“But he doesn’t light you on fire.”
“Does Brad light you on fire?”
God, yes.“You’ve seen him.”
“That’s not an answer. Will is objectively attractive. So is Brad.”
Lindsay closed her eyes and remembered the night she and Brad had spent together recently. Those sheets could have gone up in flames. “Yeah. He lights me on fire. But that’s no reason to get back together, if that’s what you think.”
“It was really more of a survey question. For research purposes.”
Lindsay laughed softly. “We’re both a mess.”
“I know, honey, I know. But if Brad’s going to try to worm his way back into your life, I don’t think it’s unfair of you to ask for his help. Then maybe take the time to think about what you really want with him.”
“Yeah, yeah. And I’d give you the same advice, without the asking-for-help part.”
“So you’re gonna ask Brad for help?”
She sighed. “Yeah, I guess so. But I’ll also stress that it doesn’t mean we’re getting back together. But he wants me to go on a date with him. What if that’s what he wants in exchange?”
“Hold your ground, Linds. Be strong. Unless you want to go on a date with him.”
“I don’t.”
“Are you sure?”
No.“Yes.”
“All right. You can totally take him. Although that grin of his isdisarming.”
“That’s how he got me the first time.”
“He’s got a powerful weapon in his arsenal. But you, Lindsay, are a strong, confident woman and a professional. You know how to put him in his place.”
She was not at all confident she would be able to resist Brad’s stupid-handsome face, but she said, “Thanks.”
“You’re strong. You’re a warrior! You’re a fierce woman! You’re a Taylor Swift song!”
Lindsay laughed and shook her head.
When Lindsay got off the phone, she stared at her computer for a while. Fred moved like a snake around her laptop and settled onto her lap. She petted him, thinking. Making herself indispensable would probably mean pulling out all the stops, and Evan was right—Brad knew everyone. If something was happening in the New York restaurant community, Brad or one of his friends would know about it. So if she wanted a scoop, he’d be the guy to ask. Even if it meant swallowing some pride.
And maybe the prospect of going on a date with him was notcompletelyrepellent. Because, well, that passion Evan felt was lacking for Will? Lindsay still had it for Brad, somewhere deep down. But that passion wasn’t enough sometimes.
***
Brad brought the last batch of sandwiches from the kitchen to the front of the café. For the last few days, he’d been using leftover croissants—usually the last bakery item left after the breakfast rush—to make little sandwiches with thin-sliced ham or tuna salad or whatever was on sale at the organic market up the street. They’d proven to be a pretty big hit around the lunch rush.
Doug Francis, one of the veterinarians from the clinic next door, walked in just as Brad was putting the last of the sandwiches out.
“What have you got today?” asked Doug.
“Ham and gruyère,” Brad said, pointing to one half of the tray, “and organic chicken salad. I have a couple of croissants left, so I could whip up something vegetarian if needed. I’ve got some vegan cheese and miscellaneous greens in back.”
“Not necessary. The chicken salad sounds good.”
“Isn’t one of the vets vegetarian?”
