, my brain is too frazzled over my efforts to find a parking spot to remember that I had nerves buried deep within me.

Reid is sitting at a small table with two coffees in cute little espresso cups, and he is reading a thick academic book. Jeans and a dark t-shirt aren’t doing me any favors on the don’t-find-him-appealing front.

“Hey, stranger,” I greet him.

He smiles as soon as he looks up and slams his book shut. He raises his eyes then looks at me from head to toe.

“Believe it or not, but I totally get your shirt.” He brings his arm out to offer me a hug when he stands.

Thankfully we are in a crowded place, which means any tinge of awkward physical connection isn’t noticed. Because I haven’t forgotten how my body burned from his mere touch when he dropped me off a few weeks ago. Or that for the first time since my divorce, I felt like I was in my own world where I’m Lena and not someone’s wife. And if I really am honest, I felt… desired.

“I figured you could go for the hard stuff, so chili-infused espresso just arrived.” He slides me a cup.

“Thanks. Exactly what I need.” I take a small sip and my tongue instantly stings from the peppery combination. “Wow, I’m now wide awake.”

“I would hope so, it’s like what, three?” Reid looks at the watch on his wrist.

I set the small cup back on the saucer. “I know, but I’ve slept maybe five hours in the last two days due to unpacking and decorating.”

“Oh yeah, I remember that you are like an organizer extraordinaire.”

“That hasn’t changed.”

He holds his finger up like he has an idea then leans down to collect something by his feet, and he pops back up with the bag from Prudence.

“Think you need this. It’s been sitting in my car, so I grabbed it.”

I smile brightly, because I love that it’s so not Reid nor me, but we are both here for it. “Thanks, I’ve been counting down the days that I get to do this.” There is slight sarcasm in my tone.

“By the way, I’m having a neighbor over later for a drink if you want to come. He’s pushing eighty and has some great stories.”

I hold up the coffee. “Depends on how caffeinated I am. I would hate to fall asleep on you both. That’s cool that you hang with him.”

Reid takes a bite of a small piece of chocolate. “Well, he’s friendly, plus he had some health issues, so we frequented the hospital together.”

I instantly reach out to touch the back of his hand for some sort of comfort. My decision is made. “I’ll for sure be there tonight, just send me your address.”

He places his other hand on top of mine, and we both seem to look down then up and let go as if our connection may burn our skin.

“You should check out the bookstore in town when Oscar arrives. They’ll be having a few readings around Halloween,” he mentions. I appreciate his effort to include my son in the conversation, I just never took Reid as a kid person.

“If it’s about wizards then we may be in. Actually, I want to find a pumpkin patch or farm then take him to pick out a few.”

He leans back against the seat. “Check out Olive Owl. It’s an hour from here but worth it.”

“Maybe I will.” I slide my drink to the side.

Reid brings his hand to weave through his wave of hair. “Oscar’s too young, but one of the frat houses puts on a good haunted house for charity.”

That does excite me. “Haven’t done one of those in years. Sean hated Halloween.”

“Was that your first sign it wasn’t going to work?” He’s blunt, not joking.

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