Page 86 of Don't Be in Love
“Like you have something to say. Do you have something to say?”
“I always have something to say.”
“Well, what is it?”
“Well, it’s really not appropriate at the moment.”
“I just said your thigh tattoo was sexy; I think we’re past appropriate. You have to tell me.”
“No, I don’t,” he debated.
“You do. Birthday policy.”
“You loathe celebrations. Since when did you start upholding their policies?”
“It doesn’t matter when there’s no expiration date! Now tell. I doubt the woman behind us with her hearing aid half out is listening.”
He shook his head determined. “I’m not telling.”
“Come on,”I pouted.
“Adelaide,” he gave me a level look.
“It can be my birthday gift.”
“I think you look beautiful, that’s all.”
I never understood what people meant when they said words carried weight, because people almost never meant what they said. But right now, I got it. Because his words felt so full, so serious, that if they were physical entities, I could hold them in my hands, and they’d pull me right down.
I cleared my throat. “How’s that inappropriate?”
“I gave you the censored version, that’s why. I also don’t think you’re supposed to find your friends beautiful.”
30
Don’t Watch Him Go — Adelaide
Outside the restaurant, rain was throwing bare branches around and bowling pieces of trash down the sidewalk.
“Well, that’s a lot of rain,” I observed with some slight dread at the front of the restaurant, clutching my flowers. I liked these boots.
Dorian’s face seemed to mirror the same thought, watching the weather as the music and tables bustled behind us.
He proceeded to open the umbrella.
“What are you doing!” I grabbed his hands and stopped him.
“What do you think? I’m getting the umbrella ready because it’s downpouring!”
“That’s bad luck!”
His gaze jumped between me and the weather outside.
“Fine. You wait here, I’ll open it outside,” he said.
“Dorian—”
“You better give me your number after this—no more communicating via email!” He ran out of the restaurant and was completely soaked before the umbrella was open and over his head. He returned to the door and bridged the gap above us.
