Page 70 of November

“We’ve been on two dates, if you can call them that. We haven’t even kissed yet.”

“Really? Why not?”

“One thing or another. Last night, I think she was too nervous about the election, so I kissed her on the cheek and gave her a hug, but that hug felt so nice, Fin.”

“Yeah? I don’t even remember the last timewehugged when we were together.”

“Me neither,” India replied. “And I like her, but it’s too soon to be talking about her being the only person who can see that I make a face when I don’t want to do something.”

“Maybe. But if she’s already onto you, that could also mean something.”

“There’s nothing to be onto. It’s not that I don’t want to spend time with her. I do. I just don’t do well in places when I’m uncomfortable.”

“Have you seenmeat the ballet?” Finley laughed. “I mean, I wasn’t comfortable half the places you dragged me to, but I still went. I think what people look for is someone who’s willing to meet them in the middle.”

“I went to the soccer game and the bar after.”

“That’s a start,” Finley said. “What has she done that’s something for you?”

“Technically, she drank the wine I brought last night, even though I know she would’ve preferred a beer. She’s not really a wine person.”

“That’s good, right?”

“Yes, it’s good. It’s new, but it’s good.”

“Then, maybe try to pay attention to your face and be honest with her about it. You never really did that with me.It was always just no, you didn’t want to go or do something with me. After a while, that really starts to hurt.”

India nodded and said, “Yeah, I get that now.”

“I have to get this up to Molls. You going to be okay?”

“I’m good. I’m actually off today. I’m just grabbing coffee and heading over to the bookstore to help with the election stuff.”

“You’rehelping her with the election?”

“I’m helping Lainey run the shop while Maisie goes and votes for herself.”

“You’re working in the bookstore?” Finley said, laughing. “What has this girl done to you?”

“I’m still wearing Jimmy Choo’s, so I haven’t changed completely.”

“Tell her I’d vote for her, but I don’t live in her district.”

“I will,” she said with a smile.

Finley then walked out of the café, and India joined the line. She ordered enough coffee for an army, getting a dozen cookies, too, and headed out the door, wishing there was a side door already, making things easier. She’d bring that up again after the election, once Maisie was a little less stressed out.

“Hey,” Lainey greeted her when India walked in. “Need help?”

“Yes, but you can’t just take your coffee and run,” she replied.

Lainey laughed and took the box of cookies.

“And you can’t just grab a cookie and run, Lainey.”

“I’m putting them on the table. We’re all in the back.”

India followed her and found Maisie sitting down and staring at her laptop.