No Way To Stop It
Chapter Five: Walls and Fancy Dresses
Lauren
People say you do crazy things when you're in love and I truly believe that. This I know from experience. They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, but I believe in lemon going very well with Tequila. Even better is when that Tequila bottle becomes your best friend. That's exactly how I spent my week once upon a time four years ago until Tamsin stepped in and literally slapped me back into the real world.
Four years ago everything looked to be going in the right direction for me. I was twenty-eight years old, climbing up that corporate ladder making a name for myself and to top it all off, I was hopelessly head over heels in love. At least that's what I thought it was, on my part anyway.
Her name was Crystal Matthews. She was tall, blonde with an outgoing personality, full figured and incredibly gorgeous. She was a struggling actress who waited tables at a small café I tended to frequent in my College days. When I returned there one afternoon after two years, she remembered me. To her, I was the quiet blonde that liked to sit by the window until closing time with her nose stuck in a book. We got to talking one afternoon and everything that followed was rainbows and unicorns.
I fell for her. Hard.
It was her warmness that drew me to her. She led me to believe that I was her one and only and she, mine. We were together for a year and a half before I decided I wanted to ask her to marry me. Sure she was still a 'struggling' actress who only waited tables but I didn't mind that. I wanted her for who she was and at the time I truly believed she wanted the same thing. Although she and Tamsin never really saw eye-to-eye, my best friend was completely supportive of my decision to pop the question. As long as I was happy, then go for it.
With my family things were a little more complicated. Two weeks before my decision to ask Crystal I thought it was a good idea to tell them my plan. One Saturday night at dinner, I blurted it out. Where my Dad and Ciara were more acceptable of my decision and actually congratulated me, my Mother wasn't so happy. When I had first introduced Crystal to my family, she freaked out, but eventually relented. Telling her I was planning to pop the question had her in hysterics. She told me she had tolerated it long enough and it was just a phase. She said that I would get over it quickly. What I had with Crystal wasn't real, I needed to find myself, and I quote: "A nice young man who will be able to take care of you because that's what normal people do."
That night drove a wedge between my relationship with my mother. My mother had never been a big fan of whom I chose to date. To her, my being gay was 'just a phase' to her. To this day, my mother and I are civil towards each other but any traces of support and acceptance from her is long gone. In my mother's eyes, I am the disappointment.
When the special night finally arrived, Crystal and I never made it out of the house. Crystal had been visiting her family in Portland for a week and a half, so the night I'd selected would be when she would come home. I wanted it to be a surprise. But the first thing that came out of her mouth when she saw me was: "I can't do it Lauren. Your mother called me and I'm just not ready for that kind of commitment. My parents don't even know about you!"
Her words cut me deep. The entire time we were together, not once did Crystal allow me to visit her family. Whenever I brought it up, she would brush it off and make up excuses. Because I was 'So in love' I thought I would let it go because she would tell them when she's ready. I know now that it was probably naïve of me to think otherwise, but apparently, my heart doesn't often listen to reason.
Finding out that my mother had also gotten to her put the final nail to the coffin. That night, I told Crystal to leave and vowed that I would never make the same mistake again. As the years passed, I dated here and there but never let anyone close enough for a real relationship. However, if it weren't for Crystal, I never would've gotten as far as I have today. With my own Law Firm, the last four years have been spent working from the ground up.
I'm so lost in thought that I almost miss the soft knock on the other side of my office door. How long had I been sitting in the office? Shaking my head and clearing my throat I watch as the office door slowly creeps open. Bo pops her head in from behind it. Her smile as her eyes meet mine make my heart skip a beat and I find myself losing my train of thought again.
Seems to be happening a lot when she's around.
"Hey…I uh, was getting a little worried. You've been here for a while and I wanted to check up on you. Also to warn you that if you're not out there in the next five minutes, I'm afraid there mightn't be any food left. Lilly and Tamsin are taking to the food like it's the end of the world," she says, now standing with the door wide open and her shoulder leaning against the door frame as she crosses her arms across her chest. For a moment I study her.
Bo looks completely at ease with a simple pair of jeans, which had cuts at the knees that were completely on purpose, a white 'Guns n' Roses' T-shirt and her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. I find myself admiring her simple attire and I have to say, she looks good. Really damn good.
"What?" She asks raising a curious brow at me.
