Page 26 of The Pieces We've Lost

I laughed at his alien comment. That’s basically what Isabelle taking over my phone was.

You mean, actually say something nice?

But you’re right. No, I did not send that message

Ace

Oh? So you did get taken over by an alien. Or?

My best friend. Isabelle. She’s kind of a hopeless romantic

Ace

Ah, so you told your best friend about me. That seems like progress in my favor.

Again, don’t get your hopes up too high

Ace

So, I might be grasping at straws here, but maybe you’re ready to tell me the story behind your real interest?

I had to hand it to him. He was brave. But it wasn’t a story that I could convey through a text message.

Hmm. Nah I’m good.

Let me rephrase. I just don’t want to talk about it over text

Ace

Well, there’s an easy solution to that.

Oh really?

Ace

Let me take you up on your, or I guess your best friend’s, offer to get together again. Then you can tell me all about it.

Maybe not tomorrow, but the next day? I’ll let you pick the place.

How am I supposed to say no? Sure, that works I guess

The Legless Cow. One o’clock

Ace

Legless Cow? Why did someone name a restaurant that?

They sell burgers

Ace

Ok and?

You know, legless cow? Ground beef?

It was stupid joke. I actually cringed every time I drove past the place, but they sold the best burgers made from local beef. The joke seemed to be right up Colter’s alley, though.

Ace

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