Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 103431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Cara groans in delight. “Yes, please. I would kill for a spicy tuna roll.”
Clint hesitates. “I’ve never had sushi, but I’m willing to try anything once.”
“Perfect.” Cara links her arms between both of ours. “I’ll drive.”
We pile into Cara’s car, Clint up front and me in the back, with the radio blasting for the duration of the short drive to Totto’s—our go-to sushi place.
Luck really is on my side today, because we’re able to get a table immediately and in my favorite server’s section.
“Here you are, Ms. Scarlet.” He places my favorite drink—a lychee seltzer water—on the table in front of me. It’s floral and fragrant with just the right amount of sweet.
“Thanks, Kaito.”
He winks. “What can I get you two to drink?”
“I’ll definitely have what she’s having,” Cara says.
“Water for me,” Clint adds, his voice a note deeper than usual.
“Any appetizers?”
Cara asks for an order of Crab Rangoon while I opt for Gyoza.
Kaito turns to Clint. “Anything for you?”
“What do you recommend?” he asks, sounding like his normal self again.
“Big fan of the tempura asparagus, and you can’t ever go wrong with spring rolls.”
Clint deliberates for a minute and then says, “Surprise me.”
“You won’t regret it.” Kaito grins. “Would you like to go ahead and place your order before the rush hits?”
“Yes, please.”
“Your usual?” he asks me, and I nod. There’s nothing more delicious than Totto’s sushi pizza. “You know it.”
“Double hot tuna for me,” Cara says. “Extra spicy mayo, please.”
As if sensing Clint’s hesitation, Kaito jumps in with suggestions. “Might I suggest our Rock-N-Roll roll. It’s shrimp, crab, avocado, and cream cheese, deep fried and topped with spicy mayo and eel sauce. Always a customer favorite.”
“Yeah, man, that sounds good,” Clint says, the relief clear in his voice. “Thanks.”
Kaito leaves, and the three of us fall into easy conversation, talking about everything from work gossip to the new girl Cara’s been seeing to happenings at The Creek, until he returns with our food.
“We’re actually thinking about doing an actual dinner menu. You know, something that’s beyond our standard bar fare,” Clint says, raising his brows.
“Oh, like what?” I ask, leaning in.
“Steak, pork chops, grilled chicken. That kind of thing.”
“That sounds amazing,” Cara says. I nod in agreement.
“We’re actually doing a soft opening this weekend... if y’all want to come?”
“Um, yes. Please. Can... can I also bring my girlfriend?”
“Of course.” He pulls his phone from his pocket. “Give me your number and I’ll text you the tickets.”
Cara rattles off her number, and Clint turns his attention my way.
“This is so generous of you. I’d love to invite some friends,” I say, hoping I’m not overstepping. “Not many. Just three. But I totally understand if—”
Clint hesitates and then nods. “Of course. The more the merrier.”
“You’re the best, Clint.” I give him my number, too. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
His answering smile is megawatt, but it does nothing for me. Unlike Ellis... one half-ass smirk from him, and I’m all but ready to drop to my knees, not that he’ll let me.
“So am I, and don’t worry, I’ll keep the creek waters coming.”
Before I can reply, my watch chirps. “We better head back.” I slide my wallet out of my purse to pay my portion of the bill, but Clint slaps his wallet down on the table before I can.
“Lunch is on me, ladies. Y’all saved me from a sad turkey sandwich, so really, it’s the least I can do.”
“Thank you, Clint,” Cara gushes.
“Happy to.” He taps his card to the tabletop POS. “That’s what... friends do, right?”
“Well, then it’s my treat next time,” Cara proclaims as we all stand to leave.
We drive back with the windows down and the radio blasting, with Cara and I singing along at the top of our lungs. Turns out inviting Clint was the absolute right move—we got a free lunch, and I didn’t have to actually confide in Cara bout my stalker. A double win if there ever was one.
Except, when we pull into the parking lot and she cuts the engine, she pins me with a hard look in the rearview mirror. “Just know, you’re not off the hook. I’m going to call you tonight, and I expect you to answer.”
“Off the hook about what?” Clint asks.
“Girl stuff,” I rush as I go to retie my ponytail. Only, my hair tie chooses that exact moment to break. “Shit.”
“Bummer. I wish I had one,” Cara says, running a hand through her short bob.
“I have more in my car.” I just barely stifle a groan as I toss my hair over my shoulders. Fall is here but it’s still hot in the direct sun, and Cara always parks in the west lot, which means I have to hurry if I don’t want to be late. “If you see Dr. Snider, let her know I’ll be right in.”