I nod. “It was.”
Something passes over Olivia’s face with my confirmation. The veil of anger drops. It’s replaced with something softer. I’d call it understanding, but it might be pity.
“I’m going to give him your number.” Olivia turns her attention to Kate. “He already knows how to reach you here at the store.”
Resignation loosens Katie’s shoulders. “Fine.”
Olivia deletes the California number, replacing it with a number with a Manhattan area code.
She hands the phone back to me. “Text her something so she has your number too.”
“I will.”
I have no intention of doing it while Olivia’s watching my every move.
I’m glad Katie has such a fierce and loyal friend.
“I’ll take off now.” I look over at Katie. “I’ll be in touch if that’s all right with you?”
She looks to Olivia, before her gaze lands on my face. “It’s all right with me.”
I may have walked in this store hoping to smooth over what happened between us last night at Tin Anchor, but I’m walking out with Katie’s phone number.
A few weeks ago I wondered if I’d ever see her again, so I call this a win.
***
Gage: Do you still like poetry, Katie?
This has to be the thirtieth fucking message I’ve typed in the last two hours. I deleted the other twenty-nine before I hit the send button.
I bite the bullet and let fate take the wheel.
I exhale harshly once it’s sent.
A response comes quickly.
Kate: Who is this?
I don’t know if I should be laughing or cursing.
Gage: It’s me. Gage.
I take a drink from the bottle of water in front of me and gaze around the interior of Tin Anchor. We’re at full capacity tonight. I brought Zeke in to handle the overflow. I was too focused on the fact that I have Katie’s number. It’s a gift that I don’t want to fuck up.
Minutes pass before a response lights up my phone.
Kate: Why did you come to my store tonight?
I doubt like hell that I can explain that in a text message. It’s a face-to-face conversation I want so I push for that.
Gage: Would you be willing to meet me for a coffee tomorrow?
This time she types out an immediate reply.
Kate: I can’t. I’m busy tomorrow.
Gage: The day after?