Page 85 of Take My Love

Although Jackson’s been nothing short of a gentleman and is quite charming, there’s nothing more than platonic feelings between us. And if I’m reading his body language correctly, he’s in agreement.

“I’m dyin’ to try their chocolate mousse cake. Do you wanna share a piece?” Jamie asks Silas.

“Sure, that sounds good.”

They’ve been leaning into each other all evening and laughing. I’m relieved they’re getting along and seem to be enjoying each other’s company. They both deserve it.

“I think I’m gonna try the cheesecake,” Jackson says, giving me the dessert menu. “Do you want anythin’?”

I was going to say no but I don’t want to be the only one not eating. “I’ll do the tiramisu. That’s my?—”

“Your favorite.” Silas grins.

“Wait, how’d you know that?”

His expression changes as if he just now realized he said those words aloud. Clearing his throat, he pats his mouth with the cloth napkin. “You mentioned it once a long time ago.”

The only time he would’ve been around when it was mentioned would’ve been in high school when Mom and Aunt JoJo were helping me make cookies and brownies for a club bake sale. We were talking about our favorite desserts and I’d mentioned mine.

He was always at the house with Warren, so it’s possible he overheard.

But what a weird thing to remember after all these years.

“I’ve never tried it,” Jamie says, playing with the straw in her empty drink glass. “I’ll have to steal a bite.”

“Me neither,” Jackson adds.

“Y’all been missin’ out. It’s a rich treat with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and cocoa powder.”

“Must be why you hate flavored creamer,” Silas teases. “You prefer the bitter flavor.”

“I never said Ihatedit. But if I’m gonna drink coffee, I want it to taste like coffee, not a pumpkin pie or latte.”

“Oh, I love pumpkin spice!” Jamie exclaims.

Silas smirks. “Right? It’s the best.”

“No, I’m with Posey. Black coffee with a splash of milk is all you need.”

I hold up my hand. “See? He gets it.”

“Well, that’s ’cause he’s old,” Jamie quips, and I almost forgot how much younger she is than us.

We all share when our plates arrive, which is fun and a great ending to our date. But I can’t wait to get home and out of this dress. Although it’s very flattering, I’d rather be in pj’s and underneath my warm comforter. Teddy likes it too when I let him snuggle with me.

And that might be exactly why I’m single.

Choosing my pet rat’s company over a man’s.

When the check arrives, Jackson grabs it and pulls out his wallet. Silas offers to pay half but Jackson waves him off and says it’s his treat.

“I’ll get the next one,” Silas offers.

Next one?Don’t think so.

Once the server returns with Jackson’s card, we head out.

Just as I’m thanking Jackson for dinner and nice conversation, Jamie interrupts us.