“What does that mean? Above you? I had different parents, and they had money, and my mom died when I was little. So I did everything prim and proper like my dad expected me to do. Do you remember when I couldn’t have shirt that showed my stomach? Not even when everyone had crop tops and stuff. I had to have a one piece bathing suit till I was sixteen.”
“Did he think that showing your stomach was going to make you go wild?” I said.
“I don’t know. He may have thought it was slutty, or he may have thought it was common, that I’d look trashy like everyone else. He didn’t know I was getting naked in the back of your truck or sneaking you in my window every night. And that a crop top wouldn’t have changed that.”
“What does that matter?”
“It means I had a conservative upbringing. My dad was rich and controlling, and I still did what I wanted to. Your parents gave you more freedom. But neither of us was above the other one.”
“Are you kidding me? You were in the homecoming court every year!”
“Yeah, you’re right. That’s obviously the secret to my success as an adult.”
“How’s your steak?”
“It’s great, thanks. And you know I love a good baked potato. Which, this one is huge.”
“I’m a guy. Size matters,” I said.
“It does. No lie,” she said, arching one eyebrow at me. A ripple of heat ran through me. “Not to change the subject, but I really appreciate how much you’ve helped me out since the storm. Just driving me there when Damon called about the damage was a big deal. I didn’t have to face it on my own. I could have handled it. It’s my job, but it was really emotional to me to walk in there and see what all was ruined and wet and just a disaster. It isn’t easy for me to ask for help, but it meant a lot to me.”
“You realize what a thrill that was for me, right? Part of me—maybe the Chuck Norris loving part—" I said wryly. “But some part of me always wanted to protect you and be your hero or something. And if driving you a few blocks and holding your hand, or getting you a flashlight was enough to help out, that was easy. I liked that I got to be the person there for you then. When you needed somebody.”
“Ever since my dad passed away, I’ve been on my own. And when he died, Trixie was there for me and helped me go through his stuff and everything. She’s family. But she also has her own family now. I don’t like to just call her whenever I need something or whatever. Because she has Ashton. It’s a hazard of getting older, I guess. My friends are married and have families of their own. It’s not a bunch of single girls going out for drinks a couple times a week. It’s changed.”
“Well, I don’t have a family of my own. You can call me whenever you need me,” I said. I wanted to say more, but I didn’t. I also didn’t say I was single, because I had started to consider myself very taken.
“I’m not going to draft you as my single friend and treat you like you’re always available.”
“If you want me, Chel, I’m there,” I said. I didn’t say any more. The temptation was too great, but I knew her from way back, and knew that pressuring her was the surest way to get her to run.
“I’m back on my feet. I was a little wobbly after the library got damaged in the storm. You’ve been great helping me sort books and everything, and getting those fans in there the first day. I’m saying thanks, and I’m also kind of assuring both of us that I’m not going to become dependent on you or something.”
“I dunno—first the starter on your car went out and you needed my help, then the library—are you sure?” I teased.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” she said, “This steak is really good, Drew. When’d you learn how to cook?”
“About fifteen years ago I got sick of takeout and frozen dinners and learned how to make some simple stuff. My mom taught me how to make spaghetti and meat loaf. Just some basics.”
“Is it just me or should fifteen years ago be like when we were in the fifth grade? Because the idea that I’ve been an adult that long is terrifying. I thought I’d be better at it by now.”
“You’re pretty great at it. You even fold your laundry. I’ve seen your laundry baskets,” I said.
“Look at you, running a business, making me dinner, going through damaged poetry books. You’re pretty damn good at it yourself,” she said with a sweet smile that ran right through me.