“But I bet when I just asked you that, you thought ‘like doesn’t feel strong enough’.”
“How did you?—”
“Because you have that look.”
“What look? You need to stop reading all the romance books in the store, Gen. I have no look.”
“You do. Just trust me on this. You may not see it right now, but give that man another date, and you’ll be feeling it.”
“What if he’s not?” I ask, biting the side of my thumb. I glance over at her, and she rolls her eyes at me again.
“There is no way that man is not already head over heels.”
“I think you exaggerate.”
“And I think you don’t give yourself enough credit. You deserve happiness, Zee. Embrace it. This is your Christmas wish. Even if you didn’t realize you were wishing for it, Santa delivered. Now, how many letters do I need to write before Santa will delivermea lumber snack? Did you postmark to somewhere specific? Add it to your Amazon cart?”
We both start laughing, and I feel so lighthearted and carefree. I’m glad I told her everything. Her excitement has only amplified mine, making me excited about this new thing with Miller.
I want to call him. I want to see him again.
Knowing that I have to wait six days feels like too long. It feels unreasonable. Pulling out my phone, I send him a text.
Do you think we could figure out a time to see each other before New Year’s Eve?
It’s like you took the words right out of my mouth. Now that I’m not with you, six days feels excruciating. When is your next day off?
I won’t have another day off until Sunday.
Are you already off on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, and New Year’s Day.
I can come back on Sunday.
Can I take you on a proper date?
I’d love that.
Then it’s settled. I’ll see you Sunday.
I can’t wait. Got to go, I’ll talk to you later?
I’ll call you tonight.
Genesis is staring at me as I push my phone back into my pocket, waiting with bated breath for me to update her on what was just said. Rolling my eyes, I walk away and pretend to organize the back counter.
“So?” She follows me over to it. “I know you’re not going to pretend like you didn’t just talk to him. What did he say? What did you say? Fill me in.”
“You're nosy!”
“You brought me into this! Now it’s your duty to update me.”
Picking up a stack of books, I shrug. “You saw how quick the text conversation was. He’s coming over Sunday. Wants to take me on a real date.”
She squeals in delight. “What are you guys going to do?”
“We haven’t discussed it. Any suggestions?”
