Chapter 2 #2
I can’t help but smile, noticing how she made a statement, as if there was no other option. Honestly? I think I’d like to be her friend too. She’s outgoing and blunt but seems friendly enough. I’ll probably ask Allison about her, but I can truly see us becoming friends.
And do you know what?
This is what I need.
Friends.
Not that I don’t have friends back home, but all of them are married and building families, or they’re still single and enjoying a different lifestyle than what I want.
I don’t mind going out and enjoying an evening, but I realize very quickly The Tipsy Lizard is a little more my scene—not clubs or crowded college bars.
And I’ve felt stuck right smack-dab between them for quite a while.
“So, are you moving with your boyfriend?” Sommer asks, sipping a mixed drink.
My throat is suddenly dry. “No, not yet,” I reply, glancing around the room. “He’s in a tiny studio near the hospital, but eventually, that’s the plan. I’ve started looking for my own apartment here, temporarily. If I can sign a one-year rental agreement, that would be perfect.”
Something that looks like worry, or maybe confusion, flashes in her eyes, but she quickly hides it. “That makes sense. If you need help, let me know.”
“Actually, I might have a lead for you. My parents own a couple rentals, and one of their tenants just moved out. Mom was saying she needed to clean it up and do some touch-up hole patching and painting, but I’m sure it could be available pretty quickly,” Sommer chimes in.
“Really?” I lean forward, giving her my complete attention.
“Yep. Hold on,” she replies, pulling out her cell phone. “Let me just shoot my mom a message and see if that’s still the case. I’d hate to get your hopes up if she’s already talked to someone about renting it out.”
I nod, trying not to get too excited about having a lead for a rental so quickly.
Yes, I’ve looked online but haven’t found too many options listed.
I can look in North Ridge or other surrounding towns, but am hoping to find something close to work, so I could walk during the nicer months.
I love being outside and try to take advantage of it as much as possible.
“How long are you in town?” Sommer asks without looking up from her screen.
“Until tomorrow. I’m staying at the Cooper Town Inn,” I tell them, instantly feeling all eyes return to me.
“Wait. You’re not staying with your boyfriend?” Charli asks, clearly confused by this detail.
“Umm, no. He’s working all weekend and isn’t allowed to have guests like that in their company studios,” I reply casually, even though it feels wrong and still irritates me.
It’s not like I’m looking to stay for a week or two.
It’s one night, and we’re dating. I don’t understand why it’s an issue.
I’m sure if he were to go to the property manager and explain the situation they’d understand and allow it, but he didn’t want to ruffle feathers so early in his residency.
“That’s stupid,” Charli declares, making Allison smile.
She’d already made her opinion on the matter clear earlier when we talked about it over dinner but hasn’t said much about it since.
We became close during nursing school, but our communication became less and less over the years.
It wasn’t until she reached out and we reconnected.
“Are you interested in meeting my mom at the rental in the morning? She said any time is good with her,” Sommer states.
My heart starts to beat in my chest a little harder as excitement fills me. “Of course. I’d love to,” I rush out, unable to keep my eagerness at bay.
“Perfect,” she states, typing out her reply. “What time?”
“Nine?”
“Yep,” Sommer agrees, adding that to her message. “Done.”
“Wow, I can’t believe that happened,” I reply, taking another drink and feeling myself relax even more.
“It’s a cute little house,” Sommer announces. “One bedroom, eat-in kitchen, and a decent-sized bathroom. There’s a laundry room off the kitchen, one car attached garage, and a fenced-in backyard.”
My eyes widen. “Wow, I assumed it was an apartment or something.”
“Nope. Mom and Dad own a few houses in town. There are apartments, but I wouldn’t suggest renting from them.
They’re a revolving door of tenants, because they’re cheaply made and the upkeep is trash.
There are also a few condos near the high school, but those rarely have openings.
Give me your number, and I’ll text you the address. ”
When I share my contact information with her, Charli goes ahead and asks for it too. “Now we can keep in touch. When you officially move, let us know, and we’ll come help.”
I smile, slipping my phone back in my pocket and feeling pretty good about my potential move here. You’d never get this kind of warmth in the city. Not only does everyone already feel like a friend, but they’re going out of their way to include me. I don’t feel like an outsider looking in.
“Excuse me, I’m going to use the restroom,” I state before standing up.
“Do you want another drink?” Charli asks.
“Just water?”
She nods. “Lizzie makes delicious nonalcoholic drinks too. I suggest the pina colada, if you like coconut.”
“Oh, that sounds good. I’ll try that,” I reply before making my way to the hallway and slipping inside the restroom.
There are two other women in there, standing at the mirror and complimenting each other on their outfits.
I move to the available stall, trying not to listen to their conversation, but not really able to avoid it.
“I heard he’s seeing someone from out of town,” one says.
“Because he’s already dated everyone from in town,” the second replies with a chuckle.
I finish my business and exit the stall. As I approach the sinks, they step out of the restroom, leaving me to it. I wash my hands and dry them on a paper towel, and the moment I pull open the door, I practically walk straight into a wall.
No, not a wall exactly.
A wall of muscle.
“Miss me already?” Cade asks, grinning widely.
“Like a cold,” I tease, earning a laugh.
“If you’re under the weather, I’d be happy to keep you comfortable and warm,” he says, waggling his eyebrows.
I snort and shake my head. “You’re incorrigible.”
“True story,” he replies, sobering. “Here.”
“What’s this?” I ask, taking the napkin he offers.
He just grins, waiting for me to look. I realize quickly it’s a phone number.
His phone number.
“I know you said you were seeing someone, so I’m not asking you for your number. I’m a lot of things, but I don’t poach another man’s woman. However, if you were to break up, well, then you’re free game.” He points to the napkin. “And you can call me. Or text. I’m not picky.”
I open my mouth, prepared to hand him back the napkin, but nothing comes out.
“When he singles you up, Oaklee, give me a call.”
He walks away with a grin, leaving me standing in the hallway, staring after his retreating body.
I clear my throat, shove the napkin into my pocket, and head back to my table.
Just as I approach it, I spot Cade at the jukebox.
He searches the screen for a minute, and the moment the Trisha Yearwood song is over, a new one starts.
I recognize it instantly.
Our eyes connect as the lyrics start, and even though I’ve heard this song a few times before, it’s the first time I actually start listening to the words.
The sexiest grin spreads across his lips and he starts belting out the words, drawing everyone’s attention.
A few people sing along, but my attention is riveted on the man watching me.
“Oh my God, he’s got it so bad. He’s ridiculous,” Charli mutters before laughing.
I’m lost in a sea of ocean-blue eyes with a phone number burning a hole in my pocket. I won’t call it, of course, not while I’m dating Lance. I’ll probably toss the napkin in the trash when I get back to the hotel. I’m positive I won’t ever use it, but it’s a bit flattering, nonetheless.
Shaking my head, I try to push all thoughts of Cade’s antics out of my head.
That’s a tad difficult, considering he’s still standing at the jukebox, belting out Jordan Davis’s “Singles You Up.”
Maybe I’ll have another alcoholic drink after all…