Page 13 of There All Along

Louise lived in what she called her latest investment. Built in the fifties, it was a one story rectangle with a shutter flanked windows, flower boxes, and a basic front door. The shutters were a bit crooked and the only thing in the flower boxes was remnants of dirt and dead plants, but it still had a homey quality that Josie loved. Or maybe it was what it represented: adulting at its fullest. It also helped that her best friend was a real estate agent and had inside information on when quality fixer uppers came on the market. ‘Don’t be jealous,’ she silently chided. ‘You could have taken that real estate course too.’ Instead, she became a silent partner in Kyle’s dance studio and worked part time for a local party planner.

Raising her fist, Josie let out a startled gasp when the door yanked open before she could knock. “Took you long enough,” Louise greeted, pulling Josie into her small but cozy living room. “Now spill it.”

“I met someone.”

Louise arched her left brow, her blue-green eyes widening. “Like one of your dates or organically.”

“Organically.” Josie couldn’t stop the silly smile that tipped the corners of her lips.

“Give me all the deets while I finish up the margaritas.” Without waiting for a response, Louise walked through the archway that connected her living room and kitchen. Over the whirring of the blender, Josie filled her best friend in on how she’d met Hank and every interaction they’d had since. “Wait. You met this guy at Delilah’s and he’s been there for pretty much every date you’ve been on.”

“He owns Delilah’s,” Josie added, taking a long drink of the mango flavored margarita Louise had set in front of her. “Did I tell you about how hot he is... cause he is... like super hot.”

“Several times.”

Right. Of course. Josie took another drink, savoring the kick of tequila that was quickly warming her insides. “What am I going to Lou?” Laying her head in the crook of her arm, she stared at the other woman, wishing she had at least half of her confidence. Louise wouldn’t be asking what to do, she’d just be... doing. Then again, Louise wouldn’t haven’t invented a fake boyfriend or let her mother talk her into joining a dating app so she could find an actual guy to pretend to be the fake boyfriend. Louise would have told Kyle to fuck off.

“What do you mean?”

Josie raised her head, strands of long blonde hair sticking to her cheek. “I’m supposed to be finding a fake boyfriend so Kyle doesn’t find out I’m a liar, not crushing on hot guys named Hank.”

An odd look flickered across Louise’s face. “Wouldn’t it be better if you saw where things went with this Hank?”

“But I like him.” A low whine vibrated in Josie’s throat. Her thoughts were all jumbled. She knew what Louise was saying made sense, but it was like she couldn’t let go of the lie she’d told Kyle. She knew better than to entertain asking Hank ifhe would pretend to be her boyfriend. His advice had been to be honest. It was good advice. “I should tell Kyle the truth.”

“Probably,” Louise agreed, topping off her glass and then refilling Josie’s. “Know what you should definitely do?”

“Hm?”

“Go tell Hank that you think he’s hot.”

She was going to need something stronger than mango margaritas before she could even entertain that idea.

***

Tequila fueled bravery coursed through Josie’s veins as she climbed out of the Uber she’d taken from Louise’s. Driving after two margaritas and a couple shots of tequila hadn’t seemed wise. She wasn’t drunk, just tipsy enough to feel confident. And boy was she confident. After the first shot, she’d sent Kyle a long, rambling text telling him the truth. Her steps faltered a few feet from the door, her mind going ninety to nothing as she tried to sort out the best way to tell Hank that she liked him. “And that you’re not going to be bringing any more LoveBuzz dates,” she muttered. She gave a decisive nod, certain she could say what she wanted to say, and reached for the door handle. She yanked it open, giggling when she stumbled into the coffee shop. “Oops.”

“Josie?”

Squinting, Josie looked up to find Hank standing a few feet away, a confused look on his face. “You’re like really hot, you know that?” The barista behind the register giggled, while another one that was standing next to Hank let out a groan and mumbled something about not making his ego any bigger than it already was.

Hank blinked a few times, frowning. “Are you drunk?”

“Maybe just this much,” she held her thumb and forefinger an inch apart. “Louise made margaritas. She makes the best margaritas. Lots of fruit and tequila and yumminess.”

“Sounds like more tequila than fruit,” the barista next to Hank muttered. Josie narrowed her eyes and let out a small huff when the girl asked if she should get a cup of coffee.

“I don’t like coffee,” Josie wrinkled her nose, her lips pursing when the barista ignored her and stepped behind the counter to pour a cup of black coffee. “And I’m not drunk.”

“I thought you were this much drunk,” Hank teased, holding his fingers an inch apart.

“Maybe that much,” she agreed, smiling. Her smile widened the more she stared at him. “Did I tell you that I think you’re hot?”

“A couple times.” Hank smirked. “So, did you feel bad and decide to give that old guy a chance?”

“Nope. Just thought I would come say hi.”

“And tell him that you think he’s hot,” the dark haired barista added, thrusting a cup of coffee into Josie’s hand. “Here. Drink this.”

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