“You want to head to dinner?”
“Are we eating out?” Corey asked me.
“Yeah, I thought we’d take Hailey out and talk about the new class we’re offering at the garage.”
“What class?” Corey asked as we headed out and waited for Hailey to lock up.
I think he enjoyed having a common interest with me.
“It’s on how to maintenance your vehicle. Beginner level. We’re hoping to pull in more women and make them comfortable coming to a small garage for their repairs.”
We walked down the street toward the harbor front area.
“I hate taking my car to the shop. Most places make it seem like your car needs something new, and I can’t even figure out what they’re talking about. It’s awful.”
“That’s why we’re offering the class. It’s a way to show everyone we’re not going to screw you over. Everything is honest and transparent.”
She smiled softly. “I like that business model.”
I smiled at her. “And you’ll be my guinea pig.”
“You need my help?” Corey asked.
I loved that he’d offered. A vision popped into my head of Corey working with us at the garage. I didn’t want to push him in that direction, but I liked it. “It would be a good idea for you to be there.”
“Want to go to Max’s?” I asked when the street we were on spilled us onto Dock Street.
“I’m fine with that,” Hailey agreed.
We sat outside, drinking lemonades and trying to decide on appetizers.
“You have to try Eastern Shore Fries,” Hailey said to us.
The menu said they were covered in crab meat, aioli sauce, corn, and tomatoes. “I prefer my fries covered in ketchup.”
Hailey rolled her eyes and mumbled something about not being adventurous.
“Fine. Order the fries.”
Hailey smiled triumphantly. “You’ll like them.”
“I doubt that,” I said to Corey.
We ordered a bunch of other appetizers, and Hailey ordered a salad. After the waitress left to put in our order, Corey tried to trip up Hailey with more jokes he must have pulled off the internet. I loved that it was their thing they did together. I wasn’t sure why Corey had chosen jokes, but I loved that Hailey took the time to engage with him. There was a sense of contentment in my chest when we spent time together.
After we ate, we headed to the harbor.
It was a beautiful fall evening. People were eating dinner outside, others were walking their dogs, and all were admiring the boats on Ego’s Alley, the tiny turnaround spot by the restaurants. It was tradition for the boats to take a turn, show off, and then head back out to the harbor.
We continued to City Dock, the large brick patio area by the waterfront. Corey headed to the ping-pong tables where a few other young people were playing. The breeze was soft, lifting Hailey’s hair.
Longing shot through me. I wanted more nights like this one, and she wasn’t even my girl. We hadn’t gone on an official date; I just enjoyed spending time with her.
“Want to get some ice cream? I heard there’s a new place.”
She looked up at me. “I’d love that.”
I led the way to the newest shop in town, letting Corey know we were going on ahead and to meet us there when he was done playing.