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I narrow my eyes as I retort, “You ate four.”
“I haven’t had anything to eat all day,” he responds and continues walking.
I can’t help but snort at the blatant lie before challenging him, “At least admit this was a good idea.”
Without missing a beat, he concedes, “It’s fine.”
Soon, we reach Fisherman’s Wharf. Colorful shops and restaurants line the wharf. The benches and tables are made of wood, and the umbrellas are colored pink, light blue, and teal. Sailboats, yachts, and other boats are tied off along the docks, bobbing and swaying in the waves that lap at the shoreline.
A group of sea lions adrift on the water catches our attention.
I take a couple of pictures and text them to Piper. She responds with a picture of the book she’s reading. It’s an archeological book by Octavio Brassard.
“I think your dad is rubbing off on her. I wouldn’t be surprised if she suddenly returns to school to study archeology.”
“Would she?” Finn asks, surprised.
“Probably. She’s always looking for something new to learn, and that’s why she seems so adventurous,” I reply.
“Maybe that’s why I like her sometimes,” Finn says, his voice barely above a whisper.
“But you want to hate her,” I prod gently.
He blows out a breath and looks around the crowded street. “I’m not sure anymore,” he mumbles, a hint of regret in his voice.
We walk through the crowded wharf, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the street performers trying to catch my attention. Music drifts through the air from every restaurant and shop.
The smell of freshly caught fish, combined with the salty ocean air, fills my nose. I’m torn between wanting to stay and explore and wanting to go home. When I’m in situations like this, Piper is usually around, making me feel less stressed.
I pull out my phone.
Derek: Can we go home now?
Piper: Too crowded?
Derek: Yep.
Piper: Sorry, I forgot that little detail. Why don’t you go to Blinking Light for lunch? The bar is a couple of blocks away from the chocolatier.
Derek: It’s just noon.
Piper: It’s a bar and grill. They have a private room. Tell them I sent you.
Derek: Thank you.
Piper: No problem, next time maybe I’ll go with you.
“Am I invited?”
Derek: Finn wants to know if he can be part of the date.
Piper: Can he handle us? We’re a lot to take.
Derek: Are you flirting, Ms. Cooperson?
Piper: Maybe, I’m not sure.
Derek: I’ll text you once we’re sitting for lunch.
