Chapter 16 #2
I can’t tell, but the timing is definitely suspicious.
Finally, the server saves us from the tense atmosphere by bringing our dinners out, eyeing us curiously as Pansy tucks away a couple of sample “high-end” tampons and condoms she brought.
“What kind of party is this?” the server asks with a broad smile.
“It’s the kind that would take place in Hotel California,” Cormac answers.
The server looks confused, but I smile, because I know exactly what he’s talking about. It feels like we’ll never be leaving the Laughing Leaf.
Thankfully, the broccoli entrée is actually pretty good—it’s some kind of gratin, paired with a shaved apple and fennel salad.
Over the food, we share our made-up “how we reconnected” story. When we’re finished, and the server has cleared the plates but not yet brought the bill, Cormac turns to me and motions to my incisors.
“Pepper, Nora.”
I shift my leg under the table, nudging his playfully, and he rubs his shoe against mine, sending a rush of awareness through me.
Then he inhales deeply, as if preparing for battle, and asks José and Pansy, “So, you recently got engaged, huh? Is this the first engagement for both of you?”
I can barely keep my grin in check.
“Yeah.” José gives Pansy a forced smile. “Never even got close before.”
Ding-ding-ding.
Pansy coughs and then downs a glug of her drink.
“How about you?” she asks after she recovers. “Will you be walking down the aisle too?”
“Maybe,” Cormac says, his shoe still pressed against mine. He moves it slightly—a silent communication between just the two of us. “We’re trying to take things slow, but I think we both sense it’s the real deal.”
My lips part in surprise. He said he wasn’t good at pretending, but look at him go. “But you don’t believe in marriage.”
“Not really, no. You know what my parents’ marriage was like.
To me, there’s something beautiful about choosing to be with someone every day, not because there’s a legal bond but because that’s the person you want, and no one else will do.
” He rotates his glass slowly, his expression thoughtful.
“But there’s also something beautiful about making a promise you don’t know you can keep, because you want to show the other person that you’re devoted to loving not just them, but whoever they may become.
Still. I know someone who’s been engaged three times to different people.
Within a small amount of time too. Kind of makes forever feel cheap, doesn’t it? ”
I gape at him, completely taken aback.
Pansy coughs again.
“Are you okay?” Cormac asks.
She nods several times, then sips some water. “Maybe your friend had some bad luck.” Her frosty gaze finds me. “Nora’s had bad luck too. José said most of her relationships don’t last a month.”
I glare at José, who’s suddenly very focused on his water glass. “Thanks a lot.”
“I wasn’t putting you down,” he insists. “It’s factual. But you’ve had your reasons.”
I’m having a hard time believing him right now. In my mind’s eye, I still vividly see him from the other day, telling me I changed after my father’s skeeziness came to light.
Pansy’s mouth forms a teasing pout. “Or maybe it’s Nora who’s the bad luck.”
“Stop it.” José sounds pissed, so at least he’s not laughing with her.
“Oh, come on. They can take a joke.”
But maybe I can’t, because it feels like I just swallowed broken glass.
“Sure, we can take a joke,” Cormac says, his voice hard. “Were you planning on telling one? I don’t find insults to my girlfriend amusing.”
I peer at him in wonder. “Cormac.”
He nudges my foot again, continuing our silent conversation, and I lay my hand on his thigh, not even thinking about it.
He flinches, and I start to pull away, but then he sets his warm, large hand on top of mine.
Peering into my eyes, he says, “Don’t worry, though.
We have every intention of breaking her old record. ”
I’ll be damned if a kaleidoscope of fucking butterflies isn’t unleashing in my stomach. I’m seeing another side of him tonight, and it’s hot.
He holds my gaze for a long moment, the corners of his mouth inching upward, and then shifts back to face Pansy. “Why don’t you give me your card, Pansy?”
“Yeah, of course,” she gushes, pulling a business card out of her oversized bag.
He pockets it, then nods to José and pulls out his wallet. “I’m sorry, but we have to get back home to check on my dog.” He sets a hundred-dollar bill on the table and reaches for my hand. “Nora?”
I let him help me up, my eyes glued to him. “Are we leaving Hotel California?”
“Consider us checked out.”
“But…you can’t be leaving.” Pansy tucks a golden lock of hair behind her ear. “Aren’t we all going bowling? I reserved two lanes.”
Honestly. Did José tell her about the C-minus I got in bowling as well?
I look at him for confirmation, but he’s pointedly looking away. He seems embarrassed by her behavior, which is a first. That’s good news for our unmasking project, I suppose.
“No,” Cormac says. “But I hope you enjoy yourselves. Be sure to use plenty of hand sanitizer.”
Pansy rubs sweat off her upper lip. “We’ll do this again sometime.”
“Probably not,” Cormac says. “But I have your card. I’ll be in touch.”
“What about your change?” José asks, gesturing to the cash on the table. “I can return it to Nora tomorrow.”
“No, get yourself some dessert,” Cormac says. “I hear they like apples around here.”