Page 60 of Love Rescheduled

“You get another star on the chart,” Josh teased me.

I sat in my chair, facing the wall, trying not to focus on how there were some unsightly holes where they had taken down photos of their exes over the years. Actually, I think darts had made some of the marks. I could picture them tossing sharp objects at the professor’s head. In my attempt to ignore the holes, I put my headphones on and turned on the mic. It was nice to be doing this in person with my best friends. I typically phoned in.

Josh sat next to me, and as soon as his headset was on, his hand rested on my thigh and began caressing it.

I did my best to pretend he wasn’t causing shivers to course through my body while simultaneously creating an urge to cancel the podcast and skip to whatever else Josh had in mind. Hopefully someplace quiet where we could be alone.

Josh’s impish grin said he knew he was getting to me.

Well, two could play his game. My hand danced across his thigh until he grabbed it, holding it in place.

I smirked at him, knowing I had beat him at his own game.

Tara and Jolene eyed us from across the table.

Jolene flipped a few switches. “It’s cute and all that you’re in love, but don’t make us hate you. Especially since the only good night kiss I’ll be getting tonight is from Fred.” Fred was her tabby cat.

Tara puckered her lips. “I’ll kiss you.”

Jolene waved her away. “Let’s do this.”

We all sat up tall before Jolene pushed the magic button, making us live. “Welcome to A Party of Two and the Wallflower. Tonight, we have a special guest. Are you ready for this? Josh Keller, world-famous YouTuber, comedian, and social media sensation.”

Josh patted his chest, pretending to be embarrassed by the introduction. But we all knew he loved every second.

“Woo-hoo,” Tara hollered.

I said nothing as the wallflower.

“Welcome, Josh,” Jolene offered.

He squeezed my leg. “It’s great to be here and add to the party.”

“Tonight, since it’s Valentine’s Day, we are talking about the perfect date ideas when you’re an extrovert dating an introvert,” Jolene informed the audience.

“Ooh,” Tara chimed in.

“I’m an expert in this field,” Josh bragged.

“Do tell,” Tara egged him on.

Josh flashed me a dorky grin. “I just happen to be dating the most exquisite introvert on the planet.”

Exquisite was a little much, but I would take it.

“So, what do you suggest?” Jolene asked. “Be warned, it must pass the test of our resident introvert. Do you want to say hi?”

“Hi,” I said as blandly as possible, making my friends laugh.

“She’s a tough nut to crack,” Jolene warned Josh.

“I’m not worried.”

“Okay.” Tara wasn’t convinced. “Lay it on us. Give us your best ideas for the perfect introverted Valentine’s Day date.”

Josh’s eyes roved over me way too seductively for a semipublic setting. “First,” he crooned, “we would start with the appropriate mood music while we cook her favorite meal together. Next,” he said lowly, “while the food is in the oven, we would make some heat of our own while we danced, flush against each other.”

Tara fanned herself. “Dang. Sign me up.”

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