Free Next to Forever (Never Letting Go) by S Moose

laugh, “I’m hungry too, angel.” An older lady greets me and leads me to a booth.
    “Here you are, sug .” She hands me the menu and smiles. “Coffee?”
    “Mmmmm, can I get apple juice and water , please?”
    “Sure thing, darling. Be back.” She walks away , and I look out the window thinking about the future. My hand is resting on my stomach, and I wonder if we’re going to have a boy or a girl.
    “Erin?” I look up and see Vander walking toward me.
    “Oh, hey! What’s up?”
    “Do you mind if I sit with you?”
    “Sure,” I gesture for him to sit down.
    “Thanks,” Vander sits down and rests his arms on the table. “I saw you over here and wanted to come in to say hey.”
    “Yeah, I love coming here. So, ah, what’s going on?”
    Vander laughs. “I’m sorry. I know this is weird, but I don’t know anyone here and Sophia’s busy shopping with Sarah. I thought maybe we could be friends or something?”
    He’s so adorable! Vander doesn’t look like a stalker or a mask killer. He’s sweet and helpful, plus I’m sure it’s a great thing to know a doctor. “Aww, Vander. Yeah, of course. Sorry , it was just kind of weird, and I didn’t know what to do.” We both laugh, and I hand him the menu. “They make amazing omelets here!”
    The sweet lady comes back and smiles at us . “Alright, sug, what can I get you to drink?” Vander looks at what I have and orders water and coffee. She walks away, and we look at the menu, trying to figure out what to order.
    Vander and I decide on the omelets with cheese, bacon, sausage, peppers, onions, black olives and extra cheese with hash browns. He tells me about his life in Florida , and why he’s back in North Carolina.
    “That’s so funny that we didn’t know each other growing up.”
    Vander drinks his coffee. “I had an interesting childhood. My parents kept me from school and taught me at home. I hung out with some kids in the neighborhood, but my parent’s didn’t want me to go too far.”
    “Awww, that’s sad.”
    “Nah, it’s okay. Everything worked out, so no worries.” Vander smiles and before we can say anything else, the server comes with our food. It looks so good and we start eating. “So, Ms. Costella, what are you up to today?”
    I look at my watch and note I have an hour left. “I have to show a house to a couple and then head back to the office and do some work. What about you?”
    “Nothing really. I have today off, and I need to sort some of my things. You know, the boring things.”
    Talking to Vander is easy , and he’s really nice. We talk a little more and finish our breakfast before heading out.
    “Vander , you didn’t have to pay, honey.”
    He puts his arm around me . “It’s alright! I’m really glad we met, Erin. And,” he pauses, looking at me, “thanks for being my friend.”
    “Anytime, Vander.” He walks me to my car and tells me to text him.
    I head to the Lowe’s and pray that this appointment goes well, and I do everything I can to get this deal.
    The Lowe’s loved the house and the sale was easy. We walked around the house , and I showed them the bedrooms and noticed that Mrs. Lowe was slightly showing. I went with my gut and showed them to the other bedroom. I stated that this room would be great for a nursery especially with the bay windows overlooking the backyard.
    We went to the basement , and since it was finished, I explained how comfortable it would be and the extra space for Mr. Lowe and his man cave. We laughed and the conversation was easy. Within about an hour, we were signing papers, and they met the asking price from the buyers.
    Driving back to the office, I can’t help but smile. It’s a great feeling knowing that I can do a great job in my position. When I get back to the office, Alisha and Stacey come running toward me and start laughing. We walk back to my cubicle and everyone is around saying congratulations and how proud they are of me.
    “I knew you could do it,”