"Hmm?" My eyes quickly flick up to hers again. There's a look of curiosity in her eyes as well as a trace of amusement. "Oh…I ah, was just thinking about whether or not I should attend this Charity thing that's happening tomorrow…"
There's a small but comfortable silence that falls between us.
"Also…I was just um…admiring your T-shirt. Favourite band?" I ask trying to save myself from being caught ogling. It takes a second before Bo answers.
"Yep. Something like that. I also recommend you go to that Charity thing. It's for a good cause after all," she replies shrugging at me. She tilts her head to one side and studies me for a minute. I bite my lip and look away from her intense gaze. I realize then that maybe it's a good time to ask her.
"I suppose you're right," I sigh and lean back in the chair. My eyes move to find hers again. "Are you, by any chance, free tomorrow night?" I ask trying to sound casual, when my heart, is being anything but. Tamsin is right.
Before Bo can answer though, my stomach decides now is the best time to rumble and my face immediately begins to burn up.
"How about we get some food in you before whatever it is that's threatening to pop out of that stomach of yours decides to make an appearance?" Bo says chuckling to herself and pointing at my stomach. I feel my face heat up even more. "Oh…and I'm not doing anything tomorrow night."
Bo
I'm suddenly nervous and I don't know why. It's not like this is a date. In fact, it's far from it. Lauren needed someone to accompany her to the 'Charity thing' (which she insisted on calling it) and I agreed. I wasn't doing anything and Lilly was out spending the night at Dyson's until he dropped her off tomorrow for school. Kenzi wasn't going out tonight because she wanted to have some quality time with her butt glued to the couch, as her fingers worked away at her Xbox controller, playing Call of Duty: Ghosts.
Lauren had texted me earlier saying that she would pick me up at 7 p.m. Sharp. Tonight I had opted for an off the shoulder black cocktail dress with black pumps. My hair was down in loose curls that fell down my back and my make-up consisted only of eyeliner and lip-gloss. I only hoped that I didn't look to under dressed for the event. I had never been to one of these events before.
"Wow. I haven't seen you so dressed up since that anniversary thing that you had with D-man all those years ago. I didn't even realize you still owned a dress!" Kenzi says when I reach the bottom of the stairs.
"So I look good then?" I ask hesitantly.
"Bo…when the girls are out and your hair is down, there won't be anyone left without their jaw to the ground. Trust me Bo-Bo, you still got your magic charm…or charms, as it were," she says giving me a playful wink.
"Thanks Kenz. Guess it's been a while since I've dressed up for something this fancy."
"You're gonna knock em' dead. Lauren won't even know what hit her when she sees you!"
At the mention of Lauren's name, I glance over at the clock in the kitchen and find that it's five to seven. Five minutes before her arrival. I move over to the couch and sit next to Kenzi who's now thoroughly preoccupied with her game. I sit there watching and it's not long before Kenzi's gamer rage rears its head.
"Fuck! Oh come on asshole! I'm comin' for blood bitches! The Kenz be on the war path now. Argh!"
I chuckle to myself wondering for the umpteenth why Kenzi plays these games if it makes her so angry. I shake my head and stand again, moving over to the kitchen. I'm restless. Before I even step foot in the kitchen, there is a soft knock on the door. Even in her state of rage and concentration, Kenzi stops playing and looks over at the door and then me. I straighten my dress again and ask her silently whether or not I look okay. She gives me two thumbs up and then is back at it with her game.
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. The closer I get to door, the more nervous I get and the sweatier my palms become. Wiping it not so graciously on my dress, I compose myself and look at the door.
Okay Bo, calm and collected.
When I open the door, I find Lauren's fisted hand frozen mid air, on it's way to knock again. As my eyes finally adjust and take in what she's wearing, I'm at a loss for words and my mouth goes dry. She's wearing a navy blue sleeveless, V-neck wrap dress that clings to her body perfectly and shows off her toned arms. The dress stops mid-thigh and as my eyes travel lower, Lauren sports a nice pair of tan stilettos that literally scream 'More expensive than your wardrobe'. Not to mention it made her slightly taller than me. Her hair is up in a French twist with a few strands escaping to frame the sides of her face.
"Hey Lauren. Give her a few seconds, she'll be right," Kenzi says suddenly at my side and nudging me gently. "Your shoes are to DIE for by the way."
When did she get there?
"Oh," Lauren says looking down at them, "thank you."
"You look amazing!" I blurt out finally. I kick myself at my lack of self-control. Apparently that seems to happen a lot when I'm around Lauren. A smile slowly creeps onto Lauren's face as her eyes bore into mine.
