One of his thumbs started stroking my neck.
“You stil got a bouncer takin’ you to Smithie’s?” I nodded.
“Get Tex or Duke to take you home from Fortnum’s and walk you up to your apartment. I’l pick you up from work tonight.”
“Oh… kay,” I said.
He smiled, dimple and al , and bent his head to kiss me deep. He let my neck go but tucked my hair behind my ear.
Then he was gone.
I wandered out of the books stil half in an Eddie Daze.
The minute I exited the shelves, Indy and Al y descended on me. I saw that Duke had arrived and was working the espresso counter with Tex.
“How’d it go?” Indy asked.
“You have to ask? She’s stil in her clothes from last night. Fuckin’ cool!” Al y said.
Both of them stared at me.
I stared back.
“Wel !” Indy nearly shouted.
I gave them an abbreviated version of the Eddie Date.
They looked at each other then turned to me.
“More,” Al y said.
I sighed and gave them the longer version, including Mom and Trixie, Blanca and Eddie’s siblings, details on Eddie’s “Sleep with You/Keep You Safe/Wear You Down” Speech and maybe got a little carried away and shared a bit much about that morning’s activities.
When I was done, both of their mouths were open and their eyes were glazed over, just like I expected I looked when I was in an Eddie Daze.
I nodded in understanding at their reaction.
“I know,” I said.
“If you hens are finished pecking over Eddie’s carcass, we could use a hand back here.” Duke yel ed.
* * * * *
The morning was a crush, Al y chose a Nickelback CD for the occasion and played it loud.
Normal y, “work” at Fortnum’s didn’t seem like work. It was more like hanging out with your friends al day, which was sometimes interrupted by something that felt kinda like work.
Just after noon, the crowd significantly died down and Tex turned to me.
“Let’s go, Loopy Loo. I got a plan to get your Dad’s friend talking.” He turned to Al y, “We’l take the ‘stang.
You’re drivin’.”
I gave him a look.
“Does this plan involve your shotgun?” I asked.
“Nope,” he said and I felt some relief. Then he said, “At least Plan A doesn’t.”