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“Just saying, you know, thatifthere was something there between you two ...it would be OK with everyone.”
I groan again, shaking my head.“Not you too.”
“Hmm.You know what they say when more than one person is telling you the same thing, right?”
“What, oh wise one?What does it mean?”I say, adding a dramatic eye roll for good measure.
“It means that you’re an idiot.”He laughs and bumps his shoulder into mine.
“Ha ha.Just you wait, Anderson.I’ll get you back when you least expect it, you know ...”
“Yeah.But I don’t care.It doesn’t matter what shit you or anyone else throws at me.Want to know why?’Cause I’m the one with a wife and two sons at home—a wife whobakesand keeps my bed warm.A wife who looks after me and who I get to love and care for and cherish right back.Awifewho puts a smile on my face, and I live to put an even bigger smile on hers.That, Luc, is the dream of any man right there.And I get to live it.”
I clap my hand on his back.“I’m glad you have that.”
“Believe me, I am too.But what I don’t get is why you won’t let yourself have that—or a chance of that—too.As far as I can see, you’ve got a woman who is kind, sweet, caring, and loyal.She knows the life of a firefighter, and for some strange reason, she puts up with your shit andlikesit.Your family love her; she’s as much a part of this firehouse as anyone else, and yet you’re stuck on the fact that what?She’s the Cap’s daughter?You’re too old for her?You’re too busy?What is it?”
“I’m starting to think I don’t even know anymore.”
There’sno wiping the smile off my face as I lay flat on my back on my couch, watching some travel reality show on the television.But it’s purely background noise, because I’m having too much fun texting Lonnie
Luca: So, I was thinking.Tonight ...you, me, your favorite basil pesto chicken pasta, and whatever rom-com movie you wish to torture me with.What do you say?
London: I’d ask who are you and what have you done with my best friend Luca Rossi?
Luca: I’m hurt, Lonnie.Truly hurt by your lack of faith in me.Do you not know me at all?
London: I know you better than almost anyone, Luc.That’s why I know my suspicions are warranted.
Luca: Can’t a guy just wanna hang out with his best friend, feed her, and then entertain her?
As soon as I press send, I wince as it hits me how that text could be taken.
London: Entertain me?Do tell.
Luca: I meant the movie ...
London: Oh ...
Luca: And with my stunning personality of course.
I can’t help but laugh as the three dots in the messaging app stop and start then stop again, as if Lonnie’s typing then deleting.Maybe I’ve rendered her speechless?
London: I could never forget that—not when you’re always around to remind me.
Luca: Wow.Someone’s feeling rather MEAN today.Who peed in your Wheaties?
London: God.I’m never eating cereal again with that lovely visual.Thanks for that.
Luca: You’re very welcome.Now, put me out of my misery and accept my dinner, movie, and study date invitation.
London: What’s in it for me though?
Luca: Spending a night with me isn’t incentive enough?
London: It depends ...
Luca: On ...ice cream?I’ve already got your favorite in the freezer, ready and waiting.
