He roars with laughter and playfully punches my shoulder. “I’m just saying you’re a bit in denial. You’ve been spending pretty much twenty-four-seven with this girl. Not to mention, Goldie already told you everything there is to know about her. Besides, I married your mom as quick as I could. Your sister married Warren after only two months of dating. It’s a Cove thing. Mark my words.”
As much ashis wordshave me secretly grinning, I’m also realistic and practical. This thing with Nora is still a little messy. We figured out that we actually do like each other and shared an epic kiss, but the rest is still a little chaotic. Neither of us have brought up what happens when this house sells. Does she move back to New York? Our relationship is too new to pack up and go after her. Plus, the idea of doing that seems like a nightmare.
Not because of her.
Because a guy like me doesn’t fit in at a place like that.
She said she liked this slow living she’s been doing. But it was vague at best. Definitely not set in stone.
You could ask her, man.
Why is my inner voice sounding like Monroe?
Since the work doesn’t wait, we get back to it. We make great progress on all the cosmetic stuff which is necessary to get it tosell. All the boring stuff like replacing the hot water heater isn’t something that will be noticed right away.
I’m impressed that Nora was able to repaint all the baseboards and doors. The kitchen cabinets now have a vintage look after me and Dad roughed up the paint a bit with sandpaper. Nora wants to wallpaper the hallway still, but again, not a rush for selling the house.
We’re finally close to being done.
“I think we’re at a good stopping point this afternoon,” Dad says as he packs up his tools. “We’ll get this placed tidied up and then I’ll be out you two lovebirds’ hair.”
I groan and Nora giggles. At least she’s a good sport. You have to be with my family.
“Where are we going?” Nora asks as we drive through town. “Somewhere fancy?”
“Do you want to go somewhere fancy?”
“Not dressed in cut-off shorts, flip-flops, and a paint-stained T-shirt.”
I chuckle. I’m no better in my holey T-shirt and old-as-dirt jeans. “It’s a surprise. You’re hungry, right?”
As soon as Dad left, we took off to find a bite to eat. I’d asked her on another “date” and she happily agreed. I’m sure her dates with Denver were pricey, but I can guarantee the food on mine will taste better.
She sits up straighter in the truck seat when I pull into the Blue Mask Marina. There’s a fish and chips place there called Darnaby Rose that has the best hushpuppies I’ve ever eaten.Plus, they have pie. Every kind you can think of. The strawberry pie is the best.
“Ohh,” Nora says when I open the truck door on her side. “It smells good.”
“Tastes even better. Plus, everyone dresses like this.”
She beams at me as she takes my hand. I like how it feels in mine. Tiny, soft. I want to kiss her again, but the moment hasn’t been right. Yesterday, on the dock, it was kind of perfect. Hard to live up to that kiss.
But I’d like to try, dagnabbit.
As usual, Darnaby Rose is pretty busy. We luck out, though, and snag a table under an awning on the back patio that overlooks the boats coming in and out of the marina. The smell of freshly caught fish is pungent, but the frequent whiff of hot, greasy hushpuppies is a nice treat.
“Y’all want a couple of cold beers?” a waitress with a name tag of Annabell, asks, one hand on her hip and the other slapping down menus in front of us. “Two-dollar drafts for happy hour.”
“Sweet iced tea with three lemon wedges for the lady and I’ll have one without all that sugar,” I tell Annabell.
“Boring,” Annabell says. “And is the lady’s voice box broken?”
Nora chuckles. “Not broken. He just knows me well. I like it.”
Annabell rolls her eyes, but I don’t miss the smile on her lips before she leaves. Nora beams at me and I give her a wink.
After Annabell drops off our drinks and a complimentary basket of cheddar and onion biscuits and a bowl of coleslaw for each of us, she leaves us to peruse the menu.
“What’s a must-have?” Nora asks. “I can’t decide. It all looks so good.”
