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After I dished up some pasta for us both and he poured the wine, it was back to silence. We ate a few bites and he hummed and did a little happy wiggle in his seat.
But the elephant in the room could have very well had a seat at the table.
The silence was becoming awkward . . .
“So,” we both said at the same time. Then we both laughed.
“You go first,” I said, opting out like the chicken I apparently was.
“Oh,” he said, frowning at his pasta. “So the other day we mentioned status and expectations...”
Oh boy.
Here it was.
“Yeah,” I said lamely. I put my fork down. “Look, I don’t want you to feel pressured, or if you think it’s too soon?—”
“No, I don’t,” he said quickly. “I mean, it is.”
Oh.
I nodded, that acknowledgement cutting a little deeper than I’d expected.
“But it’s also not,” he amended gently.
When I looked up, his eyes were on me. Soft and kind. Then he smiled. “And if we’ve already established that we’re dating and being exclusive, then I think the term boyfriend can apply.”
My breath left me in a whoosh, and I laughed. The butterflies in my belly were now in full flight. “I think it could too.”
He chuckled, and the awkwardness between us was gone. “I don’t know why that was so hard to say.”
I laughed. “Me either! I thought you were going to say no or that it was too soon. Because I think we can both agree that it is.” Then I shrugged. “But it’s also not.”
He smiled when I repeated what he’d said earlier. “I was never saying no. Even if Cory had come back waving a huge red flag, I’d probably still just jump in with both feet.”
I was still smiling, so very relieved. “I liked Cory,” I said. “I liked that he came to see if I was a giant douche. That means he’slooking out for you, and honestly, everyone needs a friend like that.”
“Be careful what you wish for, because yes, he’s great. He’s also a lot. He has a flair for the dramatic. I mean, I love him with my whole entire heart, but some days I could strangle him.”
I chuckled. “Do I even want to know what he said about me?”
“He said his first impression of you was good.”
“He did tell me that, yes,” I said. “Then he kinda departed with a thinly veiled threat that the tests of worthiness would be ongoing.”
Linden laughed. “He’s such a brat.” He sipped his wine. “But he was impressed with you. He said you referenced theGodfathermovie, so that was a win because he loves those movies.” His eyes softened and his smile turned sweet. “And he also said you were making me another paper flower because they mean more than any kind of flower at your store.”
“Yeah, I told you that before.”
“Yes, but you toldhimthat, and he said your cheeks went bright pink and you got all shy and that you’d enlisted the help of the woman that works for you, and so Cory deduced you’d been speaking about me, about the flowers, like it was a big deal.” He inhaled deeply. “Cory thought that if you’d been secretive or denied the paper flower thing that it meant you had something to hide, but you didn’t.”
Okay, wow.
“Both Lina and Robbie know,” I said. “Robbie and Tan took me shopping, remember? And Lina helped with the origami flowers. Of course they know. Lina’s quite invested, I think. She’s very happy for me that I’m finally seeing someone. And Robbie...” I made a face. “I think Robbie has concerns about my mental health. Apparently now I’m too happy, which he assumed was the fact I was now having sex.”
Linden laughed. “Well, is he wrong?”
“Not entirely.” I chuckled. “I am happier. And I don’t want you to panic that my happiness is hinged solely on you or our being together. I mean, I am happier because of that, but it was time. I was ready.” I took a deep breath in. “I’m just glad I met you when I did.”
