Page 51 of Meet Cute Reboot
We chatted about our families for a while. His mom wasn’t from money and never fully adapted to her husband’s income, hoarding food like she had when she was growing up, over-buying toothpaste and other toiletries “just in case,” only traveling to the grocery store once a week to save gas, but then, overspending on large items like furniture and home remodels, and hiring a landscaper to care for their tiny yard.
When our food was gone and our coffee cups were drained, we lingered and talked about where we went to school, his stint on the swim team, my state qualifying run in the 800-meters, our current relative lack of fitness. We talked about our favoritespots in the city, the restaurants we frequented, and the crowded parking garages we’d both encountered that evening despite the uninviting weather.
“There’s always something going on downtown,” Luke said.
“On a Saturday night, yes. Even a cold Saturday night.”
“I suppose next time I should pick you up at your place.”
Despite my best efforts to suppress it, I smiled. “You won’t be impressed with my place.”
“I don’t mind.”
“You haven’t seen my apartment. But my neighbors are nice so it’s all good.”
Luke steadied his eyes on mine. “I’ll go anywhere you are.”
It was like a line out of a movie, yet it resonated deep within me. His voice hollowed out caverns in my heart and took residence there. I just met the guy and I wanted to go somewhere private and curl up with him.
“Okay,” I managed.
Luke grabbed his cup and then let the bottom clap back onto the table. He cleared his throat. “It’s getting late. Let me walk you to your car.”
In the parking garage, we stood next to my car, each searching for something to say. Luke settled on a smile, and then he pressed his lips to my forehead.
I felt like a Disney princess. He was the prince who’d come to impart his magical kiss. The power of it rolled through my body, transforming me from an old black and white movie to full technicolor. I could almost see the sparkles rising from my body, Walt Disney’s special effects on full display. All for a single kiss. On the forehead.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
The thunderstorm has passed, but I’m still staring into darkness. Pudge stirs at my feet and awakens with a gravelly meow. Her paws press against my legs as she comes up to give my face a sniff. Realizing I’m awake, she breaks into a loud purr.
I reach up and rub her head. “Hey, lady.”
She presses against my hand, deepening her massage, and then settles on my chest, her body offering a reassuring weight to my heart, a grounding effect that helps clear my mind.
“What should I do, Pudge?”
She meows in response.
“I know, but the way he forced himself back into my life tells me he still has some boundary issues.”
Another meow.
“You think?”
Pudge opens her mouth and chirps.
“We’d be the first ghost tour company to expand over to Benton Street. We’d be taking the lead.”
Meow.
“Fine. If you think it’s a good idea, I’ll go.”
Careful not to disturb Pudge, I reach for my phone. Texting this late might strike him as odd. It is odd. But he knows I don’t sleep much.
I pull up our last conversation and addI’ll come to your meeting. Tell me the time and place.
Chapter 12