Page 115 of Halo

Gosh, this dating thing as an adult is weird.

Rachel shifts in her seat again, pressing a hand to the side of her belly before adjusting her position. “Are you going to eat your pickle?”

The corner of my smile lifts as I nudge my plate to her.

“Oh, thank God.” She plucks it off my plate, and takes a loud, satisfying crunch. “You're already spoiling your little niece or nephew.”

“Giving you my pickle is spoiling them?”

“Yes.” She takes another bite. “And if you have any chips left when I'm done with this, they're going to need those, too.”

We share in a laugh before she quickly groans. “I better visit the ladies room. Again.”

“Do you need help?”

“I need a new bladder.” She braces a hand against the table and pushes herself to her feet, pausing long enough to get her balance. “I'll be fine.” She waddles toward the restroom, one hand planted at the small of her back.

I chuckle, reaching for another chip. Before I can pop it into my mouth, my phone vibrates against the table.

I smile when I see the name of the incoming call. “Hey, Picasso.”

“Hey, beautiful. Are y'all painting yet?”

“Not yet. We're having lunch at Red Nose.”

“Mmm,” he murmurs. “Best damn chicken salad in town.”

“Right? That's exactly what I'm eating.”

“Please tell me you got one of their brownies.”

“Are they good?”

He groans. “You seriously need one.”

“Do I?” I giggle. “Maybe we'll get one to go. Rachel loves them.”

“Well, she has excellent taste.”

I smile, settling deeper into my chair. “Are you almost back?”

“Almost. We stopped for gas. But, listen, I've got a problem.”

“What's wrong?”

“Eddie's wife's mom passed away this morning, and he was on tonight. He got someone to cover most of the shift, but—”

“They need you,” I finish.

“Just for a little while.” He sighs. “I'm sorry. I thought we'd be able to see each other tonight.”

The disappointment comes quickly, but I push it aside. “Oh, that's okay. I completely understand.”

Rachel returns to the table and carefully eases herself into her chair, taking a moment to get comfortable.

I swat half-heartedly at her hand as she steals some potato chips. “Do you know how long you'll be there?”

“Hopefully not too long. Can I call you when I'm done?”