“I’m sure you weren’t missing out on much,” Eli says, trying to make me feel better.
“Yeah, who needs all that. Romance and dates and all that.”
“Gross,” Eli deadpans and I giggle.
We clean up in silence and Eli waits as I turn off the lights and lock up. When we’re standing on the sidewalk, we both pause and glance at each other.
I don’t know what to say, but it feels weird to leave things like this.
“So, the chairs and tables tomorrow then?” Eli asks, breaking the silence and I nod, grateful that he broke the weird energy between us.
“Yeah and maybe the lights. I’m not sure when they’ll be delivered though. I’ll have to check the status and let you know.”
“Let me give you my phone number then. You can just text me and let me know,” Eli says as he digs his cell phone out of his sweatpants and unlocks it.
He passes it to me and I enter my contact information, sending a quick text to myself so that I have his phone number too before I pass it back.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” he says quietly and I nod awkwardly at him.
He raises a hand and waves, which seems just as awkward as my nod, before he turns and heads to his truck. I hurry up my apartment stairs and let myself in.
As I listen to Eli’s truck start up and pull away from the curb, I can’t help but wonder what is happening between us. I just need to remember that we agreed to no relationships. I need to keep my eye on the prize, and that’s not Eli. It’s opening my bakery and making my grams proud.