“A friend?” Maggie’s eyes light up. “Your little Grace?”
I don’t like how she says it with that teasing tone. As if she knows something I don’t.
“Yeah, her name’s Grace.” I hold her gaze, but Maggie’s not affected in the least.
“You go on and message her then,” she says, then leaves a bit slower and a bit happier than she came. Out of habit, I take a look around and notice Mickey looking up at me with a smile. It occurs to me that word is probably getting around about the two of us.Shit.
I shift my weight and look down at the phone. This wasn’t meant to be anything. She’s just a sweet girl to flirt with. We don’t want the same things. That last statement resonates and makes me feel like an asshole.What the hell am I doing? I almost put the phone back in my pocket. If Grace wanted to see me, she’d be here.
Almost. Ialmostdon’t message her. But fuck that, I want to see her.
I took the first night off that I’ve had in a long damn time to see her. Maybe I didn’t text her, since I assumed she’d come in like she usually does, but I have the balls to ask her. Right fucking now.
My body heats as I type in the message.
Missing you, sweetheart. I’m getting off work and wondering where you are.
I regret sending it pretty much as soon as it goes on the screen. It’s not like she’s obligated to be here. I let out a heavy sigh, hating that all of this feels so suffocating. It’s been five years since I… I don’t even know what I’m doing. Asking her on a date, I guess. A real one, not just to be my fake date for a wedding.
Sorry Charlie, I went home tonight.
A frown tips my lips down, and that sick feeling comes back to me. I clear my throat and type back without thinking.
I was hoping I’d see you. Now I don’t have a dinner date. :(Again, I immediately regret my decision.A sad face? Really? Throwing my head back I grip my phone like I want to strangle it. What is it with this woman?
A dinner date? Or a fake dinner date?
I thought the food would be real…I’m playful in my text back, trying to keep the conversation lighthearted.
You make me smile.I can see her doing just that. Smiling as she reads the message.
Good, you should be smiling. You’re too sweet not to be smiling.
It feels easy flirting with Grace. It always has. My chest feels light as I wait for her response.
I’m sorry. Not tonight.
Another date?I question. I don’t think she’d be one to do that. She’d tell me. But I ask her without thinking. I need to quit it with that.
Nope. Just a lot of work to catch up on and I’m exhausted.
I think about asking her if she’s seeing anyone, and making this thing between us official. But then I remember all the stories she’s told me about her dates and looking for a man to settle down with. Clingy. I’m not ready for all that. I could at least ask her out to dinner though. Just to tell her thank you for putting up with my sister. Maybe sneak in another kiss.
Another night?I ask her.
She takes a minute to respond, and all the while I’m getting more and more anxious. Maybe I should take the hint, but I don’t want to. I at least want to feed her.
Sure. I’d like that.
I’m smiling and thinking about going home when her next text catches me off guard.
What are we doing, Charlie?
What do you mean?I text her back almost instantly.
Fuck, even before she answers I know what’s coming. Grabbing closest chair and ignoring Mag’s stare, I take a seat and stare at the phone, willing her to respond. I lean forward, my elbows on my knees and wait, rereading her question.What are we doing?
I knew my sister got to her. Why the hell did she have to come in here and mess up what I had going with Grace? Everything was easy, just going with the flow and taking it slow. Making sure I’m not going to hurt her.
