Page 134 of Lucky Mother Pucker

She’s lived so much of her life in survival mode, never being able to live in the moment. I want to give her that. I want her to feel safe and comfortable around me. I don’t want her to feel pressured or like I’m expecting something more from her.

Because the truth is that I’m not. I’m happy with the way things are between us. I’ll happily stay at this pace for as long as she wants.

And I’ll keep my feelings to myself until she tells me that she’s ready for more—if she’s ever ready for more.

What if she never wants that with me?

Dread claws through my gut at the thought of this ever ending with her.

Don’t. Remember what she said? Be in the moment.

Lucy steps aside, and I walk into her office. She’s the only one there right now.

I glance over at Paula’s desk, which is covered in balloons and streamers and confetti.

“I didn’t know it was Paula’s birthday,” I say.

“I thought it would be fun to decorate her desk. And get her favorite candy.”

I notice dozens of foil-wrapped peanut butter cups all over her desk. “Paula likes peanut butter cups, huh?”

“Oh, yeah.”

Lucy finishes her pear and tosses the core in the trash can.

“It’s really thoughtful of you to do all this for her birthday.”

Lucy just shrugs, her smile shy and soft. “She’s a great boss. And everyone deserves to be celebrated on their birthday.”

I think about how, for the past few years, Lucy didn’t get to celebrate her birthday.

Pain radiates in my chest. She deserves something huge and special for her next birthday.

But it’s the beginning of November, and her birthday isn’t until February. I don’t want to wait three months to celebrate her.

An idea pops into my head.

I turn to her. “Are you working at the diner this weekend?” I ask.

“On Sunday, but I have Saturday off. Why?”

“Don’t plan anything, okay?”

She starts to smile. “Okay…”

I walk out of the office, but she stops me.

“What’s happening on Saturday?” she asks.

I turn to her and grin. “It’s a surprise.”

Chapter 49

Lucy

Istare at the text that Leo sent me this morning.

Hey. Be ready for an early dinner. I’ll pick you up at five.