Page 56 of Love Rewritten

The rest of dinner is easy. Far easier than I think Abby was prepared for. Will finally starts talking more after and he and I hit it off. I find out we have quite a bit in common. He’s a nurse at the local hospital and works in the pediatric unit. He and I converse while Abby and Cameron discuss just about everything under the sun. I haven’t seen her talk this much other than with Meredith. Not even with me.

Sometimes, the people we least expect can make a night just that much better.

Chapter 21

Abby

Dallaspullssomethingoutof his backpack when we reach the bikes after dinner. It’s a box a little bigger than the size of his hand. It’s not wrapped. He holds it out to me.

I cock my head. “You have to stop getting me gifts.”

“I think I’m starting to enjoy it.” He nods to the box, holding it another inch closer. “I was going to give this to you during dinner, but we got sidetracked.”

I sigh and take it. My mouth drops open when I realize what he’s given me. “A comms unit? Wait, is this a Cardo? These are expensive.”

“How else are we supposed to talk while we ride? I can’t go that long without hearing that beautiful voice of yours.” He grabs my helmet from where it’s hanging on my handlebar and turns it over. “Grab the piece in there. I’ve already set most of it up. We just have to attach it and turn on the Bluetooth.”

The box has already been opened. I look over at Dallas’s helmet, remembering he has one attached to his already, likely for him and Logan to talk when they ride together. I hand the piece to Dallas. He secures it in place and plugs in a cord under some of the padding before passing the helmet back for me to put on.

“It should be on. Turn on the Bluetooth on your phone, too.” He slips his helmet on and turns the dial on his. Once I think I’ve connected everything, Dallas’s voice comes through my helmet. It’s too loud and makes me jump. He laughs from where he stands by his bike.

“Shut up,” I say. It only makes him laugh more before he leans over and shows me how to turn it down.

Driving home is weird. Being able to talk to him, or anyone, for that matter, is new. I’m a fan though. I’ll say that. I’ve always assumed I knew what was going on in his head when we were riding or at stop lights, but this puts a whole new perspective on it. He’s like a teenage boy who ate too much candy in one sitting. I can’t hear the music he plays through his speaker, but I can hear every word he attempts to sing, and it’s so far out of pitch that I’m dying laughing most of the way home. I don’t even need my own music to keep me company. Dallas provides the entertainment all by himself.

My phone vibrates on the table next to me, pulling me from the final page of tests I’ve been grading for Dr. Kraus.

“Hey, Mer,” I answer, setting the phone on the table on speakerphone, my eyes still scanning the final page.

“Hey. You remember when you recommended me to Rose’s boss to finish painting those tables?”

“Uh, yeah,” I say, only half listening.

She almost shrieks on the other end, forcing me to fully pay attention. “I’m going in today to do it! And they’re offering to pay me way more than I was going to quote them.”

Dallas and Logan turn their heads when they hear the shriek through the small phone speaker. I sit back in my seat with a bright smile. “That’s amazing, Mer.”

“I know! But I want some help. Do you think you and Dallas could come in to help? Logan can join, too, if he wants.”

"I'm out," Logan says immediately.

That makes me laugh. “Mer, you know I have zero artistic ability. Dallas doesn’t either.” He shoots me a fake offended look.

“Doesn’t matter. The owner said she wanted a variety of styles and talents and asked if I knew anyone who’d be willing to help. So, you’re my help. You’re not doing anything today right?”

I roll my eyes. Meredith has always had this sixth sense to know when I’m busy or not. I don’t know how she does it. “No, I’m not busy today. Neither is Dallas.”

“Good. Meet me at Beans and Berries in an hour.”

The bright neon sign in the front window flashes the word “Closed” when we pull up. Through the large front windows, Meredith and Rose are already inside setting up. The bell above the door dings when we push it open, and they both look up with excited smiles.

“Ah! You’re here. Good. Can you help us get these tables onto the drop cloth?” Meredith points to the group of tables off to the side. The only two painted tables sit lonely in the far corner.

“Of course,” Dallas agrees, ready to help with whatever needs doing. I see him smirk at Rose as he passes her, who gives a shy smile back. I haven’t known Rose that long, but I understand that look. And after the awards ceremony, the way that she and Meredith hit it off, I know she’s into her.

“What can I do?” I ask, stepping farther into the café.

“Can you finish spreading the drop cloth out?” Rose points to the side closest to the counter. “Also, what does everyone want for a coffee or smoothie? My boss said everything is on the house today.”

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