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“It helped.” I hit his arm as I whisked past him. I held up the container from today’s lunch and wiggled my brows at him. “My charm did the rest. So, what’s on the menu for tomorrow?” I lifted the pot that was simmering on the stove. “Now, that smells good.”
“Of course, it does. I made it.” He came up behind me and pushed a spoon into my hand. I dove in and took a mouthful of the pineapple sauce. “You should learn how to cook, Daniel. The ladies love it.”
“Why would I want to cook when I have you?” I took another spoonful, and he glared at my double dip. “Besides, imagine if I cooked. Would you really want the ladies looking at me more than they already do? Don’t do this for me, Zack, do this for you.”
“Done?” His mouth drew up on one side.
“I am now, yes.” I smirked. “Sue loved the dish. Thanks for that. We have another date tomorrow.” I began to clean the container I had returned.
“Well, in that case, since you obviously like it…” He opened the fridge and pulled out a container. “Take some of the pineapple rice and pulled pork. All I ask is honest feedback.”
“Always.”
That’s how it went, off and on, whenever I could, for the next couple weeks. She’d find me at the bottom of the stairs with something yummy made by Zack, and we ate and talked about anything. Between seeing her, and our work on the construction of Shadows, I was kept busy and was happier than I’d been in a very long time.
Things were moving along well at home, and it was time to let the other guys in on the plan. I found myself waking up excited to get my day going. I couldn’t wait for the others to experience this feeling. I knew they needed it as much as I did, perhaps even more.
Then one Friday I decided it was time to make my first real move with Sue. I figured with the high I was on that day, it was a now or never moment.
“You put up quite the fight, Mr. Logan.” Sue took two steps away from me then turned around.
“So do you.” I played back. “Sue,” I took her hand and hoped to God she wouldn’t reject me, “I’d like to take you out on a real date.”
“Daniel.” She looked unsure, but I saw her lips twitch.
“Look, I’m all for a picnic lunch and being the object of your co-workers’ entertainment,” I smirked and pointed my chin at the window where I knew eyes were watching us, “but you deserve a real date.”
“I don’t know.” I could see I was wearing her down. When she didn’t bite, I tried a different tact. “A friend of mine is flying in today, and tomorrow we’re having a barbecue at Barry Lake. Why don’t you and Tracy come? Keep it strictly friends getting to know one another some more.”
She held a hand over her eyes to shield them from the sun and looked up at me. Her pretty pink lips twitched as she thought.
“Bring Jenny and Tracy if that makes you more comfortable.”
“What time?”
I laughed as unexpected jitters raced through me.
“Five thirty.” Zack popped out of nowhere to answer for me. “Did you know this guy comes across town every day with a huge-ass smile on his face when he meets you for lunch?”
“Oh, really?” She beamed at me.
“Don’t you have somewhere to be Zack?” I glared, but he knew I wasn’t mad. He always had my back. Even now.
“I’ll be right over there when you’re finished.” He slapped my shoulder and waved goodbye to Sue.
“Big smile, huh?” she teased, and I gave an unapologetic shrug. “Okay, I’d like that. I’d like to bring something tomorrow, though. Do you have anything to suggest?”
“Daisies from the Miller farm.” I figured I wouldn’t protest, as I was gaining ground with her. “Pick a lot. They’re Mom’s favorite.”
“Oh, so, I’m going to meet your parents?”
“Yes, as my flirty friend.” She laughed, and I knew I’d hooked her.
“I appreciate the inside information.” Her smile grew as she headed up the stairs. “I’ll bring Tracy, but I’ll leave Jenny here. I’ll need a good story for Monday.”
“I’ll be sure to make it a good one, then.”
“I don’t doubt it.” I almost ran up to open the door for her as she juggled her water, purse, and sweater, but even as I thought it, something told me Sue appreciated how I didn’t ignore her independence.