"You too Bo. You look very beautiful tonight," she says. The butterflies that were dormant are now having a raging party in my stomach.
"Okay, now that we've established you both look drop dead, can you please leave and be back before midnight? I have a game of COD to get back to thank you very much. These bastards aren't going to kill themselves," she says turning quickly on her heel and heading back to the couch. Lauren looks at me questioningly.
"Don't ask."
"Okay. I wont," she chuckles. "Shall we?"
"We shall."
Lauren
"You okay?" I whisper softly into Bo's ear. We're both standing by the snacks table where the punch bowl is, people watching. She tilts her head to the side and looks up at me, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I'm fine. It's just…a lot to take in I guess."
I give her a sympathetic smile. We had been at the Charity event for thirty minutes and I wanted to bolt in the first five. All the introductions were made and Bo didn't miss a beat with the niceties. This is why I hated attending these events because all these people were here to show each other up. It was one fake smile after the other. Bo handled it amazingly.
"We can go now if you'd like? The main point is, I showed my face, so I don't actually have to be here the entire night," I tell her.
"What? And miss all the ogling by husbands and a handful of wives here?" She says playfully and then takes a sip of her champagne. I smile and look around the room.
"Lauren? Hey Luce, it's Lauren!"
I groan inwardly when I realize Lucy Karlson and Bridgette Saunders have spotted me. Slapping on a fake smile I move in to give both woman a kiss on each cheek.
Lucy Karlson is a 41-year-old, 5'3 buxom blonde that you can almost guarantee has had almost everything operated on. Her husband is the owner of one of the most popular hotels in town and she loves to spend his hard earned cash on new ways to make herself look young. If there's one thing that Lucy is known for, it's her knack for starting gossip. Forever talking about other people, Lucy has earned herself the nickname "Gossip Girl".
"My gosh Lauren, we haven't seen you in forever! We definitely need to catch up sometime. You know, have lunch or something? You're looking super gorgeous tonight! Oh and who's this beautiful young thing?" She asks finally noticing Bo who looks to be holding back a laugh. She clears her throat, her eyes flicking quickly to me before returning to Lucy and holds out her hand.
"I'm Bo Dennis, Lauren's friend. She was kind enough to invite me tonight," she says. Lucy gives her a once over before taking her hand and squeezing it briefly. Bridgette then pushes herself in front of Lucy and grabs a hold of Bo's, shaking it frantically. I have to hold back a chuckle at Bo's look of distress. I take a sip of champagne to disguise my amusement.
"I'm Bridgette Saunders. I'm so glad you came! It's not often that Lauren brings friends who aren't –what's your friends name? Tammin?" She doesn't miss a beat and continues bombarding Bo. "Are you single? Have you met Michael? He's over there with Lucy's husband Rick. He's handsome don't you think?" She stops and points in the direction where both men are seen having an intense conversation, undoubtedly about Golf.
Bridgette Saunders, part time flirt, full time matchmaker. Unlike Lucy, she stands at 5'9 but has a lankier figure and narrow hips. She's 43-years-old but tends to tell people she's 33. Her long red hair is down tonight and falls short of the small of her back. With piercing green eyes, she's a very striking woman. The main difference between her and Lucy is that she hasn't had work done. However, Bridgette will jump at the opportunity to play matchmaker.
"Um…" Bo pauses looking on with confusion towards Michael. "Yes he's very handsome."
"Bridgette, how about we introduce them to each other another time? Bo and I were just going to the little ladies room to freshen up before you two caught us. I'll be sure to introduce her to Mike when we finish. I'm sure you two have more people to catch up with tonight and it's Tamsin by the way. My friend? She also told me to say hello. We'll do lunch some time," I say stopping any further prodding from Bridgette. It's also painful watching how uncomfortable Bo looks being put on the spot like that. I wrap my hand gently around Bo's elbow and turn her in the direction of the bathroom.
"Thank you," Bo whispers into my ear as soon as we're out of earshot. I can't help but shiver when I feel her lips brush my ear briefly. I simply nod, afraid that my voice won't come out at all if I attempt to say anything. At the same time I'm incredibly aware of the fact that my hand is still wrapped around her elbow. The heat emanating from her skin is enough to make me swallow the lump that seems to have formed in my throat. As soon as we're out of view, I reluctantly let go of Bo and turn to her.
