Page 30 of More Than Enough

The shock on Jessica’s face was too much, and Elizabeth busted out in a laugh. She pushed her friend to get her to smile and relax a little. “Come on. It is only a game, right? Fun, friends, bowling, laughs. Right?”

Jessica put down her coffee and smiled, “Yeah, you’re right. The guys were all hooting and hollering and getting their manly egos so big it was annoying. I’m not a good sport when I lose. Even when I stink at something, I still get competitive.”

Elizabeth smiled, finishing the rest of her coffee. “Competitive? Well, let me ask you a question then. A serious question.” She paused, not sure how to continue. Looking directly at Jessica, she just asked the question that was bothering her. “How competitive are you when it comes to Jacob and other girls?”

“Jacob? Why, what’s up?”

“Just wondering if there are any feelings left at all. I know what you say, but I’m just making sure.”

Elizabeth and Jessica looked at each other, and Jessica had a small smile break across her face. “Are you interested in Jacob? How interested?”

Elizabeth tried to keep eye contact with her friend but started blushing and looked away.

“Well, perhaps we had a little moment, and maybe I can’t stop thinking about it and him. But I am concerned about you, and how you will feel about it.” Now that she had that confession out, she studied Jessica for a reaction.

Jessica reached across the table, raised her eyebrows, and smirked, her eyes shining. “I think that is amazing. Trust me, I am over all that. I thought we had something, but now, really, I have no more feelings for him and am glad we have kept our friendship. A little moment? Come on, do tell.” Jessica pressed her friend further.

“Just one time, he might have kissed me.” Jessica pressed Elizabeth to continue. “It was a great kiss, and well, man he is sexy!” The girls busted out laughing.

“Yeah, that he is.” Jessica saluted her with her cup of coffee, then finished it off. She stood up from her stool at the counter. “I am glad he likes you. You are such a better choice than Kristen. Just watch out for her. If she finds out you two are starting a thing, she will have it in for you next.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Thanks for the warning. I’ll keep it in mind. Come on, let’s get out of here. I have been waiting to see him again.”

Jessica laughed. “Oh, I guess this is like your first date then. Can’t wait to see how it goes. Let’s get going.” The girls left the house together. Jessica took the short drive to The Pizza Place just in case she needed to find her own ride home.

Soon the girls found themselves parking, then walked into the restaurant. The smell of garlic and pepperoni hit them as they entered. Being relatively early for a Friday night, it was simple to find a seat in the bar area. The girls ordered drinks—Jessica a coke, Elizabeth a water, and some garlic bread knots with marinara to hold them over until the boys arrived. They waited for their food and were singing to the latest country song which was playing through the speakers throughout the bar.

“Well, look at these beauties.” The girls looked up and noticed Chad and Jacob heading toward them. Elizabeth’s eyes caught Jacob’s and she could not stop the grin that spread across her face.

He looked amazing in a pair of black Nike shorts, a sky-blue T-shirt, and a pair of tennis shoes—casual, yet sexy all the same. When they got to the table, Chad made a move to sit down by Elizabeth, but Jacob caught his arm, pulled him away, and took the seat next to her.

Chad put his hands up in submission “Okay, okay. No need to be rude. I guess I will let you sit next to her. We already had a date. She’s sweet, but not my type. My type is petite brunettes.” He slid in next to Jessica and put his arm on the back of the booth behind her.

Jessica looked at him, laughing at the crazy guy. “You and Elizabeth had a date? Why did I not hear about this?” she asked, turning to Elizabeth.

Shaking her head, Elizabeth also laughed at the silliness of the situation. “Yeah, we had a date just the other day. Chad came by the boutique when I was on my way to lunch, and he tagged along. Just like a little puppy.” The look of shock on Chad’s face made them all burst out laughing at his expense.

“Oh, whatever. I’m hurt, but will forgive you this time, since it seems you have your eyes set on my handsome friend. I will step aside to give him a chance.”

Chad leaned across the table at his best friend and placed a good-natured smack at his arm. “You got this man.”

Jacob placed his arm across Elizabeth’s shoulders, looking at her for the first time since he sat down. “Thanks, man. I appreciate you letting me borrow this beauty.”

Elizabeth looked him in the eye. “Condescending much? Borrow? I don’t think so.” She reached up to remove his arm and slid away a little. Taking part in this friendly banter and flirting made her feel good, part of a friend group again, and the fact that Jacob sat down by her and felt comfortable enough to put his arm around her, claiming her, made her bubble with warmth.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, please don’t go so far away.” Jacob slid over and grabbed her hand under the table. “Ignore my friend. He’s just jealous that he doesn’t get to go out with you a second time. It’s my turn.” She couldn’t help but notice the gleam in his eye when he smiled. Looking at him lit her up and warmed her. She couldn’t help that either.

“I think I’ll let you go out with me tonight, but I do have to let you know I have already promised my amazing pro-quality bowling skills to Jessica. She and I are a team”

“Pro-quality bowling skills. We will have to see about that.” He squeezed her hand, then placed his arm back around her shoulders. Elizabeth could not stop the butterflies from fluttering in her stomach, or the heat from building inside her either. This guy was too much, but she gladly scooted over closer to him in the booth.

The four ordered their pizzas and the guys ordered beer. Soon, they were eating and laughing together. The mood at the table was easy, like they had all been friends forever. The three of them had known each other awhile, Elizabeth was the new one, but she felt like she belonged. Truly belonged.

When they were finished eating, and the girls both insisted on paying for half of the bill, they left the restaurant and went to the parking lot. The night was a perfect almost July night in the south. The sun was still up; it was hot and humid but smelled of summer: trees, flowers, fresh-cut grass. Elizabeth was loving life. Jacob even took the chance and grasped her hand in his. She looked up at him and smiled a shy smile. He smiled his large, beautiful smile back at her.

“Jessica, you don’t mind swapping co-pilots with me, do you? I would like to spend some time with this one alone.” Jacob swung Elizabeth’s hand to his lips and gave her knuckles a soft kiss.

“No, that sounds good to me. I guess I can handle Chad instead. If it’s good with Elizabeth that is.”

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