Page 9 of Approved

If you want, let me know what you get. Have a great night.

Jamie walked in from the back room, while I looked at my phone, still shocked.

“What’s that?” I couldn’t even voice what had happened. I handed her my phone.

“Shit Tyler. I've said it before, if you don’t date this man, I am going to.”

“You most certainly will not.” He had my attention for sure. “I’m going to go home and order way too much food, then cyberstalk a bar owner.”

“Are you going to let him take you on a date?”

“I’m giving it some serious consideration.” He was very nice, and I still didn’t understand why he had any interest in me, since I was just an awkward guy who owned a flower shop, but he was trying to get my approval.

Jamie headed toward the door. “Tyler, you need to realize you are a catch. The only reason you aren’t going out with him is because you think you aren’t good enough, and for some reason, he is faking his attraction to you.”

It shocked me how on point she was. I guess that was why we were best friends. “What would he possibly see in me? I am nothing.”

“Tyler! That is completely untrue. You are amazing; you own this shop and have Earl and Larry. Not to mention you are kind, sweet, and the best friend anybody could ever have.”

I could feel a stinging behind my eyes. “Thank you.”

She gave me a closed-mouth smile and walked out the door. I tapped my chest, and Earl settled on my shoulder. We were ready to go home.

At home, Larry was happy to see me, and Earl was glad to see Larry, which he showed by tackling his brother. Together, they rolled across the couch cushions. The three of us went into my bedroom, where I pulled on my Cookie Monster pajamas, picked up the house a little, started the laundry, and finally, after I fed Larry, figured out what I would have for dinner.

An hour later, I had so much food I would eat leftovers for days. I got ribs, loaded French fries, some chicken nuggets, and a piece of carrot cake. I took a picture of all the food and sent it to West.

TYLER

Way too much food. Thank you.

I figured he was at work and wouldn’t respond until morning. Earl got on the coffee table and started poking around. The little thief stole a chicken nugget, then got BBQ sauce all over his face as he enjoyed his treat. Larry took that opportunity to steal a rib bone and took off to the kitchen. I let him have it for the moment—he wouldn’t do much with it other than lick remnants of meat off.

My heart jolted a little when I got a phone notification.

WEST

Looks great. Is that a cat I see there?

TYLER

Yeah, that’s Larry, he’s my other buddy.

The food was delicious. I’d be in a food coma for the rest of the night.

WEST

Not a bad thing. I’m glad you are enjoying your dinner.

TYLER

Thank you again.

WEST

I have a customer issue. Would it be okay if I texted you in a few hours?

I looked at the clock; it would be like 1:00 a.m., which would be pretty late, but I wouldn’t mind more text messages from him.

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