““I was serious when I said I was paying,” I say, stealing the ticket from Darren. He opens his mouth to respond, but I stop him. “Don’t even try. It’s happening.” I count out some cash and leave it on the tray. “Well, thank you.” He smiles, scratching that sandpaper chin of his again. “So what’s next on the agenda?” “Honestly?” “No, I want you to lie.” “Smart aleck.” If it weren’t beyond the boundaries of our three-hour friendship, I’d give him a playful shove. “I was actually considering more gelato.” He grins. “So it’s not a rule that you can only eat it before your meals?” Is this considered flirting? Doesn’t he have a girlfriend? Or am I really so desperate that I’ll take any attention from boys way too seriously? “The rule was just amended to include after-meal gelato consumption too.” “Well, in that case,” he says, stepping aside so I can exit the patio first. “Feel like company? My treat.””
