Page 121

"You can answer it."

"I'll call him later."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah." Too quick. Then she sighs.

She puts the phone facedown. I look at it, then at her. I wait.

Maddy looks toward the window.

"We have some decisions to make about the restaurant."

"What kind of decisions?"

"Ones I've been putting off."

There's more. I know there is. But she waited for me. I can wait for her.

"Call him when we're done."

"I will."

Her hand finds mine again.

"Tonight is ours."

I look down at our joined hands.

"Yeah." Tonight is ours. I close my hand around hers. For now, that's enough.

After dinner, we get ready to leave. Outside the restaurant, Maddy reaches into her purse for her keys.

"I'll drive you home."

She looks at me.

"My car is right there."

"I know."

A smile plays at the corner of her mouth.

"Then you see the problem."

"I'll have one of the guys drop it off at your house tomorrow morning."

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose on anyone."

"I'll bring it myself."

Her brows lift.

"Javier."

"It's not an imposition, Maddy." I take her hand. "I just want to spend a little more time with you."

Her expression softens.