Page 56 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

I crease my eyebrows.I never even thought to involve David, but it can’t hurt.At least I’ll know my options.

“Exactly like that.Do you want his number?”

“I do.I want to quit, but I need to know I’ll be okay here.”

“I’ve got your back, bro.Don’t worry.”

* * *

Seth: Saw you land your date.What’s his name?

Mae: Jonathan.I’m glad you enjoyed my little show.I saw you left after the sunscreen.Too much for you?

Seth: Growl

Mae: I love it when you get all possessive.

Seth: Where are you going tonight?

Mae: Station Four.If I’m going to be on a date I don’t really want to be on, I may as well get good food.

Seth: Then what?

Mae: Dunno.Probably find a quiet parking spot and make out.

Seth: Grrrr.

Mae: What about you?

Seth: Station Four.

Mae: You just decided that after I told you what I was doing.

Seth: Maybe.

Mae: Then what?

Seth: There’s a movie on the square.

Mae: Oh, that sounds fun.We’ll go too.Then you can watch my make-out session.

Seth: Or you can watch mine.

Mae: Okay.I can see how that’s not funny anymore.

* * *

“The kids just aren’t prepared for college now like they were ten years ago,” Suzanne says.“Are you even listening to me?”

I jerk my eyes back to her.She gives me a tight smile and takes a sip of her cheap wine.Mae isn’t here yet, but I glance at the door every five seconds to see if it’s her coming in.It’s not fair to Suzanne.She’s really a nice woman, a biology professor at a small private university near Chesapeake.She’s wearing a long, flowy summer dress that subtly shows off her curves but doesn’t make it look like she’s trying too hard.Any man would find himself lucky to be with her.But all I can think about is the girl who isn’t here yet.

“Yeah, sorry.I’m thinking about work.I’m a little preoccupied at the moment.”

Suzanne leans forward, a twinkle in her eye.“Maybe you just need something to help you take your mind off things.I’m pretty good at that.”She winks, and I try not to grimace.

“Tell me more about your current research,” I say to head her off.This restaurant isn’t the fanciest place around, but it does have the best food.I’m glad Suzanne is down with it.A lot of girls I’ve dated over the years wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like this.

“It’s not exactly dinner-table conversation.I study gut microbiomes.”

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