"I'm so sorry about that. They can be a little…intense those two," I apologize. I place my empty champagne flute atop a tray just as a waiter passes us.
"Oh please, they were ever so lovely. I almost expected Bridgette to offer to by my bridesmaid at my wedding with Michael."
"Don't even joke about that. She would jump at the chance. She's still waiting for me to get married. Bridgette has been trying to set me up with her brother for the last two and a half years now, not knowing that I don't exactly like men. She's persistent that one," I say rolling my eyes.
We both laugh at that and I can't help but notice how Bo's eyes sparkle whenever she smiles or laughs. Every time I find it impossible not to smile or laugh with/at Bo. I mentally shake my head, reminding myself that we are just friends. Heck, we've only known each other for a little over two weeks.
Maybe it's just the stress. That's it.
As soon as our laughter dies down, I look at my watch. It's almost 9 p.m. As if reading my mind Bo nods to the door.
"Time to go?"
"If you don't mind. But we can take a detour and introduce you to Michael," I tease. She swats me playfully on the arm. Feigning pain, I rub my arm and give her my best 'I can't believe you just did that' look.
"Oh please, that couldn't hurt a fly. As much as I would looove to meet Michael, that man is nowhere near my type," she says her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"And what is your type?" I blurt out before I can stop myself. I don't even know why I'm asking.
"Let's just say I've been known to have a weakness for blo—"
"Miss Lewis?!"
Shit!
Sighing I turn just in time to find a small man walking in our direction, frantically waving a piece of paper at me. He stops in front of me and hands me the piece of paper.
"This is from Miss Saunders."
Curiously, I take the paper from him and look down. I cover my mouth with my hand quickly to try and hide my smile. I look over at Bo who's giving me a confused look.
"Thank you, sir," I say to the poor man. He nods before making a hasty exit. I hand the paper to Bo.
"Come on Studmuffin, let's get going before your admirers start hunting you down," I joke, my hand automatically finding hers as I start to drag her toward the exit. Bo fumbles as she tries to read the piece of paper and walk at the same time. I don't bother to say goodbye to anyone. I'll barely be missed, but I make a mental note to call my assistant and tell her to let people know I wasn't feeling well so I left early.
"I have to hand it to her, she sure works fast," Bo says after realizing it's Michael's number. It doesn't take us long before we reach my car. I let go of her hand, immediately missing the warmth. I open the passenger door and step aside.
"Oh why thank you! Here I thought chivalry was dead," Bo says waggling her eyebrows at me.
"Give me two months and I'll make sure you open your own damn doors," I tease. She shakes her head as she settles into her seat.
"How do you feel about having the best Pancakes and Ice Cream you've ever had for dessert?" I ask as I manoeuvre myself into the drivers seat.
"I don't know. My expectations are kind of high, but if you say they're good, I guess I can try it," she says playfully. I poke her gently in the ribs.
"One more word and I'll take you straight home."
I laugh when she makes the motion of zipping her mouth, locking it and throwing away the key.
Bo
Although Lauren's Charity thing was a bit of a bust, I'm actually glad she offered an alternative. Kenzi is probably still glued to her Xbox and since Lilly isn't home, I didn't hae anything better to do. I enjoy Lauren's company and the idea of having pancakes and ice cream sounded amazing.
Sure, definitely the pancakes and ice cream.
In terms of the event, I could see why Lauren hates going. Everyone there seemed…snobby. It's the only word I can think of. With all the money in the world, these people were egotistic and loved to talk about themselves. I roll my eyes to the passing buildings at the memory of how we spent a good ten minutes listening to Mr. Goldstein talk about how he had built his empire from the ground up. Amazingly, Lauren showed great patience and played her poker face well. I on the other hand, for the better half of that conversation, had all out ogled her. I clear my throat as I remember the look Lauren gave me when she saw me staring at her.
"Everything okay over there? I didn't actually mean it when I said I'd take you straight home y'know?" Lauren says looking over briefly, a look of worry crossing her features. I didn't realize how long I had been quiet for.
"Sorry…I was just thinking back to Mr. Goldstein," I reply. Lauren rolls her eyes dramatically.
"That explains why you don't want to call poor Mike!"
"Hey, he's got a certain somethin' somethin'! Besides, he has a beach house…I like beach houses."
"Well…if you make me some more of those chocolate chip cookies, I might be able to take you and Lilly to see mybeach house."
"You have a beach house?"
