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I raised an eyebrow.
Her mouth dropped open. Her hand shot up to cover it as she started to squeak. “It’s not Luke! It’s my doofus brother!”
I grinned, nodding. I grabbed her arm and squeezed gently. “Don’t freak out yet, okay? It’s entirely possible that this is just bestie night on the town.”
Megan scowled. “It is, isn’t it? Ugh. That would be just like him, too. I oughta—”
“No. Leave him alone. He has to figure it out on his own, not because his sister kicked sense into him.” I sighed. I said the words. I mostly meant them. At the same time? I’d really love someone to clue him in. “What if…”
Megan cocked her head to the side. “What?”
“If Luke finds me after church tomorrow and asks me out again, what do I do? It’s not like just because Austin and I go out to dinner it means we’re a couple now.”
“Unless it does.” Megan leaned across the counter until our noses almost touched. “Maybe he’s finally ready to admit howhefeels about you. Then you could decide to be a couple and you could tell Luke you are sorry, but you’re seeing someone.”
I didn’t think that was very likely. “Have you met your brother? That’s not what this is going to be. Even if it’s a step toward more than bestie night out, he’s not going to jump like that.”
“Then date both of them. A little competition can be a good thing.” Megan’s grin was sharp. “And honestly, maybe seeing that you’ve got someone else interested will get Austin to shake a leg.”
“It seems dishonest.”
She shook her head. “No. No way. You’re allowed to date as many guys as you want right up until you agree to be in an exclusive relationship with someone. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“Since when are you a dating expert?”
Megan rolled her eyes. “You don’t have to be a dating expert to know that. It’s common sense. Now, hopefully my brother is ready to do the smart thing and lock you down. But if not, then I say go out with Luke if he asks. And don’t be shy about letting Austin know you’re doing it.”
I laughed. “Okay, now you just sound like an obnoxious younger sister.”
Megan shrugged. “I guess if the shoe fits, I’ll wear it.”
I checked my phone. Time was not flying, that was sure. “Do you want me to run to the café and get lunch? I could get the cobb salads. Maybe we split a lemon tart at the end?”
“Oh man.” Megan closed her eyes. “I can’t eat PB&J when I’m offered that. Yeah. Do it.”
“All right. And when I’m back? You’re telling me the plan for you and the bookstore being full-time.”
Megan winced.
I just pointed at her and pushed through the door. There were more people walking up and down King Street. It was still crisp and cool, but the sun was shining and there were no clouds in the sky, so the air would warm eventually. It was a good morning to go out, do some shopping, grab lunch. Maybe go walk by the water.
I turned to look over my shoulder at the Potomac River. It was glistening in the sun. I smiled. This was why I spent more than was reasonable on the rent for my dinky, run-down apartment. Well, that and it was close to the school. I couldn’t discount that.
I reached the little café that had the best salads in Old Town and found that the line was already out the door. At least they were quick.
There were three women seated at one of the patio tables, bundled in coats as they ate. They didn’t seem to mind. And steam curled off the top of their drinks. I made a mental note to talk to Whitney and Megan about setting up a real girls’ night. Or day. Something. Even if I had to take a sick day—I’d deal with sub plans if it meant the three of us got to spend some time when Megan wasn’t technically worried about the store and disappearing every few minutes to help a customer.
The line moved quickly, and I was at the counter ordering before I had a chance to get chilled. They worked quickly to assemble the salads. I tried to stand out of the way of the people who wanted to eat inside at the tables crowded together in the tiny space.
“Two cobbs and a lemon tart?” One of the workers called, holding up a brown paper bag.
“That’s me.” I reached for the bag. “Thanks. Have a good one.”
I headed back out into the cool morning and down to the bookstore. There were probably ten people milling around in the stacks. It was a good thing to see.
“Hey. They were busy?”
I nodded at Megan. “Not too bad, though. You’re picking up.”
