“It’s checking in with her without being overly eager or obvious. It lets her know you want her there and ensures she’s still coming,” Carson grins.
Trig runs a hand over his scruff. “Yeah, Carson’s right. You can’t go from borderline jerk to smooth operator overnight. We’ve got to ease into this.”
At least they understand I need baby steps. I need to tiptoe into whatever this might be until I figure out what I want it to be.
There are so many things I don’t know about Sarah, and that makes me nervous. But that’s what this is about—getting to know someone.
“She’s my neighbor. What if this goes bad?” It’s a thought I’ve had.
“You move.” Trig’s casual answers show his immaturity.
“It’ll be ok. We’re not going crazy here. Just message her and remind her that she’s still welcome. That’s step one.” Carson grips my shoulder, and I want to brush it off.
“What’s step two?”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Wind rocks back. “We have to see how the holiday goes first.”
I retreat to my office.
“Where are you going?” Carson asks, but I don’t stop this time.
“To my office. I’m not messaging her with you all looking over my shoulder.”
“You better do it,” Trig hollers. “Or we’ll find out.”
I slip my phone from my pocket and pull out my chair. On the worn fabric lies a book with a yellow Post-It.
Don’t trash this. It’s Millie’s. There’s good stuff in here. Read it.
I roll my eyes at the book title:Let Your Heart Beat Again.
I toss it on my desk rather than the trash and fall into my chair. I stare at my phone.
It’s just asking about Thanksgiving. I’m not committing to anything.
I tap out a message. Delete. Type. Delete. Type.
ME: Are you still able to come for Thanksgiving? Wind needs to know what size turkey to buy.
SARAH: Hi, Roary Pants.
My lips curl upward spontaneously—this woman and her need to set me off guard. I don’t respond, and after a minute, I see three dots.
SARAH: My best friend will be visiting. I don’t want to impose.
ME: You won’t.
Shit.
ME: I’ll count you all in.
SARAH: I take it back. I should’ve said, “Hi, Bossy Pants.”
SARAH: Do you ever not tell people what to do?
ME: No.
SARAH: Maybe you should try it.
