Page 29 of Frosting and Flames

It’s not like this is a date, though.

No, of course it isn’t. Even less of a reason to be hesitant, then.

I pick up my phone again before I can second guess myself.

Me:My place?

I text my address, too, and when he responds with a thumbs up, I shut my phone in the desk drawer, unwilling to look at it for the rest of the day.

“Hey.”

I hold my front door open for Nick, my gaze lingering for a moment on his gray tee and faded jeans, paired with worn work boots. I’d purposely dressed down for this afternoon, forgoing any makeup, too. And look, he’s not dressed up, either. We’re on the same page.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I mentally chastise myself. Why would he be dressed up? We’re here to discuss a charity fundraiser, not anything else. I’m the only one having anxiety over absolutely nothing.

Today means nothing to Nick. Not even a blip on his radar.

It doesn’t mean anything to me, either. Obviously.

“Thanks for having me over.”

“Yeah, of course.”

I wipe my palms on my leggings as I lead him to the living room, and take a seat in the armchair, while he sits on the couch.

“Your place is nice,” he says, glancing around. “It looks like you.”

I pause in attempting to get the sweat off my hands. “What do you mean?”

“You know, down to earth. Practical. Cozy. What’s that word? Uh…” He snaps his fingers. “Cottagecore.”

I stare at him, unable to help the smile sneaking over my lips. “You know about cottagecore?”

His chin dips, looking down at the floor. “I mean, surface level maybe. I’m not an expert or anything.”

Since Kyle moved out, I’ve worked hard to transform this place into something unrecognizable from when he was here, collecting pieces I enjoy that didn’t go with his aesthetic. It’s nice to hear my efforts have succeeded.

“Yeah, that’s the vibe I was going for.” I look around at the earthy tones, the chunky knit blanket draped over the back of the couch, the farmhouse sink and weathered wood table in the kitchen. “Are you into interior design?”

There’s a question I never thought I’d be asking Nick.

“Oh, no. It was one of those internet rabbit holes.” He rubs at the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “You ever go down those?”

“I may have fallen a time or two.” I relax back into my chair, more at ease. “What’s your place like?”

His lips twist to the side. “I don’t think there’s a definable theme. It’s mostly my roommate’s furniture—mismatched stuff we’re still using a decade later.”

I nod. “Jae and I lived off campus our junior and senior years in Philadelphia. Our place was like that, too. Whatever we could get free or cheap from Craigslist.”

“Oh, I thought she just moved here. I didn’t realize you knew her from before.”

“Yeah, her and her husband wanted to live somewhere quieter but also stay in Pennsylvania. And she decided Aurora was the perfect place.”

“Because of you.” He says it as if it’s a fact, not a question. As if I’m reason enough for someone to upend their whole life.

“I’m sure that was part of it. She said she wants me to be Aunt Rachel to her future kids.”

He gives a soft smile. “You’ll be the one sneaking them sweets from the bakery?”

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