Page 80 of The Good Luck Cafe
“Unless you’re busy.”
“I’m not.” Gil motioned her inside.
Moira stepped past the threshold and turned to face him.
“What’s up?” They hadn’t talked about meeting tonight. She had book club, and he had his Thursday night at the tavern.
“I don’t know. I just…”
The look on her face made Gil’s heart drop. She was hesitating to say something. She almost looked apologetic. “What is it?”
Moira took a breath. “My friends know. My mom knows too.”
“You told them?” Gil was confused. “I thought we agreed to keep this under wraps.”
“We did. I didn’t have to tell them though. They just figured it out. I mean, you weren’t exactly normal when you chatted with me and my mom earlier this week. It was kind of obvious.”
Gil ran a hand through his hair. “Well, the guys didn’t figure it out, but I’m sure they all know now, considering that your friends are all coupled up with mine.”
Moira grimaced. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Gil stepped toward her, bracing her elbows with his hands. “We’re dating. It’s not a crime. Yeah, it might be better for us if we kept this thing between us private for a little longer, but”—he shrugged—“now that it’s inevitable, we should probably control our own narrative.”
“What do you mean?” Moira asked.
“I mean, instead of hiding and being found out, we should own this and go public.”
The corner of Moira’s mouth quirked. “I like the sound of that. How do you suggest we come out as a couple?”
“By having a date that’s not at your place or mine. A real, out-in-the-open date.”
Moira’s smile grew. “I think I know the perfect place. There’s an animal adoption fair for the local animal shelter going on at Hannigan Square tomorrow.”
Gil grinned. “I know. I always attend those fairs. That’s where I got my Goldie, you know.”
“No, I didn’t know that,” Moira said excitedly.
“I’m kind of surprised you’d suggest that for a date though. I didn’t realize you liked animals.”
“Of course I do.”
Gil loved the idea. “I’ll woo you with my ability to make balloon animals for the kids.”
Moira looked impressed. “You’re a twister?”
“It’s one of my many talents.” He stepped closer to her, unable to resist. “If you’re lucky, I might even make you a balloon animal.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Gil tugged her closer. “It will be. Nothing warms your heart like seeing a dog’s or cat’s large, hopeless eyes light up.”
“Then count me in. It’s a date.”
***
Moira angled herself right and left in front of her full-length mirror. An animal adoption fair wasn’t exactly the kind of event you dressed up for. A date with the current mayor, however, was. She’d compromised by wearing a pair of white denim capris and a cardigan sweater over a soft, fitted tee. Even this was a far cry from the holey jeans and T-shirts she wore while working dispatch.
“Moira Green for mayor,” she said to her reflection in the mirror. At one point, she hadn’t believed that statement for a second, but the more she said it, the more she did.
