“Okay. You got it.”

“We’ll be in touch.”

“Cynthia…” I said before she could hang up.

“Yes?”

“Thank you for giving me a chance.”

“I’m certain you won’t disappoint.”

“I won’t.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

After I hung up, I waved my hands and screamed, “I can’t believe I got it!”

“Hell yeah!” Deacon yelled as he came over and pulled me into a hug.

Whoa.

I hadn’t been expecting that, but it sure did feel good to be wrapped in his arms. Now I knew firsthand why my daughter liked it so much.

He pulled back. “I’m so happy for you, Carys.”

“This will hopefully be the best of both worlds, if I can make it work.”

“Not if…but when. You will make it work. You have to believe that.”

“That’s right. I vowed to believe, and I will.” I smiled. “Thank you for the reminder.”

“Atta girl.”

“Would you want to celebrate tonight with me?” I asked, feeling giddy. “My treat. I insist.”

His smile faded. “Shit. I would love to. But I told someone I’d go see a show tonight. She already bought the tickets and—”

“Oh my gosh!” I waved my hand. “You don’t have to explain.”

“No, I do. Because I really would’ve loved to celebrate with you tonight. This is a big deal.”

I felt stupid for having suggested it. Perhaps this job offer had given me a false sense of confidence. “I shouldn’t have assumed you had nothing better to do than to celebrate with me on a whim.”

“Why? We’re friends, right? Friends celebrate with friends.”

And there it was. I’d been officially friend-zoned. It wasn’t like I didn’t already know this. But I suppose a part of me had held a tiny glimmer of hope for something more than platonic. Why did I even want that with—as he’d once dubbed himself—the manwhore next door? That wouldn’t be good for me.

“A raincheck, okay?” he insisted.

Since he had to get ready for his date, Deacon left a few minutes later.

When the door closed behind him, I walked over to Sunny, who was still calmly enjoying the baby swing. “Looks like it’s just you and me for the celebration tonight. I’m thinking sushi takeout for me, and pureed sweet potatoes for you? What do you say? Sound good?”

She kicked her legs and flashed me a big smile.

Then I remembered Deacon had been going to tell me something before the phone call from Cynthia came in. He’d asked me not to laugh. But I was laughing now just thinking about it—not even knowing what the hell I was laughing about.

* * *

Later that night, after Sunny went to sleep, I sat down with my takeout maki rolls and popped open a bottle of pink champagne I’d had in my fridge since before my daughter was born.

Turning on the television, I selected On Demand and decided to watch some episodes of Flip or Flop on HGTV—the old seasons from before the stars, Tarek and Christina, got divorced. This was my exciting celebration. But I wouldn’t complain. At least I had something to celebrate.

Halfway into my dinner, I got a text. It was a photo of a champagne glass.

Deacon: Cheers to you.

I sent him back a photo of myself sipping my champagne.

Carys: Cheers!

Deacon: Nice!!! Glad to see you’re celebrating.

Carys: How was the show?

Deacon: It was okay. I’m kind of looking forward to heading home and going to sleep, though.

Carys: Heading home alone tonight?

Deacon: Yes. Not feeling it.

Carys: Ah. You win some, you lose some. That’s too bad. But at least I know I’ll get some sleep ;-)

Deacon: That’s very true.

Carys: Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

Deacon: I can take it.

Carys: This explains why you’re texting me from your date. I hope she’s not right in front of you?

Deacon: No. The champagne was from earlier (but in your honor). I’m on a bathroom break right now.

Carys: So nice of you to think of me in there.

Deacon: I’m not on the shitter. Don’t worry.

Carys: Well, that’s good.

Deacon: What did you have to eat with your champagne?

Carys: I got sushi rolls from Miku.

Deacon: That place is good. But have you tried Ichigo?

Carys: No.

Deacon: Ohhh. You need to! I’ll pick some up this week and bring it by.

I was already looking forward to that day a little too much. Then I thought of something.

Carys: Hey, what were you going to tell me earlier? When you asked me not to laugh at you? I got that call about the job and you never had a chance to tell me. LOL

Deacon: See? You’re already laughing.

Carys: I’m sorry.

Deacon: You really want to know?

Carys: Yes.

The dots moved around while he typed.

Deacon: I used to crochet.

Carys: What? LOL You did?

Deacon: Told you not to laugh.

Carys: I’m not really laughing. I swear. Not out loud. I just wasn’t expecting you to say that.

Deacon: It’s a fucked-up story how I learned. I was sort of forced into it. I’ll tell you the next time we have coffee. I gotta get back to the table or else she’ll think I’m whacking off in here.