Page 49 of Designing Love
“Same. Turns out we’re better at sibling snark than romance.”
“And now you’re smitten with someone who gets your weird quiet. That’s kind of perfect.”
I exhale, something loosening in my chest. “Yeah. Perfectly terrifying.”
She raises her soda. “To terrifyingly perfect.”
We toast again.
I swipe my phone from the counter and open my messages. A new text from Sophia flashes:
Sophia:Daniel is being an arrogant fool. Back at the negotiating table tomorrow. Hope you had a better day than me.
I frown unconsciously. Claire notices, nudging me. “Well?”
“Looks like she’s not coming back just yet.”
“Sorry about that.”
“It is what it is.”
I hesitate, then type:
Me:Rest well. You’ve got this. Bring back chips, Claire is emptying my pantry! ;)
Three dots bubble almost immediately.
Sophia:Will do! Say hi to Claire for me.
Claire whoops softly. “That grin could blind satellites.”
I pocket the phone, cheeks aching. “Guess we’re watching a movie tonight.”
She hops off the stool, brushing chip dust from her jeans.
I follow her into the living room. “Fine. Something light — maybe The Wedding Singer?”
Claire’s groan could register on the Richter scale. “An Adam Sandler romcom? Ethan, I just ate. My stomach cannot handle that much meet-cute.”
I cross my arms. “Think about the fantastic soundtrack.”
“John Wick. Now THIS is art.”
“Bullets and brooding?” I shake my head. “Too bleak for a Tuesday.”
“Okay, compromise: Murder Mystery? Explosions for me, banter and kissing for you.”
I consider. “I do admire a healthy work-life balance.”
She flops onto the couch, victorious. “Grab the popcorn, Smitten Boy.”
I start to head for the kitchen.
She leans back and props her feet on the ottoman. “And if you quote too many scenes, I’m replacing your popcorn butter with anchovy oil.”
I stick my head around the doorway. “You threaten anchovies way too often for a normal human.”
She points an accusing finger, grinning. “That’s what happens when your ‘buddy’ calls you buddy in public when you’re supposed to be on a date.”
