Page 36 of November

“And I was nervous about you being here, too, because I realized that I should’ve just said yes to your suggestion for a date. I’ve been called inflexible in the past, mainly by Finley and other ex-girlfriends. I do not like beer. And I’ve triedtheir wine already, but I didn’t like it, either. So, excuse me for wanting a decent drink. I have no idea how expensive or cheap it might be, but that wasn’t why I ordered it. And no, I don’t usually eat food at bars, but tonight, I didn’t want to eat here because I wanted to be able to make a quick exit if I felt like I needed to get out of here for any reason.” India then looked over at Lainey and added, “I’m sorry if I was rude. I think I’ll just let the four of you have your night, and I’ll head home.”

Maisie swallowed and said, “You know what? Come on.”

“What?” India asked.

Maisie stood and asked, “Lainey, are you good?”

“I’m good.”

“Come on. We’re going somewhere,” Maisie said and held out her hand for India to take.

“You ordered food. I have a drink–”

Maisie pulled her wallet out of her pocket and dropped two twenties on the table.

“There. Let’s go.”

India looked at Finley and Molly. Finley nodded at her. India took Maisie’s hand and stood.

“Where, exactly, are we going?”

“We’re going to eat seafood at a picnic table, damn it.”

CHAPTER 10

“You don’t have to take me somewhere,” India said.

“I’m not, technically. Did you drive?”

“What?” she asked when they got to the sidewalk outside the bar.

“Did you drive? I took a Lyft here. I was going to make up some excuse if tonight went bad; have Lainey fake sick and have to drive her home or something.”

“Wow. You had a whole plan to avoid me, huh?”

“Did you drive?” Maisie repeated her question. “Or do you not drive? Do you have a driver? You seem like you might be the kind of person who has one on speed dial.”

“Yes, Maisie, I drove. And no, I don’t have a driver on speed dial. My familydoeshave a driver, though. Do you want me to see if he can pick us up, or would that be too fancy for you?”

“Where did you park?”

“In the back parking lot.” India pointed to the corner they would have to walk around to get to the lot. “I got here early.”

“How early?”

“Well, I’m wearing the same thing I wore to work today, so you guess.”

“You just came here after work?”

“I had a late meeting, but yeah. I was worried I’d be late if I went home, got ready, and came back, and I didn’t want to be late on you.”

“Oh,” Maisie replied.

They walked around the corner, and India wasn’t sure if Maisie was mad at her, annoyed by her, interested in her, or all of the above.

“We’re going to the picnic table place, like I told you.”

“Maisie, I don’t–”