Page 47 of Heart Me Up
“Um, like flowers?” Another paper clip hit my forehead. I winced.
Amy huffed a sigh. “I saidbig.Like, one time when Mike really pissed me off, he took me dancing. And hehatesdancing.”
“Oh. I see. Like a sacrifice?”
Amy shrugged. “Not necessarily. Instead you could… make yourself vulnerable or something. Show him your emotions.” I blinked. If I couldn’t figure out how to be romantic, no way was I going to figure out how to bevulnerable.Amy leaned forward again and pointed her finger right at my face. “But it’s got to be something more than giving him a gift.”
Well, fuck. I had no idea what to do.
“Just think about it,” Amy told me. “Something will come to you.” She pushed her chair back and walked toward the break room.
Well, fuck. Easy for her to say.
I needed more help. I pulled out my phone.
Me: Emergency game night tonight at my place. I need help brainstorming something
The replies came in almost instantly.
Mike: I’m in, and I’m guessing my dearest wife is not with you since she hasn’t texted me about this, so I’m responding for her as well. (Hi, gorgeous!)
Artie: I’m sitting six feet from you, Foster, and once again you’re texting? Damn kids and their phones.
Artie:Mike, I don’t see Amy. I guess she went to visit her side piece
Artie: Also, I’m in. I’ll stop for wings on the way over
Carlos: Amy and I are in the break room together. Does that make me the side piece? And I’m in
Silvia: I would love to join you for a game tonight, Foster. I have two plates of tamales left over from the weekend. Can someone come help me carry them to Foster’s house?
Mike: Silvia, it would be my honor
Silvia: Thank you, Michael. You are too kind.
Amy: Mike, everyone knows it’s not me who has the side piece
I jumped up and started gathering my things. Amy had finished our reports, and I was already going to hit overtime this week, so I might as well head home and get things ready for tonight.
Amy was right. I needed to make a gesture for Craig. Something thoughtful but fun, just like him.
I hoped someone had an idea I could use.
* * *
Everyone arrived by 7pm. Mike had brought over Codenames—the adults-only version, of course—but we were taking a quick break to eat first before we played.
“Dang, Silvia, these tamales are killer. You added something different, didn’t you?” Carlos was always encouraging Silvia to tweak her recipes. I suspected, but could not prove, he did it to get her to cook more often.
Silvia turned to update Carlos on her latest culinary experiments, so I told everyone else about Malcolm returning from his assignment and why he was staying in Craig’s guest room.
Silvia, distracted from her cooking talk with Carlos, frowned. “Is that why Craig is not here tonight, Foster? He’s keeping your friend company?”
Everyone stared at me. Amy smirked but didn’t say anything.
“Yeah, why didn’t you invite Craig?” Artie asked. Almost instantly he answered his own question. “Ohhhh. Whatever you wanted to brainstorm has to do with him, doesn’t it?”
I sighed. “Yes. I screwed up and pi—made him angry with me.” I winced and shot a look at Silvia. “But he accepted my apology and we’re going out again tomorrow night.” I couldn’t stop my smile.
