Page 24 of Just Joshing

I hid a smile. "Which business?"

"Archer. He's branched into apps. I have no idea what it is but he's launching something new tonight. Seems pretty excited about it."

We stood on the sidewalk, both hesitating.

Molly tipped her head to one-side. "You know, we should do this again."

I smirked. "I could go another brownie."

Her weak punch landed on my arm. "You doofus." She lifted her hand, flagging a taxi. "You have my number. Call me."

"Sure." I watched her scramble into the taxi, shoot me a grin and a wave, then they were off.

I rubbed a hand over my chest, wondering at the ache.

"You gonna stand there or chase her?" Yelled a homeless guy.

I raised an eyebrow in his direction. "Friend, that's this is the wrong part of the movie. We've just had our meet-cute."

The old guy huffed. "In my day we chased them broads down, didn't stare at their backs like a shmuck."

I pulled out my wallet, handing him a fifty. "Thanks for the advice."

His eyes lit up, fingers snatching at the cash and shoving it down his jacket. "You need more? You know where to find me."

I gave him a salute, shoving hands in pockets and heading down the street. Nowhere to be, nothing to do. I wandered for a while, getting lost in the feel of the city.

My phone buzzed.

"Ma, were your ears burning?" I asked, taking the call.

" ¿Cuándo arderían mis oídos, oh hijo mío?"

"Nevermind. What can I do for you?"

"Your padre has had a work issue arise leaving me without a date. Are you free tonight?"

"For what?"

"Hendrix Archer is launching his new tech-venture."

I felt a weird sense of glee. "Sure, what time?"

"Pick me up at seven. The festivities start at seven-thirty."

"Got it."

"And querido?"

"¿sí?"

"Wear a suit. This is a fancy event," she hung up.

I slid the phone back in my pocket, raising a hand to flag a taxi, muttering, "scene three, the hero chases after the heroine."

Chapter Five

Molly