“From the feel of it, I’d agree.’
“Harlot! You’ve been holding out on me?”
I sigh. “I wish. It’s been nothing more than heavy making out, and that’s because I cut it short every time.” I groan, remembering how he left. “I screwed up by shutting down his offer to make plans, didn’t I?”
She nods her head. “Yes, you did. At the least, you owe him, and his family, some kind of thank you gesture. I suggest separately because the thank you suggestions I have in mind for Caleb would scar the rest of his family for life.” She makes a fist and pushes toward her mouth, puffing out her check.
“You filthy girl,” I say in a British accent.
“What? I want to see my girl get some. It’s been a minute.”
“Trust me, I know. He made me come with his damn voice. Not even a touch.”
“I know it sounds hot.” Lily fans her face.
“You’re telling me?”
She grins. “There’s my girl.”
“I thought I could bake them something.”
“My vote goes to your deep-dish apple pie. Not only is it stunning to look at, it tastes divine.” She sighs. “Yet another reason I’m missing you horribly this Christmas.”
“You want me to send it on dry ice?”
“Don’t toy with my emotions, Foster.” She wags her finger from side to side.
“Okay, so planning. After I bake the perfect pie, I’ll do what?”
“Casually drop by the store. Charm the pants off Nona and pump her for info.”
“Ha. I’m sure with Nona, it’ll be a mutual exchange of facts.”
“Even better. Get that family approval.” Lily claps as she says each word.
Clarity gained, and plan in place, I shift gears. “How are things with you and Dave?”
“Good? I don’t know.” She sighs. “I love him. I do. But we’re still living in separate homes and ‘dating’.” She makes hand quotations. “I need him to fish or cut bait. I’m not expecting a proposal but at least a request to cohabitate. I mean, we’re going on three years, Ro.”
“Have you told him how you feel?”
“Oh, he knows.” There’s weight behind those words.
She and Dave complement each other well. I’d hate to see them end things, but I also need my girl to be happy like she deserves to be.
“Have you thought of giving him an ultimatum?” I suggest.
“If I feel like I forced his hand, it would take the joy from it.” She runs a hand through her hair. “Do I sound crazy?”
“No. This is how you feel, and that’s okay. I understand why you don’t want to present Dave with an ultimatum, but what about yourself? Set a timeline and reexamine the situation then. It’ll keep you from going crazy, but you’ll know you’ve done something about it.”
“I like that. I can give it another six months.”
“Whatever I can do to help you. I’m here at any time.”
“I know, and I love you for that.”
We finish our chat, and I suit up to face the cold. I have a pie to make.