Page 28 of Small Town Swoo
Veronica told me the truth. Why did you lie about it?
Because I was worried about you driving that car around and I wanted to get it checked out by a mechanic. I thought you’d say no if I asked.
You were right. Where is my car now?
At Harbor Garage. It will be ready Wednesday.
I sighed. I was irritated with him, but I was also really touched.
You shouldn’t have done that. But thank you. Can you give me the total?
It’s already paid for.
DASH!!!!!!
It wasn’t even that much. It was a faulty gas cap causing the CEL to come on, and there were just a few other small things the mechanic said he could fix in a couple days.
DASHIEL BUCKLEY I SWEAR TO GOD
I did it for me, okay? I couldn’t sleep if I thought you were driving around in an unsafe car. And I really need my beauty rest.
You’re making it impossible to be mad at you.
Good.
Thanks for doing that. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.
I don’t want your money, Sugar. How about I get to pick the movie tomorrow night?
No. You are watching Titanic with me, whether you like it or not. But I think you’ll like it.
Why?
Because I’ll feed you. I’m testing out new recipes.
Does it have iceberg lettuce? (Get it? Iceberg???)
OMG.
No, there will not be iceberg lettuce. The dinner is not themed.
I’ll eat whatever you make. Can I bring anything?
Nope. It’s all my treat.
Can I strip down to my purest self in your house?
I laughed, but I also felt a little zing shoot through me when I remembered him walking into the kitchen naked. Tucking my lower lip between my teeth, I was trying to come up with a funny but not too flirty reply when he texted again.
Only kidding. I promise to keep my clothes on. I can even wear multiple layers. Don’t run away again.
I wasn’t running away. I was picturing it.
I hit the blue send arrow before I had time to think it through. But as soon as I saw the words on the screen, I gasped. “Shit,” I whispered. The dots faded in and out again.
You were picturing me naked in your house?
It’s your fault. You put the idea in my head.
