“I went out with the guy who owns the autobody shop outside of town.”
“Herbie Elks?” I ask in moderate horror. Herbie is a fifty-something-year-old with a pot belly and a comb-over.
“Jake Elks,” she says. “Herbie is his dad.”
“Jake and I went to school together,” I tell her. “He was always a nice guy. Quiet though. Why did you stop seeing him?”
She grunts, “Because he wastooquiet. He never had anything to say. So much so that I talked enough for both of us. And if I wanted to date myself, I would just stay at home in my pajamas and order a pizza.” With a wink, she adds, “Which is what I currently do every weekend.”
Finley and I talk for a full hour, and I discover that I like her a lot. She’s funny, animated, and content with who she is. It’s an endearing combination. I’d happily keep chatting, but Noah walks in.
“I made another appointment,” I tell her pointing in Noah’s direction. “My co-coach at the high school.”
Finley leans across the table and whisper shouts, “He’s cute! Are you seeing each other?”
I quickly try to discern how I feel about Finley’s admiration of my childhood crush, and I discover I don’t like it. Noah is more than cute, he’s drop-dead gorgeous. Even though I’m not interested in dating him, Finley’s reaction to him ruffles my feathers.
I don’t have a chance to answer her question because Noahcomes over to our table. “Hey, Allie,” he says before his eyes are drawn in Finley’s direction.
“Noah,” I mumble.
I don’t say anything else for a long minute, so he introduces himself to Finley. “Noah Riley.”
Finley bounces to her feet like a tightly-wound jack-in-the-box. Sticking out her hand, she says, “Finley Harper. I’m a friend of Allie’s.” That’s such a sweet thing to say that my residual irritation evaporates. I really do think Finley and I could be friends. So long as she stops looking at Noah like he’s an all-you-can-eat donut buffet, that is.
Indicating an empty chair, Noah asks, “Do you mind if I join you?”
“Take my seat,” Finley says. “I’ve got to get back to work. I have a shoot with a new couple.” She tells Noah, “I own Happy Snaps.”
“Ah, the place where Allie’s parents go.” Noah makes a funny face in my direction, and I can’t help but smile.
“My parents and so many others,” I tell him. “Finley is very busy.”
My new friend turns to me. “I had a lot of fun, Allie. I hope we can get together again soon.”
“Absolutely,” I tell her. Then I give her my phone number. “Call anytime.”
Finley calls me immediately which programs her number into my phone before saying, “I most certainly will.” Then with a small wave, she walks out of the bakery.
When she’s gone, Noah says, “She seems nice.”
Instead of agreeing with him, I practically shout, “Do you want to date her or something?”
“I don’t even know her.” He looks up behind me and adds, “They’re here.”
“Who’s here.”
“Jordan and Margie.”
I’m not sure what this has to do with us, so I simply say, “That’s nice.”
Noah’s eyes squint in question. “You did get my voicemail message, didn’t you?”
I shake my head in response. “My parents are the only people I know who still use voicemail.” That’s when I realize that Jordan and Margie have come over to our table. Neither looks the least bit happy.
Jordan addresses Noah first. “Thanks for meeting with us, Coach.” Then he turns his attention to me. “You too, Coach.”
I have no idea what any of this is about, but I have a feeling I’m about to.