"It's not amazing, but it's nice to get out there every now and then. You know…get away from all the crazy. I bought it a few years back. I just haven't been there in about a year though. Work and all."
I nod my understanding. Something about the way she says it makes it seem, sad. There's definitely something more behind it other than work but I don't prod.
"So…where is this place that serves these pancakes and ice cream?"
"Right around this corner actually," Lauren replies looking over at me.
We round the corner and sure enough, a small Diner with pink neon lights lighting up "Mama Wanda's" comes into view. Lauren parks the car and we both get out. There are only a handful of cars in the parking lot. I straighten my dress and follow Lauren inside. It's a cute place, red booths with a very 80's feel to it. Lauren leads us to a table in the corner by the window. We both slide in on opposite sides.
"Lauren my beautiful! Long time no see!"
I turn my head to find a plump woman with bright green hair approach our table. She looks to be in her late sixties.
"Hey Wanda, how are you?" Lauren says shimmying out of her booth and giving the woman a hug.
"I'm getting by. You know, trying to keep up with all you youngn's. Girls gotta do what she can to stay young."
"Don't worry Wan, you're as gorgeous as ever. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
"Oh honey, don't make me blush. Now who is this beautiful young lady? Please tell me this is your girlfriend Lauren," Wanda says, her gaze falling on me. I smile up at her and stick out my hand.
"I don't think so love, we give hugs here, not handshakes."
Following Lauren's earlier actions, I shimmy my way out of the booth trying to do so as smoothly as Lauren did and stand to give Wanda a hug.
"This is Bo, Wanda. We're just friends. We just came back from Jameson's Charity thing that was going on tonight. I thought I'd stop by for a bit of dessert and so Bo can taste those amazing pancakes and ice cream that you make."
"Just friends? Really? But you two make such a beautiful couple. Are you single Bo?"
"Wanda," Lauren warns. But the smile on her face and the twinkle in her eye tells me that she's only kidding.
"Alright, alright, pancakes and ice cream it is. Chocolate sauce on the side still?"
"Yes please Wan. You're a peach," Lauren says as we both watch Wanda retreat back to the kitchen.
Lauren and I both settle back into our seats and spend the next few moments in comfortable silence. I take the time to admire the interior design of the place. It really is a cute place and I'm glad this is the place Lauren decided to come to. In a corner I spot a jukebox, which is currently playing Elvis' 'Jailhouse Rock'. I look out the window to my right and find that it's a great spot for people watching during the day. I wonder silently why I've never been to this part of town before.
"How'd you find this place?" I ask Lauren.
"Hmm? Oh uh…my Nanny, Mary-Anne, it's her sisters diner," Lauren says looking slightly embarrassed at me. I had just caught her staring at me and I didn't mind at all. It takes all my self-restraint not to smile.
"Please tell me her sister also has green hair," I say in an effort to distract her from her embarrassment. It seems to work because she smiles and shakes her head.
"Unfortunately no. Mary-Anne's the more sensible one. Wanda is the carefree, wild child, 'I don't follow the rules', one."
"Whatever it is that she's telling you, is a lie," Wanda interrupts winking at me as she places two plates of pancakes and vanilla ice cream and a bottle of chocolate sauce in front of us. I also take note that there are strawberries on the side. I subconsciously lick my lips, suddenly in the mood to dig right in.
"Enjoy ladies, and don't worry Lauren," she says holding up a hand to stop Lauren who is in the midst of reaching for her purse, "it's on the house. You know the rule and if you don't, I'll tell Mary-Anne."
Lauren sighs and puts her purse back down onto the table. Once Wanda leaves, I immediately reach for my fork and knife. I jerk my hand back when a nice little slap on my hand stops me. I look up at Lauren, shocked.
"Uh-uh. First…chocolate sauce," she says popping open the lid. But before she can drizzle any of it onto my plate, she stops.
"Er…you do like chocolate right?"
"Give me a second to answer. My brain is still in shock from your physical abuse just now," I say sitting back, folding my arms across my chest and doing something I know Lilly got from me. I stick my bottom lip out into a pout and give her my best 'puppy dog' eyes.
"Oh, you're going to play that card," she says the corners of her mouth lifting up in an inevitable smile.
"Mhmm…until you apologize, I'm going to sit here and pout at you. Or…I could always tell Wanda. Something tells me she'll take my side if you don't say you're sorry."
"You wouldn't," she counters, a look of mock horror on her face.
