Nothing Less

During the walk to the Lookout, Hardin asks about my classes, my job, and every other non-Tessa topic under the sun. He’s much more talkative now than he was when I first met him. He’s come a long way.

We spot Tessa before she spots us. The Lookout is a modern restaurant with industrial-themed décor, and as we hit the hostess stand, Tessa is standing just behind a big metal tree that has clockwork on the limbs instead of leaves. The dessert display is right next to the hostess stand, and I can’t help but search for Nora’s dark hair. I see a flash of that gorgeous hair and olive skin as Hardin asks Robert for Tessa’s section, but she’s gone before I can get a good look.

Ironically, Hardin acts as though he doesn’t have a clue who Robert is.

“I’ll be right back,” Robert says, glancing at Hardin and then back to the other side of the restaurant. It’s not a big place; only about twenty tables line the walls.

“What a fucking prick,” Hardin says to Robert’s back. I ignore Hardin’s annoyance.

Nora appears from behind the counter, a tray of small cakes in her hands. Her hair is tied up high; messy strands frame her face. Her eyes are unfocused as she stares straight ahead.

Does she know I’m here?

Does shecare?

“Tessa,” I hear Hardin say.

I keep my eyes on Nora. She opens the large display case and begins unloading the tray of cakes, lining them up neatly. She doesn’t look away from her task. It’s on the darker side in here, but I can tell she’s exhausted. I can see the low set of her shoulders from here.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a Tessa-shaped figure approach, and when I turn my head to her, I say preemptively, “Hardin wanted to come here.” Just in case she’s uncomfortable, I want her to know this isn’t my doing. I’m just following along to keep the peace.

Tessa doesn’t reply; her eyes are locked on Hardin.

“We don’t have to stay and eat here if you’re busy,” I offer.

I can’t read the energy between these two maniacs.

Hardin’s fingers are wrapped around Tessa’s wrist and her eyes are bright, brighter than they’ve burned in months.

“No,” Tessa breathes out. “It’s okay, really.” She pulls away from Hardin’s grip and grabs two menus from behind the hostess stand.

I follow Tessa to the table and glance back at Nora one more time. She still doesn’t look at me. I can’t tell whether she’s ignoring me or just doesn’t see me. How can she not notice me staring at her?

Hardin and Tessa make small talk while I scoot into the booth, and Hardin pretends he doesn’t know how late Tessa works. He pretends that it doesn’t drive him crazy knowing she’s walking home that late. He tries to be normal around Tessa.

“Is Sophia busy?” I ask when we order our food.

Tessa nods. “She’s busy. Sorry.” Tessa doesn’t correct my use of Nora’s name. Does she know something’s going on? Am I a bad friend for hiding it from her?

Tessa frowns, and Hardin leans toward her. Does he even notice the way his body moves in response to hers? When her fingers move to write down our order, his eyes watch intently; his shoulders rise and fall to match her breathing.

These two make me sick. I’m a lonely schmuck, and these two are magnets drawn to each other. They will always be together. I know this is the truth. I can’t be a magnet; to be a magnet you have to have someone to latch onto.

It’s a sad day when one wishes to be a magnet.

When Tessa tells us that Nora wrote off our check, Hardin leaves an enormous tip that Tessa shoves back into my pocket as we’re leaving. During the meal, I couldn’t think about anything other than Nora’s proximity. I watched the walkway leading out of the kitchen the entire time. I