Page 86 of The Good Luck Cafe
“Hmm. I find your assessment of me very interesting. If I had known that’s what was keeping the men away all these years, it might have saved me a little self-esteem.”
“Trust me. You’re beautiful, smart, sweet, funny. You’re everything that any guy with half a brain is looking for.”
“Including you?” she asked, wishing she could take the question back as soon as it left her mouth.
“Including me.”
Moira cleared her throat. “Okay.”
Gil gave her a strange look. “Okay, what?”
“I want to take Molly home with me. I want to adopt her. You’ve convinced me.”
Gil looked pleased. He reached for Moira’s hand, giving it a soft squeeze. “Let’s go get her then.”
***
Gil’s heart sank for Moira as soon as they approached the spot where Molly had previously been. The little Cavalier was no longer there on its leash. Instead there was a cardboard heart that readI’VE BEEN ADOPTED!
Moira seemed to visibly wilt as she stood there staring at the cardboard sign.
Gil cleared his throat. “Want to find another pup who’ll steal your heart?”
She shook her head quietly and then looked up at him. There was a shiny quality to her eyes that took him off guard. And now he felt awful for even suggesting she adopt a pet here today. She was disappointed.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“Not your fault. I’m happy for little Molly,” Moira said, putting on an unbelievable smile. “Whoever adopted her probably knows a lot more about raising a pup than I do. I don’t know much. And I have my hands full with a day job and running for mayor.”
“Not to mention dating me,” Gil said, hoping to cheer her up.
Her eyes seemed to warm as she looked up at him. “You are quite the handful.”
“So I’m told. Hey, do you want to go somewhere else? We’ve made our appearance here. How about we head out?”
“But you haven’t made those balloon animals you told me about yet,” she teased.
“Another time.” Gil reached for Moira’s hand. “If we’re outing ourselves as a couple tonight, we should venture out and show everyone.”
Moira laughed. “We can spread our own news before Reva has a chance to.”
“That’s the spirit. I have an idea of where to go,” he said.
“Where?”
He shook his head. “It’s a surprise. Do you trust me?”
“After you made me fall in love with a puppy, decide to adopt it against my better judgment, and broke my heart?” she asked.
Gil made a face. “Is that a no?”
“It’s a yes. I trust you despite all that.” She squeezed his hand. “Lead the way.”
***
Twenty minutes later, Gil thought Moira looked a lot more relaxed. “Chocolate for the win, right?” he asked.
Moira grinned at him across the table. “Choco-Lovers always cheers me up.”
