“Would there be any chance we could hook up and grab some dinner or something?”
“I’d love that.”
I leave them standing by the yoga pants and make a beeline for Ellie as she comes back into the room. “I love watching love,” I sing-song.
“What did you do now?” she asks.
“I didn’t do anything. Fate just swung by and—voila! Dates are being made.”
“Nice,” Ellie giggles.
Nate says something and Joy throws her head back and laughs. His face is lit up like I’ve never seen it and it warms my heart for them both. They exchange numbers and Nate heads for the door, stopping short of leaving.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell Ellie. Making my way across the store, he waits for me. “How’d that go?”
“Lord, she’s beautiful. And funny. We’re going to dinner at six.”
“She’ll love you.”
“Hey, take it easy,” he jokes. “I’m just looking for a lay.”
“You are not, asshole. You need a good girl to settle you down, and Joy might be the one to do it.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll see.”
“Yes, we will.” I toe at the rug. “So, how’s Dom today?”
“You haven’t heard from him?”
I look at the ground, my heart sinking with it. “He’s irritated with me. I’m irritated with him. I don’t think we’re in full-blown avoidance, but the communication isn’t flowing either.”
“I heard about Hannah,” he cringes.
“I hate her.”
“I won’t fuck her anymore, just for you.”
“You’re such a jerk,” I say, but can’t help but laugh. “But Dom?”
He shrugs. “He’s good. A little grouchy, but he usually is before a fight. And with that rib . . .”
“He shouldn’t be fighting, Nate.”
“I agree, but he’s going to regardless of what we say, so it’s always better just to support him and try to help him not get hurt.”
“Is that what you suggest I do? Just support him?”
“Always, Priss. Always.” He looks at his watch. “I gotta go. I have a few errands to run and then I take over for Liz at the bar. Need anything, call me.”
I watch him walk out and jog to his truck. As I watch him climb in, I take my phone out and type a quick text.
Me: I miss you.
Dom: Going into gym. Talk soon.
Dominic
“WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?” I breathe in the steam radiating off the tea in the china cup in front of me.