Page 101 of New Growth
My brows lifted. “You excited?”
“A little.”
I took a sip of the coffee he made for me, watching him. “Can I see it?”
“When it’s done.”
The same answer, as always. He kept the details so guarded that I wasn’t even allowed in his office, as he said it ran the risk of potential spoilers.
“By the way, it debuts at a con in a few weeks. I’d love for you to come.”
“Of course, Puddin’,” I grinned. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
He grinned in return. I sat by the door to put on my shoes when he asked, “What are we doing for dinner?”
“Want me to cook again?”
“No,” he locked eyes with me. “You deserve a break. Let me take you out.”
“Hm,” I moaned at the idea of free food, securing the buckles of my heels. “I want steak.”
“I’m on a red meat detox, Ellie.”
I snorted. “You just had a burger from Jimmy’s two days ago.”
“It was plant-based.”
I shot him a look. “Liar. You hate plant-based.”
“Yeah, because it’s fucking disgusting.”
I grinned, slipping into my coat as I heard the ride pull up. “What about Tony’s? Pasta sounds really good. Plus, it’s jazz night.”
He considered it, nodding slightly. “Deal. Nine?”
“Perfect,” I smiled, opening the door. “See you later.”
“Text me,” he called out after me.
I met his gaze. “I always do.”
?
“I mean, why even take my number if you’re not gonna call?” Esther huffed, slumping into her chair.
London didn’t even look up as she twirled a comb between her fingers. “He’s probably just playing hard to get.”
Hope scoffed under her breath, barely hiding the snide twist of her lips. “He’s already hard to want.”
Chelsea’s head snapped toward her. “Stop.”
Their bickering faded into the background for me. I was too busy trying to hold in laughter as I stared down at my phone. Elliot was on a roll again—sending meme after meme, each one more ridiculous than the last, probably fueled by his chaotic Millennial brain. One of the GIFs made me snort into my cup, completely losing composure.
Esther caught it instantly. “Something funny, Ellie?”
I glanced up, still grinning like an idiot. “Just Elliot being stupid.”
Her brow lifted slightly, “You two have been getting pretty close lately.”
