That was fast—too fast.
“You sure?”
“Oh, of course I’m sure, West. I just know if you make an appearance, it’ll keep Gram happy. And probably a little more cooperative for the rest of the day,” she teases.
“Okay, I’ll be there.”
“Come for breakfast! Eight o’clock sharp. Same time as always.”
My eyes flick to the clock on my phone before I push it back to my ear.
“Shit, that’s only six hours away.”
Where does the time go? I had no clue we’ve been on the phone so long.
“Lucky for you, I don’t need much sleep to throw together the best banana pancakes in town.”
“Hope you’re not rusty,” I say.
“Nope. I’ve kept up making them religiously since I’ve been away. I even learned a few tricks out east with goat-milk caramel, cinnamon, and nuts that are going to give you a crazy food boner.” She stops.
“Food boner, huh?” I repeat slowly, the corners of my lips turning up and digging at my cheeks. “You trying to feed me or Freudian slip yourself into trouble?”
“No sirree! I just...I mean...I know you love banana pancakes, West. You always did, just like how I’m a sucker for extra mayo on my burgers. You still like them, right?”
Goddamn, she’s got to be redder than a Door County cherry.
“Sure do. It’s been years since I’ve had a good batch. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll let you go, so you can rest up and make sure those pancakes aren’t burned.”
“Okay,” she whispers.
I can hear the smile in her voice, the truce settling in, and it makes my blood run hot.
“Night, Shelly.”
“Night, Weston, and—”
I wait as she pauses.
“Yeah?” I whisper.
“Thanks for calling. I’m glad we could talk this out. I wouldn’t have felt right if we left off like we did at the Bobcat.”
“Me either,” I admit. “You’re welcome to call anytime.”
I click off, knowing if I hadn’t, we’d keep talking till sunup. She needs her shuteye and so do I.
Agreeing to breakfast was pure impulse—one I probably shouldn’t have given into—but I did and I’m not backing out.
It’s good to be on speaking terms again. Almost feels like old times.
I’ve missed that. Missed it a whole hell of a lot.
There’s nothing wrong with being old friends, and acting like it.
I hope.
I just pray I’ll be able to act like a normal human being and butt out of her life where it counts, without letting my bad-tempered dick do the talking.