Page 43 of Love, Luck & Clusterf*ck

I hoped he did. Those things Stu had hanging in his front windows were butt ugly. They were left over from the previous owners and went back to the Mod Squad days.

He said no. I’ll tell you more later.

I frowned down at the text. I’d been so sure he’d say yes. I couldonly imagine how heartbroken Stu felt at the moment.

“How was your weekend?”

I smiled at Adam, setting my phone aside. “It was good.”

“Then why do you look so sad?”

“I’m just really bummed for a friend of mine. He’s going through a rough patch in his relationship.”

“Well, come on. Let me cheer you up.” He tugged on my arm, trying to lift me. “You were here early today, so we have time to go down and get you a chocolate donut.”

“I already had a chocolate chip bagel this morning.”

“Come down with me anyway.”

“Okay.”

Stephen wasn’t even in yet, so we passed by the empty glass office and took the stairs to the cafeteria.

“What did you do on your days off?” Adam asked.

“I hung out with my roommate on Saturday, and Sunday I saw my little niece.”

“Is she hot?”

“You’d better be talking about my roommate. My niece is one.”

He grinned. “So, about that roommate….” He nudged my side. “Is she as hot as you?”

“Hotter.”

“Impossible.”

“Maybe I can bring her out with us sometime. You can see for yourself.”

You know, that idea didn’t sound half-bad. I bet they’d really hit it off. Christa had tamed her nights out since the pregnancy scare, but I was sure it was only a matter of time before she bounced right back. I just hoped she’d be more careful from now on. God, it felt strange being the responsible one.

“Does she have a boyfriend?”

“Boyfriend? Ah, no.” I shook my head. “Doesn’t believe in them.”

“Awesome.”

We stepped into the food line and I grabbed a Sprite. He picked up a pear and tossed it in the air, catching it behind his back.

“I hope you’re going to buy that.”

“Of course. I love pears. You know, they’re probably the most underrated fruit.”

He chucked it up again, and I ducked so it didn’t hit my head. He caught it before it reached the ground “Stop that.” I laughed. “You’re going to get us kicked out of here.”

He held the pear in his palm. “Just look at this baby. Poor little guy. Everyone reaches for the berries medley or the peaches. Even the bananas get their day. But the pears always get pushed aside for something prettier or fuzzier or longer.”

He was such a frickin’ goof. I had no idea what he was babbling on about, but he’d definitely accomplished his goal. I was laughing too hard not to be cheered up.

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