Page 34 of Something Stronger
Chapter 20
Louisiana
Just like he promised, Issac was at my door this morning to take me to get my car. He had a coffee in his hand and a bagel, too. He seemed hurt when I was surprised he showed up. I apologized again and tried to explain that I wasn’t used to men actually doing what they said they’d do. I’d lost count on how many times Charlie told me he’d do something and then never ended up following through.
After he brought me to Life in Bloom, I stayed to talk to Carrie. “If you don’t want to date him, I will,” Carrie teased.
“I never said I didn’t want to date him, I’m just not used to this, I guess.” I shrugged as I grabbed a green apron and pulled a container of multi-colored roses out. Carrie was in the process of making up bud vases and I just naturally joined in.
“How much longer do you think you need on the wall?” She mentioned it as if she was trying to not pressure me.
“Maybe one more day.” I thought about it. I had some lettering to go over, and then it would be finished. “Amy has a competition tomorrow so, I can finish it up on Sunday.” I tied a ribbon around the vase and turned it to face her. “What’d ya think?”
“I think you should work here permanently.” She grinned.
“I might take you up on that. I like this, us, hanging out.” I smiled.
“Same, but I’m enjoying dating Issac through you.” She giggled. “When are you seeing him again?” She nudged me in the side.
“We’ll see each other tomorrow at the competition.” I set the vase aside and grabbed another.
“No, I mean when are you going to have adult time with him? Like no kids. You know, so you can get to know each other better.” She wagged her brows.
“We’ve had adult time.” I was confused.
“Oh my god, Lou. When are you two going to do it?” She seemed exasperated.
“I don’t know!” I squeaked. “He’s kissed me twice. I’m not thinking about that.” I flung my hands up in the air.
“Are you crazy? After the way he defended you last night? I’m not even dating him and I thought that was hot!” Her eyes widened. “I can’t believe you weren’t turned on after that.”
“I was dealing with my drunk ex who wanted to see our child. Sex wasn’t even on my radar,” I huffed. “You get that, right?” I spun to face her.
“Yeah, I get it, but I can’t believe you aren’t more interested in what’s under all those jeans and button-downs.”
“It’ll happen when we’re ready,” I muttered.
“And when will that be?” she teased.
“I don’t know. Not today.” I brushed her off and carried a bunch of vases over to the display cooler. I didn’t really want to think about it. Part of me wondered if Issac was even thinking about that.
Ooooooooo
Competition day went by in a blur. The girls won their division and were granted a much needed break. The dance season was finished for the summer and wouldn’t start back up until fall. We were going to get eight weeks off, and I was going to relish every minute of it. I love that Amy loved dance, but sometimes it became a bit much. Practice every day, gone every weekend, night rehearsals, two a days, it was a lot.
“We’re going to Georgia this weekend for a race; you guys wanna come?” Hallie chattered away as we all left the studio. “Daddy says he thinks we gotta real chance.”
“I’ve never been to a race,” Amy murmured. “Could we, Mama?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think I can get away. I’d have to see what it would cost to go.” I felt bad telling Amy no, but I didn’t have a lot saved with dance season just ending.
“You could come with us, right Daddy?” She tugged at Issac’s arm. He was on the phone with someone and kept nodding as if he were trying to appease her but wasn’t really listening. “We get tickets for the owner’s box, and Daddy booked a suite. Right, Daddy?” she tried again.
“Sure, honey.” He brushed her off and then his eyes met mine. I was confused. Was he inviting us, or was he agreeing with her to get her to stop?
“You don’t know what she just asked, do you?” I laughed as both girls rushed off, laughing and squealing in delight. There was a small grassy area outside the studio, and they rushed over and flopped in the grass.
“She invited you guys to the Green Oaks Stakes.” He slipped his phone into his pocket and smiled at me.
