“What is your heart telling you?”

She hugs me and there’s a smile on her face that makes me think she’s made a decision and I couldn’t be happier if this was my own love story.

Sixty-Eight

It’s closing time and Ethan didn’t come back. I miss having him around. Even when he doesn’t talk much, I still like knowing he’s here. He always helps us close the place, clean, and keeps us awake and entertained with his geeky jokes. Not tonight. It’s not the same without him and I find myself turning and looking at the door until my neck hurts. He’s not coming; and it’s a bitter preview and reminder. Alisa was right; it’s a matter of days and one more just ended.

Celine and I are almost home, when she grabs my arm tight.

“What?”

“Aaron texted back,” says Celine, her voice high-pitched like a mouse’s squeak.

“When?” I ask.

“Just now. I messaged him right before we left Café Azure.”

She’s smiling from ear to ear. She’s always smiling but I haven’t seen her this happy.

“When are you seeing him?”

“Tomorrow evening,” she says. “If you’re OK holding the fort on your own.”

“Of course,” I say. “I’m so happy for you, Celine.”

We get home. Ethan’s not here. Celine jumps in the shower and I’m snuggled under a blanket on the couch, staring at the blank TV screen, when I hear the front door.

Ethan tiptoes over and jumps onto the couch. “Where is she?” he whispers.

“In the shower.”

“Did she get the flowers?” he asks, and grins.

“How—”

I tilt my head and look at him.

“You did good. He just needed a slight, friendly push in the direction of the florist. Sorry I left you both with the coffee shop. Was it complete madness?”

“No, it was fine,” I say, still stunned about this.

He sighs amused. “Reminiscing ten years with him, took longer than expected.”

“So it was you who convinced him to ask her out.”

“No,” he says innocently. “We both did.”

“Don’t tell her, OK?” I say. “I don’t want her to know we’re involved.”

“I won’t. I promise. It’ll be our secret.”

He sits comfortably, looking at the dark screen. “What are we watching?”

“Whatever it is, it’s super interesting. I’m glued to the couch.”

“Want something to drink? I noticed you don’t drink much so I’m not going to spoil a full glass of wine on you, but how about this much?” he asks and shows me two fingers.

I nod.

“Two wine fingers times two coming up,” he says. “And I brought you both this,” he says and hands me a food tray.

In it are a few crab Rangoon, spring rolls and pot sticks.

“You can’t say I’m not a provider.”

“Where did you get this?”

“Picked it up on my way back. Thought I shouldn’t come home empty-handed after I stood you up tonight.”