Page 100 of You'll Love it Here

“You’re right. You’re right!” Carmen waves his hands.

Jane sips the wine Kelly slid to her. “Speaking of, I think my colorspace test results are up.” She pulls out her phone and heads to the bathroom.

Jane has almost completed her first semester of interior design school. She takes the classes in the evenings, and her day job hasbeen good about respecting her need to leave on time. It’s been nice seeing her find her stride, although she has way less time for our investigations lately (which have devolved to us watching the juiciest—most out-of-pocket—erotic thrillers and making intricate snack plates).

“Finally, I can relax.” Carmen holds out his Coke to cheers me. When I clink his glass, he just has to add: “Between my junk venture, and the rec room, I’d been working my asshole to the nub.”

I shudder my sip of wine down at this visual. “Anyway, how’s business going?”

“Oh, you know, still a lot of marketplace BS, but the website actually helps cut a lot of the scammer types out. No more worrying I might get molested in an alley.”

“That’s great news!” I say while trying to ignore the added images he’s just planted in my brain.

“Hell, I might have to open a storefront—been looking around here, since the yuppies love my wares.”

“That’s the dream.” I grin and once again look around the bustling little diner.

He lowers his voice. “By the way, I reached out to Miley again.” His cheeks go red in a bashful way. “We’re going to have a coffee after school next week.”

The excitement and hope seeping from his every pore draws a pang into me as I remember my almost regular coffee dates withmydad. “Carmen, that’s really great.” My voice is shaky.

He allows himself a small smile. “She might end up getting too busy, she’s a teenager after all. But I gotta just keep supporting her from afar and letting her know that I’m here when she’s ready.”

I blink really fast before croaking, “I hope she can make it.”

Carmen stares into his soda before shaking his head. “Anyway, check these little sloths out. Bet you want one.” He taps his phone to show me Miley’s latest creations. His daughter hasalreadystarted her own online business selling crochet animals.Last month Carmen gifted me a baby elephant from her line that I keep just under my naked-lady lamp. My place is really coming together.

The bell dings and Norm walks into the restaurant. He looks around uncertainly, but his head is high. I give him a small wave as Carmen gets up to mingle with Divorced Dad and Lorna in the front booth.

Norm comes straight to Carmen’s seat. “So, there’s been some funny business at the old office,” he tells me.

“Oh yeah?”

“It seems Bob Wolch got into some trouble in Vegas and punched a card dealer. His board of directors wants him gone.”

A smirk threatens to break across my lips, but I try not to let it. “How very sad for all involved. I do hope their stock can recover.”

Norm smiles. “You didn’t hear it from me.”

“Of course not. I wish him well.” I sip my wine, pinky out.

Norm has been a steady supply of office tea for me. It’s so nice to hear it all... from adistance. (I guess Corbin and Olivia haven’t spoken to Lisa since her promotion last month.)

“And how’s the new job going?” Norm asks as he selects one of the olive breads from the basket Sami put out.

“Well, always busy, but different.” I think of the week I had at work—meetings for a fundraising gala we’re planning, a trip to city hall, and my favorite: Filming for my new video series on older buildings and their stories, #yychistorygal, is really taking off. This weekI had tovisit a new ice-cream shop in a 1912 sandstone building—for the outreach. “Honestly, it’s great.”

“Hello, fuckers.” Jane pushes between us, turning on Norm. “Rupa asked where you were last night.” She nudges him on the arm.

Rupa is our newest tenant—after Fighting Couple moved out, she joined the building, and we’re all pleased that she’s never displayed a particular interest in sausage sandwiches. So far, she’s fitin well with our group of neighbors, even volunteering to manage biweekly game nights.

“Wait, seriously?” Norm’s eyes instantly brighten. “I’ve never had anyone notice when I’m not around. She’s not even normally at my table.”

Jane waggles her brows. “Exactly.”

“I’ll be at the next game.” Norm squares his shoulders. “Promise.”

Sami rejoins us, this time on our side of the counter, nudging between Jane and Norm. “I got the good sake for our crew’s after-party.”