The buzz of the bell told me the back door was open, and I left my post at to-go’s. As I made my way to the back of the kitchen, I could hear Cole and Nate’s voices from outside. “Who’d you get?” Nate was asking.
“Mackenzie.”
“Damn,” Nate sounded disappointed. “I got Nica, I can’t shop for girls at all. I feel awkward buying them things.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” There was a pause, then Nate’s voice again. “I know I overthink it, and it’s not actually weird buying them stuff like perfume or whatever. Especially if you know they’ll like it. I just can’t do it.”
“Talk to Willow. She can probably help you out.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Another pause, then I saw Nate move into the doorway. “I have to go check the sauce.” We made eye contact as we passed each other, exchanging friendly smiles and slight
