Stripping Callum (Last Hangman MC Book 6)(10)
“What is that?” he asks, checking her out.
“If we went on a date, you and me.”
“I have to agree with you on that one. Are you free on Friday night?”
“That I am.” She smirks and taps my foot with hers under the table. She’s got me, but I would have said yes anyway. Not because I’m promised free stuff for the baby, but because I could use the support. If her and her mom are close, maybe that means I could ask someone about how delivering a baby goes and tips for after. I’m still clueless and a wreck thinking about the future.
“My number is on the back of the business card. Text me or call me later tonight or tomorrow, we’ll set up a time and discuss where we’ll go,” he says quickly looking up at who I’m assuming is his boss.
“Will do!” she half shouts, getting us the attention of the tables around ours. “You know what that means.” She smirks at me.
“Technically, he asked you out for Friday night, not the other way around.” I match her smirk and hers falters.
“Damnit.” She pouts like a child and I have to laugh. She’s really awesome and manages to make me smile when part of me just wants to up and leave.
“I’m messing with you.”
I put the money for my food on the tray, but Gail shoves the money back toward me. “My treat,” she says sternly, and places cash on the tray and takes the card with our waiter’s number. I feel slightly embarrassed. I can afford to pay for my own food. I don’t want her to think that I can’t.
“So, you’ll be my roommate?” she asks gleefully.
“Yes, I don’t know if it’s a good idea or not because we don’t know much about each other. I can pay for my ow-”
“Nonsense, I invited you. Besides the fact that you’re pregnant and I’m not, we are like the same person. You need to make friends and meet new people, build a circle of friends. I don’t know your story yet, but I’m sure you have a good reason for being seventeen and in New Orleans when you are from Seattle. It also means free babysitting when Elijah will be born. Josie will put us on different shifts so no need to pay someone, and my mom will just love to watch another baby.” She chuckles clapping her hands.
“You sound way too excited about this.”
“I am. I don’t have many friends. I was homeschooled because I had bad depression and anxiety. I’ve only been able to start going out and socialize again last year. My mom knew Josie, and she asked if I could start with working an hour per day just to get me back in the real world. That’s how I started. I don’t know if you have bad anxiety or depression or anything else, but I can tell you haven’t been close to anyone in a long time. Having a friend and someone to listen to you, and who is there with you at night to laugh at shit TV shows is a must in your life right now. And I need someone to judge those brides-to-be on ‘Say Yes to the Dress’, so you’re stuck.” She links her arm with mine as I get up from my chair, and we walk out of the restaurant.
“What’s ‘Say Yes to the Dress’?” If the horrified look on her face is anything to go by, I’ve just offended her.
“One of the most entertaining shows ever! Come on, we’re going to your place, picking up your stuff, and going back to mine. You’re sleeping in a proper bed tonight, and we’re having ice cream while watching an episode or two. We have a late start tomorrow.” She grins, happy as Larry as we go to her car.
When I woke up this morning, I was worried about how my day and my future would go. Tonight I’m going to bed in a real bed—not a hotel one—with the prospect of having a friend and support from people who are just that nice they are willing to help others they don’t know just because it’s normal to them.
I have no idea what the future holds for me and what’s written in the cards, but I like whatever was written for today.
February 1, 2016
Gail didn’t lie when she said there would be a room for me and one for the baby. There’s a spare room that she doesn’t use and doesn’t plan on using. It’s like it was made for me and Elijah.
The first night I spent at there was something to remember. We did watch ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ and I have to say that I’m hooked. She’s got me hooked on so many shows now, it’s crazy.
We quickly fell into a comfortable routine. We’re always having breakfast at work so it saves us having to cook it so we can sleep that extra bit of time. We either pack our lunch or go to the deli next door, and for dinner, we cook together. It’s quite fun to be able to make your own food again and have someone to share it with.
Our place is a five-minute walk to work, which is perfect, especially after our shifts.
I’ve met her mom and her brother. They are both lovely and totally approve of Gail’s idea to ask me to be her roommate. You’d think they’d call her crazy, but they didn’t, and they accepted me straightaway. I was a bit worried that it was to steal Elijah at first because everything seemed too perfect, but they are just so nice, I don’t see why they would do that.
Suzie, Gail’s mom, offered me some of her maternity clothes that actually fit me and look awesome. I have enough clothes for Elijah for the next couple of years if I stay here, and it’s the same for toys. As her kids grew up, she neatly packed everything just in case someone in need could make use of them.