pub?”
“Yeah,” she replied wearily. “You should really tell your boss to see about getting that sidewalk fixed. I purposely park on the next block so I can approach the pub from the opposite direction.”
“Oh, Lord…”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind, really. It gives me a chance to window shop every time I go to McGee’s. Plus, I discovered there’s a daycare near where I park. They’re open until eight to accommodate working parents, and sometimes I stop and chat with them and the kids–especially when the little ones have artwork that they’re waving around to show anyone who walks by.”
“I had no idea that place was open so late.”
“They are, and I think that’s awesome. I had asked about any open positions, but it turns out I don’t have the right degree,” she admitted sadly. “I could probably take some classes at the community college to get the credits I need but…I don’t know. It was just an option.”
There was more to this story, he thought, but he’d bide his time before delving any deeper.
“Any other places you like to check out on your way to the pub?”
“Oh, yeah. There’s the little bakery on the corner–you know, the one that only does cupcakes–and they always have the cutest displays, and the smells are amazing! And the pottery place always has some fun pieces in the window. I’ve often thought about going and doing one of their girl’s night events, but I have a feeling I’d break more than I’d make and paint.”
“You don’t know that.”
She gave him a look that pretty much screamed, “Really?”
“Okay, it could be risky, but you won’t know until you try!” And he hoped he sounded encouraging.
“You know what I’ve noticed when I’m walking up your block?”
“No, what?”
“The front of the pub could use a little facelift.”
All he could do was stare.
“You know, maybe a new awning, some window boxes, and…if your boss fixes the sidewalk, some bistro tables for out front. You know, something to draw in the lunch crowd.”
“We have been talking about expanding the menu…”
“I’m telling you, just perk up the exterior and you’ll draw even more people in!”
It was definitely something to consider. Actually, every time he and Willow got together, she always had some helpful tips for him to give to his “boss”. He was starting to feel guilty about not explaining how he was the boss, but there never seemed to be the right time.
Now. Now would be a good time!
“So, let me ask you something.”
Or not. Whatever.
“Sure!”
“We covered a lot of stuff over the last few weeks–favorite foods, favorite movies, music, and TV shows…”
“Right…”
“But I feel like there’s still a lot of stuff we didn’t cover.”
“Really? Like what? We’ve talked so much that I feel like I know everything about you!” She smiled at him like she was impressed with herself. Should he really crush that feeling?
“Let’s be real, Willow, there’s no way to know everything about someone in only an hour a day for two weeks.”
She straightened a bit in her seat and seemed to consider what he said. “Maybe. But I think we learned a lot.”
“Oh, we definitely did! But you never told me what hobbies you have or anything particularly silly about yourself. Little things that I might know if we were dating for real. And definitely nothing that someone who’s in love with you would know.”
“Whoa…we’re just dating. Well…not really dating, but you know…in the fake way. And even if it was real, would we really be in love so soon?”
“You don’t believe in love at first sight?”
She snorted and then laughed nervously. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Oh, well…I don’t know. No one I know has ever had it happen, and I know it’s never happened to me, so…”
“That doesn’t mean it’s not possible.”
“I guess.” She chewed on her bottom lip and went quiet.
They drove in companionable silence for several minutes and Levi took the exit to get onto the Belt Parkway. It was a stretch of road he wasn’t particularly fond of, and every pothole and bump had him cringing and worrying about his car.
It was a stupid thing to worry about, but it was a good distraction from the conversation he and Willow had left hanging.
So she didn’t believe in love at first sight. Did he? It wasn’t something he’d ever really thought about, but he certainly believed in attraction at first sight. The moment he picked Willow up in his arms that fateful day, he was drawn to her. While their