“Yeah.” Josh stepped back. “Not sure what I’m going to say yet. But if she doesn’t want me, there’s no sense in prolonging the inevitable.”
“I’m sorry, for what it’s worth. I hate seeing either of you upset. But you’ll have to do what you think is right.” Lauren picked up the rag she’d left on the table. “But if it is over, don’t date anyone else on my staff.”
Josh chuckled. He did forgive Lauren and believed her. So the question now was whether Paige was using Lauren as an excuse, and why.
Maybe it really was time to move on.
To prove he could joke about it, he said, “Does Caleb have a sister I could date?”
“Youthinkyou’re funny,” said Lauren.
One of the cats—Josh still hadn’t learned any of their names—jumped up on the table and meowed at him, so he reached over to pet the cat.
“You done with work for the day?” Lauren asked.
“For now, yeah. I have some briefs to read before I can sleep.”
“You want to eat with me and Caleb? We were going to order takeout tonight because he’s working until seven, but you’re welcome to join us.”
“Well, sure, since I walked all the way over here. And buying my dinner is really the least you can do.”
“That’s only going to get you so far.”
“I’m still gonna milk it.”
* * *
A couple of evenings later, Paige was still mulling over what she wanted. Being with Josh represented a big change in her life.
It was an odd thing to realize that bad dates were safe to her. Going on a date with some guy she met through an app was low stakes. If she didn’t like him, she didn’t have to go out with him again, and then she could go home to her safe apartment and enjoy life at her safe job and not worry about how any of it would affect her future.
But Josh represented something different. It meant letting someone else into her life, into her little bubble. It was something she’dsaidshe’d wanted for a long time, but being faced with the reality of it made her nervous. Of course, if she did accept him into her life, they could be tremendously happy together.
Lauren walked out of the backroom and looked to be headed to the front of the café, so Paige stopped her. “Can we talk for a sec?”
“Sure,” said Lauren.
No one else was around, which made this easier. They were ready to close up for the day, once they finished the last few cleaning tasks, and Lauren had already sent the rest of the staff home. So they could have this out if needed.
Paige sighed. “Look,” she said. “I just need to clarify something. We’re friends, right?”
“Of course.” Lauren looked confused by the question.
“I guess I just… I’m trying to decide if I should go for it with Josh.”
Lauren frowned. “First of all, lord save me from people confrontingmeabout why they shouldn’t be together.”
Paige wondered what Lauren meant by that but wanted an answer to her question more. “Well?”
“I told Josh I was stepping out of this. I’m not involved. You guys have to figure this one out on your own.”
“Sorry. Not to retread old ground. I don’t mean to drag you into this. But, like, advising me as my friend, let’s say I’m not dating Josh, but instead, I’m dating some other guy whom you are not related to, and I’m not sure if I should stay with him or not.”
Lauren looked at her lap for a long moment. “Okay. You’re dating some guy named Mike or whatever, right? Then I’d ask, do you like him?”
“Yes. A lot.”
“Okay. Then why don’t you want to be with him?”
