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“Alright, go enjoy your lunch so we can start the flooring this afternoon,” Tyler says.
I grab the sandwich I packed and hang out in the back while I text Katie.
Noah: Just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you and can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
She must be on her break too because jumping dots appear immediately on the screen.
Katie: Been thinking about you too and really excited for our date :)
After I told my dad about my plans for this weekend, he booked an overnight trip with Belinda at a romantic bed and breakfast in Mobile, the next town over. Now we’ll have the house to ourselves, and the thought makes me feel like a nervous teenager.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious as hell for today. Though I’m eager to make Katie’s birthday special, it won’t make up for the decade I was gone, but hopefully, it’s a start. After I shower, I send her a text.
Noah: I couldn’t wait till later to say Happy Birthday!
Katie: Thank you :)
Noah: Can’t wait to see you! I’m about to hit the grocery store to grab the food for our dinner. Anything particular you’d like me to get for dessert?
Katie: Surprise me!
Noah: You got it… see you soon ;)
Tonight is all about her, and I’m ready to spoil her. If I’m being honest, I want more than just one evening with her. I want forever, and by the way her eyes soften when she looks at me, I think she might want the same.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been contemplating what to get her. Anything materialistic doesn’t seem right, and we never bought each other those types of gifts when we were younger. It was always something sentimental or homemade. After thinking about it, I came up with an idea and can’t wait to see her reaction when I give it to her.
Heading into the grocery store, I grab two sirloin steaks and a couple of baked potatoes. After looking at the dessert options, I pick a Tiramisu since she used to be crazy about it. Hopefully, she still is.
The wine section is a lot larger than it used to be, so it takes me a minute to find something that’ll pair with our meal. After grabbing a Cabernet, I stick it in the cart and think about what else I need.
“Noah,” someone calls out, and when I turn around, I see Brittany with her son, Anthony, behind her.
“Hey.” I smile. “How’re y’all doin’?”
“Great, just picking up some snacks for the park this afternoon. Anthony’s been askin’ when you’ll be free to play baseball with him.” She pins me with a stare, putting me in an awkward position.
“Oh, right. Well, I’m busy today but maybe next weekend?” I suggest to appease her.
Brittany beams. “That’d be great. We should exchange numbers, so we can plan a time.” Before I can say a word, she pulls out her phone. Gemma claims Brittany wants me to ask her out, but that’s not happening. Even if I wasn’t head over heels in love with Katie, I wouldn’t be romantically interested in Brittany.
“Sure,” I say hesitantly, then we add each other to our contacts.
“You can call me anytime. I haven’t seen you at the deli in a while.”
“Yeah, got super busy with work.”
“I noticed your truck was parked behind it for a while. Belinda said someonevandalizedit,” she says with a gasp.
Nodding, I respond, “Yeah, probably some punk kids, no biggie. My dad was able to clean it.”
Brittany smiles, then peeks into my cart. “Steaks and wine? What’s the special occasion?”
“It’s Katie’s birthday, so I’m making her dinner,” I respond, watching her reaction.
“Oh wow, didn’t realize you were such a chef. Katie’s a lucky woman.”
I chuckle. “Nah, I’m not. Just trying to repay her for helping me with something. We’re just friends,” I emphasize, so news doesn’t get around that Katie and I are spending time together. Though it’s no one’s business anyway.
