Page 29 of That Next Moment

A corner of Clay’s lips raised as he removed the aviators. “Sounds great.” He wiggled his eyebrows and headed toward the taco truck.

Taking a deep breath in my nose and letting it out through my mouth, I followed. His entire demeanor shouted business. I knew I was seeing Seattle Clay, the Clay he wanted me to see. He didn’t know I knew he was fired, and that he wasn’t just staying with Milo. I needed to remember that. This was for show, and yet it felt so normal, so real.

He walked slightly ahead of me, something he always used to do in college, except my hand would always be in his. His arms stayed at his side, one hand sliding into his slacks pocket, and I had to resist the urge to reach out and grab the other. Clay turned to look at me over his shoulder, making sure I was still close, that same smirk on his face.

“What made you choose the trucks?” he asked, motioning toward the taco truck as we approached.

“They’re close to the studio. I need to go back after lunch,” I lied. I was planning on going straight to Madeline’s house, feed the dog and write up an email to JoAnn. “I didn't pull you from a meeting or anything, did I?”

Clay scrunched his nose and shook his head. “Nah, just some data entry.”

“Lead accountants do data entry?” I furrowed my brow, hoping to catch him in his play, but he smiled and shook his head.

“When your team is behind, you do what you have to do, and sadly, that is data entry.” He pointed to the truck. “What do you want?”

“Oh, um.” I began to dig in my purse, but Clay’s hand on my arm stopped me. With my hand still deep in my bag, Clay’s eyes met mine, and the smirk still sat on his lips.

“I got it. What do you want to eat?”

“Um, oh. . . uh.” Flustered, I looked up at the menu as the guy in the truck waited for us to order, “Vegetarian taco, rice, and black beans. . .” I muttered.

Raising his eyebrows, he turned to the man, pulled his wallet from his back pocket, and ordered for us, adding a few Vitamin Waters. I watched in amazement as he handed the guy a credit card with confidence. I caught Milo’s name on the back and pursed my lips. Once he had the card firmly back into his hand, he shoved it back into his wallet.

“When did you become a vegetarian?” he asked, pocketing the wallet.

“I’m not. I just like vegetarian tacos,” I answered.

Clay gave a small chuckle, turning his back to me once more to get the drink. I rolled my eyes and mentally hit myself for giving such a stupid answer.

“You can’t go wrong with this truck anyway,” I added, “I’m going to grab a table. Will you get the food?”

Clay raised his eyebrows and nodded. I could feel his eyes on me as I turned my back and walked to the nearest table I could find. I had a sway in my step, one that I normally didn’t have. I paused, forcing myself to slow down and just act normal. It was Clay. Just Clay.What the hell is wrong with me!?

“Vegetarian taco just like you requested.” Clay came up behind me, setting the tin foil containers on the table. “And a Vitamin Water,” he finished, placing the bottle down with a slight thump. He walked to the other side of the table and pulled out the metal chair, taking a seat, watching me mimic him.

“Thank you. You really didn't need to buy me lunch,” I said softly.

“Don’t mention it. I wanted to treat you.” He smiled.

I gave a sly smile, looking down at the taco and beans in front of me. Clay had gathered everything needed to eat, he flipped his napkin out and put it on his leg. Grabbing his fork, he instantly picked up some beans.

“So,” he started, “what brought you to ask me to lunch today?”

I saw you followed me on Instagram, and you’ve been lingering in my head for the entire day.

“Don’t we have a party to plan?” I asked instead, ignoring the thought that flashed through my mind.

“Eventually, but we have time. Don't they want to do it the weekend before the wedding?”

“Yeah, but we should probably start to think about it, don't you think? I mean, didn’t you come to talk about it the other day?” I gently picked up my fork, circling it around in the rice and beans, blending them together in the perfect combination of deliciousness.

“I have a few ideas.”

“Like. . .?” I trailed.

“Well, we can rent out the Piano Bar. You know, their—”

“Blind date.” I smiled. “Madeline was so nervous that night. She took forever getting ready to go. She must have changed her outfit five times before settling on the one she wore.”