Chapter Nine
"Couldthisweekhave dragged on any slower?" I cross my arms on the table and drop my head onto them.
"TGIF, Piper." Kelly slides a plate of ravioli in front of me and the smell brings my head up.
"That smells delicious. I love when you make this green sauce stuff."
"I could teach you. It's not hard."
I pick my fork and shove two ravioli's in my mouth. "Hard pass." I say past the deliciousness in my mouth.
"Someday you're going to have to learn, ya know. You can't eat like a toddler forever."
"Who says?"
She shrugs her shoulders as she sits across from me at our little round white table. I have really started to feel at Kelly’s house. It helps that she says ‘welcome home’ every time I walk through the door.
"You cook, I clean. That's how this goes. So, when you wanna learn how to clean, I'll learn how to cook."
"No thanks. I think we can stick to this arrangement." Her smile spreads wide across her face.
"That's what I thought." I chuckle as I stab another piece and point it towards Kelly, raising my brows. "Besides, I would burn water. You can't trust me alone in the kitchen."
She shakes her head at me.
"So, are you seeing the bookstore boy tomorrow?"
My cheeks heat at the thought of spending more time with Night.
"I am."
"What's it this time? Y'all gonna read poetry to each other?"
"No. We are going to the bookstore in town because they are having an event and there will be local authors there signing books."
"That was my second guess.”
I glare at her, then stand and grab her plate as soon as she sets her fork down after taking the last bite. "I'm gonna do dishes, but do you want to help me pick out an outfit for tomorrow? I went shopping during my lunch break. I have lots of new stuff to try on!"
"Of course, I do."
After two hours of trying on clothes, shoes, and accessories, we finally settled on a black dress. I know, shocker, but its knee-length with lace overlay and a silk slip that you can see between the two slits that lead all the way up the dress with corset lacing. It's different and sexy and I love it.
"I'm so glad you found someone who is as big of a book nerd as you."
"I am too. It's like a breath of fresh air."
"I'm going to bed. Have fun on your second date."
"Thanks, Kelly. I'll try."
I do my nightly self-care routine, climb in bed, and grab my phone to check all my socials one more time, but there's a text from Night.
Night: I'm really looking forward to our date tomorrow. I hope you get a good night’s rest.
Me: I am too! Good night… Night :)
I decide against checking everything and put my phone on the nightstand. There isn't anything important enough on those apps that can't wait until tomorrow.