Placing the napkin in the bag, I got out and pushed open the gate. It squeaked, telling the people on either side that someone was on Remy’s property. I sensed the curtains twitching and swung the bag to and fro. What thief would turn up with a pretty gift bag? Though what did I know about their MO?
There was no sign of rain, but I didn’t want a gust of wind to blow the bag away, so I hung it from the doorknob. But silly me, I’d forgotten to buy a card or add a note.
Back in the car, I tapped out a text to Remy, because with no idea who left him the gift, he might assume it was someone else. No matter his reaction, I wanted him to know it was me.
Got you a little something for when we next meet for dinner.It’s on your knob. Nah, I couldn’t say that, and I changed the word knob to doorknob.
There was no response, but he was working as I should have been, and I tucked the phone in my pocket. An hour later I was cajoling a prospective client into becoming a customer. The phone vibrated as we were filling in the paperwork and choosing the wood, so it was an hour later before I could check the message.
Give me a hint.
All you can eat. That was what Zara had sewn on the linen fabric.
I’m intrigued.
10
REMY
I didn’t care that they were napkins and they belonged in the kitchen at the table. I had one under my pillow and one in my pocket, and they were going to stay there.
When I came home from the grocery store last night and saw the bag, at first, I was sad that I had missed my mate’s visit. Then I saw what it was, and I was so excited about the gift that it made missing him not so bad. It didn’t go away. I still wished he was there to hug, kiss, and thank, but it made it better.
It was such a cool gift. The napkins were amusing, functional, and cute. Best of all, it smelled just like him. I loved them so much.
All day long, I kept reaching in my pocket to feel it. Today was an in-office day, all of our laptops being upgraded with some new system, and because they didn’t want us to have any downtime, we got to have in-person meetings. I was so ready to be done when it was time to leave.
Quite a few co-workers, including Steven, were planning to go to happy hour down the street. For a second, I considered going. Itwas nice to see everybody and was rare we were all in the office at the same time anymore. But I had plans, or at least I had plans to make plans, and I called that good enough.
I drove to the furniture store, hoping my mate wasn’t too busy and that I wasn’t making things too weird. My goal was to surprise him but was second-guessing the entire trip there about not texting ahead. I justified it by telling myself his store was a public business, so if it was open, it was fine to just show up. My koala spent the time being a little cheerleader in the background, encouraging me to get there faster. He wasn’t assisting my decision-making.
Car parked, I walked up to the front door, took a few deep breaths, and walked in. Before I saw him, my mate called out my name and was heading my way. His scent filled the place and surrounded me. I might’ve been in a business, but I felt like I was home.
“I didn’t know you were going to be here. Were you checking on your desk?”
“No, I wanted to thank you for these.” I pulled the napkin out of my pocket.
“You carried it with you? It’s a napkin, not a handkerchief.”
Great, I made him think I misunderstood his intentions.
“I know what it is, but I was in the office today, and of course, I had to eat lunch. Lunch needs napkins.” I shoved it back in.
So much for not making it weird. “Speaking of food, I was wondering if you’ve eaten yet.” I crossed my fingers that I wasn't too late and that he’d already had a dinner break. I definitely should’ve called ahead.
“No, I was just finishing up some paperwork, and then I was heading out for the day. Why?”
“I thought maybe we could grab something to eat together.”
“Like a date?”
My intention coming here was to make things between us clearer, and instead, I was back to muddling it up.
“Yes. Like a date.”
“I’d love to. Give me two minutes to find an endpoint and I’ll be ready to go.” He was back in one.
To my surprise, he took my hand as we walked out the door. It was the confidence boost I needed.
