“You should sit. Catch up.” Oz wasn’t the smartest tool in the shed, but this move was one of a master wingman. He knew how to set up the play and move out of the way. I would have to buy him a tall stack at the Sunny Side Kitchen.
“You’re not in this back corner because you were interested in company.”
“You’re not company. You’re my friend. It’s different.”
Edison’s brown eyes locked with mine and the corners of his mouth kicked into a smile. “Yes ma’am, I can sit for a while.”
Ozand I went way back so when he suggested I hand deliver Fancy’s beer, I eagerly agreed. I did not expect my waiter role to grant me a seat at the table and my heart rate spiked sitting across from her. No one would classify me as a ladies’ man. I didn’t have quippy pick up lines or the machismo required to land this plane. She was offering up her attention, but before long, I’d say something stupid. Then she’d remember why she never gave me a second glance in high school.
“So, Oz sent you over?”
“Good old, Oz.”
“You know you didn’t need an invite. You’re always welcome.”
Let’s form a prayer circle and ask the good Lord for a healthy dose of audacity because what I was about to attempt would require balls of steel.Up until this moment, I was content with my life. But sitting across from the woman I still had dreams about at night, I was second guessing all my life choices.
“I’m a gentleman. I always need permission.”
She brushed her curls from her line of vision. “Did you want something in particular?”
There were so many ways to answer that question. I wanted Tennessee University to make it to the NCAA Final Four. I wanted the reclaimed wood flooring I’d ordered six months ago to finally get delivered. Most of all, I wanted Francesca Palmer to sing my name soft and low while I rearranged her guts. “Honestly, you were over here all alone deep in thought, and that didn’t sit right with me.”
“So you came to rescue me.”
“I don’t save women anymore. I learned my lesson.”
“And what’s that?”
“That most women are more than capable of saving themselves. If they want my help they’ll ask.”
“If I grew up with Dial for a sister, I’d probably feel the same.”
“Dial definitely doesn’t need saving. My sister is a savage. She will break the best of men.”
“She broke Oz’s heart.”
“I have my thoughts on that, but I’m not sharing.”
“All I know is they have broken up and got back together more times than I can count.”
“Yeah, well I think this time it’s going to stick.”
“What do you know about breakups? I think every woman you’ve ever dated dumped you.”
“Correction, I’ve let those women dump me. There’s a difference.”
“So now you’re too much of a gentleman to break a few hearts?” She twirled her hair around her index finger.
“I prefer for the women to think it was their choice. Splits are cleaner that way.”
Fancy had always been a shameless flirt. I’d never been on the receiving end of the batting of her long, curled lashes or biting down on her plump lips, so this was uncharted waters for me. But my instinct told me I was in a category five flirtingstorm. The only thing missing was an unprovoked touch to my person.
“Is that your first?” I asked, gesturing to her glass.
“My second.”
I hoisted my beer bottle. “This is my fourth. Which explains the karaoke.”
