Chapter 7

He chuckled a bit. "As interesting as vodka and grape soda sounds, I'm good with water."

Yeah, it definitely wasn't a date.

I poured him a glass of water and considered grabbing a beer for myself. Jimmy wasn't drinking, Alex wanted water... I sighed and grabbed a Diet Coke for myself.

Dinner was a simple curry with rice, yet another sign that I hadn't realized I'd asked Alex on a date. I just wanted to make something that wasn't covered in processed cheese or ketchup. My kitchen was small to begin with and the addition of the silent tension between Alex and Jimmy was making it feel unmanageably cramped. By the time I put their plates in front of them, I was seriously regretting agreeing to this.

The first few bites were taken in silence. I glanced at Jimmy.

Please just say whatever the fuck you wanted to say. Please.

I had to think it really hard at him a few more times before he finally put his fork down, took a breath, and steadied hands that I hadn't realized had been shaking.

"Lei