Page 14 of Like You Want It

We both break into some laughter, which tapers off slowly. Well,Ilaugh heartily. Susie kind of giggles and continues to stand there a little awkwardly. Though I’m at least thankful she doesn’t look afraid of me anymore.

“It’s nice to meet you Carly Palmer. I’m Susie Callaghan,” she says, reaching her hand out to me.

I grin and shake it in mine.

“Thanks for letting me check out the posters,” I say, not wanting to abuse her kindness. “They’re really cool and I’d love to hear about them if you wanna come over and have a glass of wine or something soon.”

Her mouth twists just slightly as she considers me. And then she nods her head and gives me a little smile as she adjusts her glasses. “I think that would be really fun.”

And that’s when I know we’re gonna be friends. Right then. Maybe not best friends. Maybe only get together occasionally friends. But definitely friends.

Because if she can look forward to a glass of wine and talking about movies, we are gonna be a good match.

«««« »»»»

Susie and I make a plan to get together on Thursday, so I spend some time on Wednesday evening after yoga getting together a dope ass spread of cheese and salami and crackers and brioche bread from the Whole Foods a few miles away.

While I’m there, I grab a few new bottles of wine, too.

I started a wine catalog recently to keep track of everything I’ve had to drink so I don’t accidentally grab a wine I won’t like, and remember the ones I do.

Dina told me I was a weirdo. I told her that life was more fun that way.

I let my eyes flip through the Cabernets and Merlots, mentally ticking off a few boxes and grabbing three bottles I think look good.

My phone giving off the familiar notes of theHarry Pottertheme song has me digging around in my purse to find it.

Dina: Hey bitch. New neighbor. What’s the deal?

Me: We’re having wine tomorrow night. I’ll let you know after.

Dina: EXCUSE ME.

I roll my eyes. Dina likes to use all caps and sentences broken up into multiple messages to indicate she’s giving me a sassy voice.

Dina: HOW

Dina: DARE

Dina: YOU

Dina: !?!?!?!?!

Dina: You better not be charcuterie boarding her.

I snort out a laugh.

Me: Buying the ingredients as we speak. Gotta go. Signal is breaking up. Love you byeeeeeee.

Dina: THAT’S

Dina: NOT

Dina: HOW

Dina: IT

Dina: WORKS!