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I was really happy with the difference a coat of paint made in the cafe. It seemed brighter and more modern. I hung groupings of frames with information on different cryptids. There was a bigfoot section, a Flathead Lake Monster section, and another for other cryptids. People seemed to like the new look. With the front of the cafe looking so good, Gus and Rick offered to paint the kitchen and store room if I'd provide the paint. Everyone was happier working in a lighter, brighter environment. The new menu items were going over well, and we were working out a plan to launch our pizza offerings. All in all, the business was doing well. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed being involved.
When my alarm sounded, I was happy for an excuse to pull myself away from Harry's journals. When I thought about it, I was proud that he had such an interesting life and left an account of it for me to read. At other times, I couldn't imagine what had possessed the man to think that anyone would care about some of the stuff he included in his journals. I soaked in a hot bubble bath and got ready for my date with Tom. I was hoping this would be a more normal evening together. I hoped we'd be able to pick up where we left off before I broke his nose.
It made sense for me to drive to Tom’s. He could be called out to a fire or a search at any time, and it was easier if he had access to his gear. Plus, I found that the drive gave me a chance to clear my head and focus on Tom. On the way home, I appreciated having a chance to dissect the night.
Tom didn't open the door until I knocked. That was odd, though I realized it might be an exercise in self-protection. It might be safer if he didn't step outside the house. I grinned at the tall, muscular fireman wearing an apron and carrying a wooden spoon.
"Interesting look," I quipped as I stepped inside.
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in for a passionate kiss. "In case you had any doubts about my masculinity," he said. "And yes, my nose is doing much better."
"You voice is back to normal too." I followed him to the kitchen. He poured me a glass of wine, and I sat down at the counter to talk to him while he finished making dinner.
"It's almost ready," he said, putting the spoon down and coming over to kiss me again. "Sorry, but I feel like I'm playing catch up since I haven't been able to kiss you the last few times we were together."
While we ate, we talked about the journals we read and the plans for our Thanksgiving trip. "If things work out, I guess we'll be spending Thanksgiving together," I said.
After dinner, we snuggled up on the couch to watch a movie—another bigfoot movie. This one was based on supposed lost footage of a group of bigfoot hunters that disappeared leaving only the footage behind. It was pretty scary. "I'm not sure it's a good idea for me to watch this. See, this is what I'm talking about. They're scared of bigfoot."
"Sure, after he's killed half their group. Don't worry, I'm here to protect you, and I'll be out there with you too."
When the movie ended, Tom turned it off and tipped my head up so I was looking into his face. I thought he was going to kiss me, but he didn't. "I'm not worried about the trip, but I am worried about you going the day before with Chance. Can I trust you with him?"
"Do you trust him with me?"
"Isn't it the same thing? You two just seem to have chemistry. Don't misunderstand. I think what we have is pretty great, but I've come in second to Chance pretty regularly in my life."
"It'll be fine. We're on a mission. Chance and I are friends, and we're working on some business ideas. That has nothing to do with my relationship with you."
"So, this is a relationship, huh?"
"Seems like."
"I'm good with that." He pulled me into his lap and kissed me until we both realized we needed to stop or admit I'd be spending the night.
"I should get going," I said. Both sad and happy to see our makeout session come to an end.
"I'll walk you to your truck if you promise not to run over me," he said. I picked up a pillow from the end of the couch and bopped him over the head with it.
"See, your starting already."