Page 37 of Crash and Burn

“Nothin’, relax. I just think you’ve been spending a lot of time with her. Seems like there’s something there.”

“We get along. She’s great. It doesn’t feel forced with her, and we just hang out.”

“Listen, have fun today. Seriously. Oh, Lex said come over for Thanksgiving next week…. bring Amelia.”

“I don’t know, man.”

“Look, it’s up to you, but if you’re having fun, why not bring her? What can it hurt?”

“Yeah, ok. She might already have plans, but I’ll ask her.”

“Alright buddy. I’ll hit you up later.”

“Yep.”

I was kind of nervous about the day, but I knew I didn’t need to be.It’s a tree for my house, and a tree for her house. Friends buying Christmas trees. No big deal.No big deal, as I spray extra cologne on myself.Get a grip, asshole.

*

I pulled up to Amelia’s apartment and sent her a text.

“Wake up sunshine. I’m out front.”

“Hey. I’m awake! Coming.”

I smiled, dropping my phone back into my coat pocket. A few minutes later she came out and locked her door.

She grinned wide and said, “Hey you!”

“Hey. You know I’m not a morning person, right?”

“Hudson, it’s almost noon. Get your shit together.” She rolled her eyes, making me chuckle, then asked, “Where are we eating lunch because I’m starvin’!”

“I figured we could hit up Sharon’s.”

“Sharon’s! You’re kidding?” She looked insulted.

“No, actually, I’m not kidding. We’ve never technically eaten there together. You’re always waitin’ on me.”

She laughed, “You realize if we show up there together everyone is going to think something is going on?”

I hadn’t really thought about that. Did I care though? I shrugged my shoulders.

She said, “Oh...ha...you’re in for a treat. Fine. Let’s go. I’m game.”

I laughed and drove off.

*

We walked into Sharon’s together. I held the door open for Amelia on the way in. Sheila looked up with a huge grin on her face and I thought,Oh fuck. Ok, maybe Amelia was right. This was a bad idea. I feel like I’m starting to sweat. Whatever. We’re just two friends having lunch together.We sat down at my usual booth at the back of the diner. Shelia walked over, still grinning.

“Hey, fancy seein’ you two here,together.”

Oh, here we go. I rolled my eyes and nodded to her, “Just grabbing some lunch before we go find a couple of Christmas trees, Sheila.”

She looked amused and said, “I’ll get you some coffee.”

Amelia jumped up, “I’ll make it!”

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