“Boone.”
“Like Daniel Boone?”
I sigh. “Like I’ve never heard that before.”
“Hey, I can’t help it. It was the first thing that came to mind.”
“I expected more from you.”
We sit quietly for a few moments. She taps her foot against the floor as a dryer begins to buzz.
“That’s my stuff,” she says. She gets to her feet, testing the ankle she was complaining about before committing to it. “It was nice meeting you, Boone.”
My heart races as the thought of her walking out disturbs me. I don’t know why.
She starts to unload her clothes into a big bin.
“Hey,” I say before I can think about it. “What are you doing tonight?”
“Depends on who is asking.”
“Me.”
“Depends on why,” she says with a coy smile. She shuts the dryer door.
“If I’m forced to eat dinner with my brother tonight, I might lose my damn mind.”
“Is he that bad?” she asks.
“No. It’s just that eating with you seems much more preferable.”
“Well, I don’t know him, but I assure you I’m probably better dinner company,” she says. “What are you thinking?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I know nothing about anything here. We’ve eaten at a place called Peaches a time or two.”
“Are you thinking fancy or casual? I mean, I’d say casual but you seem a little hoity-toity, if I can be honest.”
I snort. “Good to know.”
She lifts the bin. I try to take it from her, but she waves me back.
“If we’re going casual, I’d suggest a burger at Crave. It’s a bar here in Linton that’s laid-back and fun. It’s the best bet.”
“Perfect. Crave it is.”
Her eyes light up. “Meet you there?”
“At seven?”
“That works.”
She heads to the door but stops before pushing it open. Glancing at me over her shoulder, she laughs. “Hey, Boone?”
“Yeah?”
“When the washer goes off, just put your clothes in the dryer. But not the first one. And then add your money and press ‘start.’”
“Got it.”