Page 86 of Nerdy or Nice
"Really?"
She looked so hopeful, it melted my heart. "Really." I gave her a sheepish smile. "I guess I owe you an apology, huh."
She shook her head. "No. I mean, well, maybe. But I oweyouone first. And I want you to know something." Her tone became earnest. "I was literally about to call you. Or text you. I mean…I hadn't quite decided, but I was about to dosomething."
She looked so flustered that I almost laughed. "I guess I beat you to it, huh?"
"Maybe. But I still wanna go first."
This wasn't what I'd expected. "Why's that?"
"Because you deserve it. I mean, you've beensonice."
I gave a dramatic groan. "Oh, no."
"What's wrong?"
"Nice?" I said. "You start calling methat, and I'm doomed."
Her brow wrinkled in confusion. "I don't get it."
"Trust me. Youwill." I motioned her toward the living room. "It's part of the thing I wanted to show you."
As we moved in that direction, she glanced around. "Where's your grandpa?"
"He left a few minutes ago, took Cash for a biscuit."
"You mean a dog biscuit?"
"Nah, bacon and cheese. They hit the drive-thru a couple times a week."
She laughed. "Seriously?"
"No joke." But what Ididn'ttell her was that on this particular morning,I'dbeen the one who'd suggested it. Even though Gramps wasn't one to hover, I'd wanted to talk to Gwen alone with no interruptions.
She asked, "How about Tango? Doesheget a biscuit, too."
"Nah, he prefers tuna. And no car rides forhim."
"Why not?"
I felt my lips curve upward. "You've gotta ask?"
She laughed. "Good point."
This wasn't what I'd planned to discuss, but it felt good to break the ice. It felt even better to hear Gwen laughing. If I had my way, this wouldn't be the last time.
As we settled ourselves onto the sofa, she said, "I don't mean to be pushy, but I reallydowant to go first, just because you were the one who actually called, and I want to meet you at least halfway." She gave me a hopeful smile. "I mean, it's only fair, right?"
Andthiswas one of the many reasons I'd fallen for her. I couldn’t think of any other girl I'd ever dated who wouldn't have jumped at the chance to get an apology without needing to give one in return.
Gwen reallywasone in a million, and I had no intention of screwing this up. Plus, I was curious to hear what she'd say.
"Alright," I said. "Ladies first."
Chapter 50
Gwen
