“I’m not sure. Does it matter?”
Connie stares at the card and then takes her phone out and inputs the number. “It does. I’m not chasing after that man just to find out he’s like ferret boy.”
She hands back the card and I toss it on the coffee table. “Then why take his number? I’m confused.”
She shrugs. “In case I need it later. In the meantime, I know how you can make it up to me.”
“How?”
“After you make up with Cody, set up a double date.”
I open my mouth, but then realize that’s actually a great idea. “Done.”
There’s a knock at the door.
“Oh. Pizza is early.” Connie jumps up and opens the door.
Ted is standing on the other side, wearing a suit, and his hair has been styled. I’ve never seen his hair like that before. Then I see the flowers. A beautiful bouquet of pink and white flowers.
“Hi, is Lucy here?” he asked, confused.
I jump up.Shit. Ted.After reading Cody’s text, I forgot about our dinner.
“Ted? I’m so sorry. When you didn’t text for my address, I figured you had to cancel. Then I got some news, and Connie came over to comfort me. I’m so sorry,” I explain.
He frowns and glances at Connie. She smiles.
Then he looks back to me, concerned, as he tosses the flowers on the coffee table and grips my shoulders. “Are you all right? Is there anything I can do?” He’s standing close. Too close.
I step back. “I’m fine, thank you, but I’m afraid I’ll have to take a raincheck on dinner.”
Another knock on the still open door draws my attention.
“Pizza delivery,” a guy calls.
Connie deals with him and then sets the pizza on the coffee table. She picks up the bunch of flowers and thrusts them into my hands.
“You bought me flowers?” I ask Ted.
His jaw ticks. “I did. You seemed like you needed cheering up.”
“Thank you.” I take them to the kitchen as he waits near the door. Once I put the flowers and water in a vase, I set them on the counter.
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m curious, how did you know where I lived?”
Ted grimaces. “This might sound bad, but last month after we talked about Cody and my brother, you seemed upset, so I followed you home.” He puts his hands up. “Only to make sure you got home okay. I’m sorry. I realize now that sounds creepy.”
I swallow. It does sound creepy, but Ted’s a good friend. And I was upset that night. “Thank you for looking out for me. If you’d like to stay, we have pizza,” I say as I walk back into the living room.
Please say no. I don’t want to tell him about Cody returning tomorrow.
Ted glances at Connie, who is halfway through her first slice. “No, that’s all right. How about dinner tomorrow night?”
“I’m sorry. I have plans.”Please don’t ask about them…
“Okay. Some other time, then. Goodnight, Lucy.” Ted slowly leans down.
