Page 181 of Worth the Trip

“Video date.”

“You just acquired my Thursday?”

“I heard availability and responded.”

“That is not how relationships work.”

“You choose dinner. I’ll find the same thing here.”

“What if I pick sushi from somewhere you can’t get?”

“I’ll figure it out.”

“I thought I wasn’t something you needed to solve.”

“You’re not. Logistics fair game.”

Her smile widened. “And when do I see you again?”

“Saturday.”

“That quickly?”

“Your tone lacks enthusiasm.”

“My tone reflects surprise.”

“Fix it.”

She folded her arms beneath my oversized sleeves. “And what exactly happens Saturday?”

“I come to Self Ridge, kiss my woman properly, and let her show me something that doesn’t involve commercial refrigeration.”

“You’re jealous of my freezers.”

“They receive attention I find disrespectful.”

“They preserve my inventory.”

“I preserve your peace. Them freezers can’t compete with me.”

She stared at me.

“You’re pleased with that.”

“I’m pleased with you.”

“That wasn’t the subject.”

“You usually are.”

“Ridiculous, baby.”

The word hit exactly the way she knew it would.

I let the grin happen.

“Thursday. Seven thirty. Saturday morning, I’m coming to you.”