I smile as I type.
Me:Sorry. Having lunch with some
colleagues.
Me:Is it okay if I tell people about you?
Wes:People?
Me:Colleagues. Close colleagues.
Wes:Oh. Yeah, that’s fine.
Me:You sure?
Wes:Absolutely. Just don’t tell them
about my cape and secret weapon of
mass destruction.
A laugh shoots from my lips. Santos and Hua Jing stare at me, but I just shrug. I have a boyfriend, and he’s ridiculous but pretty fucking amazing too. Getting a boyfriend was definitely not in the cards when I moved here, but when Wes asked me, there was no doubt in my heart.
Me:Dork.
He sends me a kissy emoji, then an eggplant. Fuck, he’s so juvenile.
Me:I don’t like fancy places, and I
prefer being outside. I’m not picky, but I
love spicy food. No allergies.
My finger hovers over the phone. I’m actually going on a date with Wes—my boyfriend.
Me:I really liked that day at the market.
Wes:Me too. One of my favorites.
I can hear the smile in his words. It was one of my favorite days in a long time, too.
Wes:I’ve got you, boo. Can’t wait.
I stare at my phone for a minute, and Hua Jing sighs dreamily. “OMG, I’m so fucking jelly. Look at his face, dude.”
Santos grins as he leans back in his chair. “So, who’s the guy?”
My cheeks heat, and my heart races in my chest. Here goes nothing, I guess.
“You know that guy, Wes Ellison? The physical therapist?”
Santos nods, while Hua Jing bounces in her seat, tapping her fingers against the table. “You’re dating Mr. Magic Hands?” she hisses. “Are you for fucking real?”
Santos gapes at her. “Mr. Magic Hands? Whoareyou?”
“Aww, c’mon, you gotta admit Wes isfiiine.”
Andmine. The possessiveness I felt that night at the bar when Wes was dancing with that girl resurfaces. Hua Jing just continues, twirling a finger at me. “I see it now. The two of you. Opposites attract and all that grumpy/sunshine shit. Uh-huh, right on.”
