The waiter swings by with a fresh basket of cheddar biscuits, and I immediately snag one.
Toward the end of the meal, a tall drink with a paper umbrella appears at the table. We all look around, confused.
“I think you got the wrong table,” I say.
Gage touches my shoulder and winks. “No, I definitely don’t. It’s from me, beautiful. Enjoy.”
And then he’s gone again, moving on like he didn’t just make a move in front of everyone.
There’s a beat of silence, and then everyone sputters a laugh. Well, everyone but me. I’m staring after Gage in a daze.
“Oh my god,” Hattie shrieks. “That was so cute.”
“No kidding,” Camila adds. “That’s the shit I read about but never see!”
Even Cole seems amused, eyes crinkling in the corners.
My ears and neck burn as if I might melt away. I’m so used to being the one making a move that it’s strange to be on the receiving end of it.
I run a hand through my hair, laughing nervously. “What do I do now? I don’t know what to do.”
Korie nudges my arm. “Oh, come on, Romeo. You’ve had plenty of practice with this. Go on.”
I glance at them. “Go on?”
“Yeah. Go ask him out.”
My eyes flick toward Gage, who is cleaning off a nearby table. He really is handsome, but after all thenos I’ve had recently, it feels impossible to ask again—even knowing Gage is into me.
Korie chuckles. “You know exactly what to say. Trust me. Justgo.Ask him on a date.”
Their soft hazel eyes are reassuring.
I straighten in my seat and suck in a breath. “You’re right. I can do this.”
Pushing my chair back, I chase after Gage, ignoring the quiet cheers and whoops of encouragement from my friends.
Gage’s face lights up when I approach, and he turns his full attention to me. Now that I’m standing, I realize he’s about three inches taller than I am.
“Hey, um…” I trail off, throat thick.
Gage leans in. “Yes?”
“Would you like to go to dinner soon?” The words come out a little rushed, but at least I sound confident. I hope, anyway.
Gage smiles immediately, reaching for a napkin on the table. He writes something on it before handing it to me.
“I’m free Friday if you are?”
I grin. “Friday works.”
“Great. Call me, and we’ll sort out the details later.” Gage winks and walks away.
My heart beats a mile a minute as I walk back to the table, the napkin clutched in my hand.
Hattie claps as I sit down. I try to play it cool, but now that it’s over, I’m kind of riding a high.
Korie waits patiently, eyes wide. “Well?”
