“No. He asked me out, but I had plans with Garrett.”
They all slump back in their chairs and look at me like I’m a moron. I can’t disagree with them.
“What?”
“You turned down a date with Sexy Architect Man for a loser who uses you when it’s convenient for him?” asks Patsy.
“He didn’t stand you up this time, did he?” asks Sistine.
“No, I saw him.”
My face must’ve fallen, because Kendall reaches out and grabs my arm. “Are you okay, Micah?” she asks in her sweet Kendall way. “You look so sad.”
“I’m fine, it’s just… I don’t know. I’m getting bored with Garrett.”
“Praise Jesus!” says Patsy, loud enough the people at the table next to us turn to stare.
“What about SAM?” asks Kendall.
“His name is Rhodes.”
“Whatever,” says Sistine. “Are you seeing him again?”
“Yes, Nana made sure we exchanged numbers.”
“Thank God for Nana,” says Patsy.
I roll my eyes at her. “We’re going to go out a week from tonight when he’s back in town.”
Patsy squeals, again drawing attention to our table, and Kendall claps like I won the lottery.
“Micah,” says Sistine in all seriousness, “don’t freak out and get insecure on him. You deserve to be happy. If he’s going to treat you well and go out of his way to get to know you, be open to it. If he’s asking you out, he obviously thinks you’re good enough.”
Damn her. She knew what I was thinking without me saying a word.
“I’ll try. I promise.”
* * *
Rhodes meets Nana and me at the store a week later to ride to Pauline’s house. He’s as handsome as ever, hands in his pockets and bright-eyed as the morning sun. He’s had a haircut, which only makes the angles of his face look more pronounced and masculine. And he smells like Adonis. I swear I could get drunk on him. Nana gives him a hug and tells him as much.
We take Rhodes’ car since he offers to drive, and I let Nana have the front seat so I can admire him from behind. She directs him to Pauline’s massive Greek revival house a few blocks off Magnolia Row’s main historic district. The azaleas in front are unkempt and the grass hasn’t been cut in ages, but it’s easy to see the former majesty of the house.
Shame it’s home to an absolute witch.
“She knows we’re coming, right?” I ask as we get out of the car.
“No, she doesn’t have a phone,” says Nana. She closes the car door and approaches the house like she’s expected.
Rhodes has a worried look, and I grab his arm as we walk behind Nana. “We’re gonna die!” I whisper, and he chuckles before putting his hand on mine.
Nana ascends the stairs onto the wide front porch and rings the doorbell. Then we wait.
And wait.
She rings again, then goes to peer in the floor-length windows. Apparently seeing someone, she waves. A moment later, Pauline is at the door. She’s fully dressed in what looks like shiny silver pajamas, which sets off her white hair. Her face is full of gaudy makeup, and she’s wearing even more jewelry than she was the day she showed up at the estate sale. She’s holding a cocktail and is clearly drunk.
“Barbara Bonaventure. What the hell are you doing here?” she asks, one arm above her head as she leans on the door.