"I so would. Hey Wan—"
The rest of my sentence is cut short when Lauren's hand covers my mouth, effectively stopping me from saying anything. My body instantly reacts to the contact. The feel of her hand against my lips is making my stomach do all kinds of crazy flips at the moment. I mentally count to ten to calm myself and look at her questioningly. She narrows her eyes at me playfully, no doubt feeling my knowing smirk against her hand. She pulls her hand away slowly and rolls her eyes.
"Okay. I apologize for slapping your hand and stopping you from digging in. But I couldn't let you start without the best part," she says pointing to the bottle in her other hand.
"Despite your sarcasm, I accept your apology. You're lucky I trust your taste, so pour away," I reply pushing my plate toward her.
Lauren
We drive in comfortable silence as we make our way to Bo's apartment complex. I immediately get lost in thought. Thinking back to how much more enjoyable it was to have Bo at the event with me. Had it not been for her, I never would have even gone. We talked about anything and everything from at the diner before deciding to finally call it a night. Lilly had also called during that time to wish Bo goodnight and me when she found out I was with her mother. I mentally thank Tamsin for pushing me to invite Bo along with me.
"What are you smiling at?" Bo's voice penetrates my thoughts. I don't even realize that I'm smiling. It takes me a few moments to answer her.
"I uh…I was just thinking about how much better the event was having you with me. This is actually the first time I've had something that resembled fun at these Charity events. Tamsin is good company, but she tends to just drink all the booze and then find a conquest for the night. So…thank you Bo, for coming with me," I say glancing over at her and smiling before my gaze shifts back to the road. I have to bite the inside of my cheek when I feel Bo's wrap around my wrist giving it a gentle squeeze before letting it go.
"You're more than welcome Lauren. I certainly had a great time. I got to experience one of these events, which by the way Kenzi will be jealous about, for the first time, drink some champagne and even become a victim of a modern day cupid," she replies waving the piece of paper at me before tossing it out the window. "Not to mention, I got to taste one of the worlds best form of desserts ever! I need to take Lilly to Wanda's some day soon."
"Just be sure not to leave her alone with Wanda because she'll try to steal her," I say remembering all the times Mary-Anne had to tell Wanda off for picking me up from the home and taking me to the diner for some pancakes or apple pie, without her permission.
"If anything, I should be thanking you Lauren," Bo says, all joking aside. I turn into her apartment complex and park up. I turn off the engine and turn my head to face Bo.
"I really had a great time tonight. It's been a while since I've been out and tonight was amazing. I think I had almost forgotten how to go out and have fun. So thank you Lauren, really," Bo says giving me a look that makes me melt instantly.
My god…I could just kiss those lips right now.
Just as quickly as that thought runs through my mind, I stiffen, reality hitting me like a tonne of bricks. I nod and turn my gaze to the building complex in front of us. A million thoughts begin to race through my mind. I take a deep breath in and exhale slowly to calm myself.
"I think Lilly would love Wanda's. It's ah…Mary-Anne and Wanda's birthday this Saturday actually. You, Lilly and Kenzi are welcome to come. There'll be dessert. If you bring those cookies of yours, I might be able to convince Wanda to make some apple pie," I say in an attempt to shift the conversation. I inwardly hope that Bo hasn't noticed my reaction earlier.
"They're twins?" Bo replies, shock evident in her voice. Relief washes over me telling me that I'm safe.
"Even better, they happen to have the same birth date."
"Wow, that's actually really cool," she says.
"So…what d'you say? If you're worried about it being a family thing, it won't be. We'll be celebrating it while the Diner is still open. The food is also free. So…" I let the sentence hang in the air for a bit as I eye her expectantly.
"I'll ask Lilly and Kenzi. Right now I'm going to say yes because Lilly adores you and Kenzi likes free food. Oh and you better make sure that apple pie is down pat because that'll be a deal breaker if there's no apple pie."
"I'll definitely be sure to ask Wanda tomorrow as soon as I get a definite yes from your two companions," I say seriously. Seconds after I finish my sentence, Bo yawns. Her eyes widen and her hand quickly covers her mouth, a look of utmost mortification on her face. It only takes us a minute before we both start laughing. When we both calm down, Bo sighs.
"Well…that's my cue," she says reaching for the door handle. "Thanks again for tonight. I'll see you Saturday maybe?"
"I'll see you Saturday," I nod and before I can react, Bo leans over and kisses me gently on the cheek.
"G'night Lauren. Sweet dreams," and with that she's out the door.