Page 16 of That Summer
“Yeah, sure. No problem.”
“Also, there’s a leak under the sink in the master bath. Mind checking that out?”
“Of course.” I had no idea how to fix a sink, but I’d try anything to make Deb happy. I knew she needed help and I’d try to fix anything for her.
“How far is the town?” I asked once we were on what I assumed was the main road.
“It’s about twenty minutes, but we’re going to Bandera.”
“What? Why? Are you still hung up on—”
“No. You’re right. It’s just dinner, and you live with me. You’re a family friend. But today while I was at my shop, I realized that there are only maybe three places to eat for dinner, and honestly, I don’t really want a sandwich or barbecue. I can make those at home.”
“So, where do you want to go? McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, Whataburger?” I joked.
Deb snorted with laughter, and it warmed something inside of me. “Is that all you can afford?”
“Nah. I think I can afford Chipotle.”
* * *
I wasn’tsure what I’d thought Deb would expect from a date, but pulling up to a small pizza place with the Bandera water tower behind it wasn’t where I thought we’d go.
“You can afford pizza, right?” Deb teased. Or maybe she was serious.
“I hope so.” I grinned. Before she could open her door, I said, “Don’t get out.”
“What? Wh—”
Before she could question me further, I slid out of her car and ran around the back to open her door. I waved for her to step out. Deb’s eyes locked with mine, and I smiled down at her.
“Blake—”
“What? This is what the guy’s supposed to do, right?”
“This isn’t a real date.”
“I know that. I’m being polite.”
She stared at me for a beat and then finally got out of the car. “Thank you.”
As we walked up the wooden steps to the entrance of the building, I had an itch to grab Deb’s hand. Instead, I let her go up the stairs in front of me so that I could look at her ass. Damn it looked good in her tight jeans.
We ordered a large “Ranch Hand”—pun intended—pizza that had chicken, green onions, green peppers, and Italian spices on it, and then we took a seat outside under a large umbrella while we waited for it to be ready. It was hot outside, but given the small restaurant, it was also the only seating available.
“Do you come here often?” I asked and took a sip of my Dr. Pepper.
“I’ve come here a few times over the years.”
“Nice.” I took another swallow of my drink. “Do you know anyone in this town?”
Deb gave a tight smile. “I don’t.”
“So, I can grab your hand?”
“Blake …”
“What?” I smirked. “It’s a practice date, right?”
