Page 39 of Santa Has a Six-Pack
I laugh. “High praise, madam.”
She takes a deep breath, places a hand on my arm, and says, “You were wonderful, Matt. Truly. I was wrong. I see now that we absolutely picked the right guy for this job.”
We’ve reached Herald’s and stop outside the 34th Street entrance. I give her a gentle nudge with my shoulder. “That was painful for you, wasn’t it?”
“Hurt like a bitch, yeah.” She chuckles.
“Well, I appreciate the compliment. And your confidence in me.”
She moves toward the building and pulls her work badge out of her purse. “Okay, I’d better?—”
“May I be so bold as to say this has been nice?” I blurt.
She turns to face me, but doesn’t say anything.
“Walking with you,” I continue. “Talking with you. I mean, don’t want to sound cocky, but… is it possible that I’m growing on you, Penny Whitaker?”
She shakes her head. “I don’t know what you?—”
“Well, up until now, every other time I talked to you, it seemed like you’d prefer I didn’t.”
She squeezes the bridge of her nose and stares at her feet. “I don’t mind chatting with you, Matt.”
“Whoa! More high praise!” I joke.
She takes a deep breath and looks directly at me. “Would it be okay if I say that you’re not my type and just leave it at that?”
Ouch.
“Sure. Just so we’re clear, though, you’re not my type either,” I say. I meant it when I said it to Eugene the other day. But saying it now to her face, it no longer feels true.
“Okay, good.” She nods.
“Good.” I nod back. “Cool. Glad we got that out of the way. Now we can just be friends. Ya know, if you’re into that sort of thing.”
“If I’m into having friends?” She smiles. “Yes, I’m into having friends.”
“Great. Friends, it is.” I reach out my hand for her to shake. When she takes it, I turn hers over and kiss it instead.
See? Unhinged.
“Do you kiss all your friends’ hands?” she asks slyly.
“Oh, constantly! Yeah, ask Eugene. I slobber all over that guy.”
She laughs. “Good to know.”
“Well, I should get home to my vegetables,” I say dumbly.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Matt,” she says.
“Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Penny.”
I turn and start walking away.
“Matt?” she calls after me.
I whip around. “Yeah?”
