“We all grew up together around here. Just about everyone stayed around this area. They can be a little territorial.”
She felt uneasy after meeting his friends, like she didn’t belong there at all.
He opened her door to let her into the passenger seat of his pickup. She glanced up into the night and tried to put the restaurant encounter behind them.
“I love that you can see so many stars here.”
“Well, they’re the same stars you’d see in New York, right?”
“Nah, so much light pollution. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever seen stars in the city.” She settled into the seat and reached for the seatbelt.
“Well,” he said, “maybe I can help make up for that while you’re here,” he said. Then he waited a beat before gently closing her door.
DANNY PULLED UPto The Crew’s house to drop Dot off. He shut off the engine and neither of them moved for a moment.
Mary and Harper were on the porch with Pippi enjoying the cool night air—their air-conditioning was on the fritz, and the repairman said he couldn’t come fix it for another couple of days. They couldn’t quite see the street, so they strained their necks to make out what was going on.
“Do you think they’re going to hook up?” Harper asked quietly.
“What, is this some sort of rom-com?” Mary whispered.
In the car, Danny said, “I had a wonderful time, Dot,” and turned to look at her.
“So did I,” she said.
He leaned in toward Dot, and she thought he was going to kiss her. But he pulled back at the last minute. Maybe he’s just not that into me, she thought, a bit disappointed.
“Let me walk you up,” he said, opening his door. He came around to open her side of the truck and helped her down.
They walked slowly up the steps. Mary and Harper sank back down. Harper placed a hand over Pippi’s head to keep her from giving away their location.
Dot stood on the first step and leaned against the column holding up the porch. They were more evenly matched in height now that she had the elevation advantage.
“Well, thank you for a great evening,” she said, sounding a bit too corporate, as if they’d just had a business meeting rather than a fun, romantic dinner.
“Thank you for joining me.” He matched her off tone. “Would you... I mean, could I... well, heck, let me just ask. Do you mind if I kiss you good night?”
Dot was surprised by his shyness and chivalry. Guys in the city usually just assumed they’d be coming upstairs after buying one meal.
“Yes, please,” she said, smiling with a little giggle.
Mary and Harper grabbed each other’s hands and squeezed.
Danny brushed a lock of blond hair away from her forehead and leaned over to kiss her. His lips were firm and soft, and his touch was light. Dot’s knees wobbled.
Danny pulled back and looked at her, a pleased smile on his face. “Thank you,” he said.
“You’re welcome,” she replied.
“Hey, the fireworks show is Saturday—we’re going to watch from the roof of the Sin Bin. It’s got the best view. You all want to come?”
“I’m sure we will.” She was pleased to see him already making future plans, even if it was for a group hangout.
“Sounds good.”
“Good.”
“So, I guess this is... Well, good night, Dot,” he said as he started heading backward down the walkway.