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“Is everything all right?”
“No. Everything is not all right. My entire job site is infested with vermin.”
“Oh no! Rats?”
“Squirrels.” He spit out the word as if it tasted bad.
I held in a laugh. The Tilikum squirrels were infamous for their antics. “How did they get there?”
“No idea, but they’re everywhere. Fuck, there’s another one. No, four more. Seriously, where the hell are they coming from?” His voice got quiet again. “You found what? How did they get there? For fuck’s sake. Marigold, I’m sorry, I have to cancel so I can deal with this. It’s a nightmare.”
“That’s okay, do what you have to do.”
“I’ll call you later.” He ended the call.
That had been abrupt, but apparently he had a squirrel emergency. Only in Tilikum.
I thought for a minute about what I wanted to do. I was all dressed up, ready to go out. Maybe my friends were free for a spontaneous girls’ night. It wouldn’t hurt to check. I sent a message to our group chat.
Me: Hi, ladies! I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go. Anyone free tonight?
Annika: I wish but the girls are both sick
Isabelle: Something must be going around because my kids are sick too
Me: Oh no! I’m so sorry. Give your sweet kiddos big hugs from Auntie Mari
I waited, hoping Audrey would be free. She didn’t have kids—yet—just dogs.
Audrey: That would be so fun but we’re having dinner with my mom
My shoulders slumped with disappointment. Even a night in with friends would have been fun. I’d have happily traded my dress and heels for an evening in yoga pants with my friends. But no such luck tonight.
Me: That’s fine, I totally understand! Have a nice evening, besties!
I put my phone down, then grabbed a tissue to wipe off my lipstick. Instead of pouting about canceled plans and busy friends, I decided to make the best of it. I could enjoy an evening in just as well as an evening out.
Ten minutes later, I was in a t-shirt and yoga pants with fuzzy slippers on my feet, a steaming mug of tea in my hand, and a good book at the ready. A hint of discontent gnawed at me, but it wasn’t because I was home. I couldn’t decide if I was disappointed that Preston had canceled, or relieved.
I wanted to be disappointed we’d missed another chance to spend time together. And I was. But as soon as I’d washed off my makeup and changed out of my dress, I’d felt a surge of relief. And that left me feeling mildly uncomfortable because I wasn’t sure what it meant.
My phone rang again as I was settling on the couch with my tea. This time, it was Zachary. And instead of sending it straight to voicemail, I hesitated.
Since I was already in a mood for self-reflection, I took notice of the way my heart jumped, and the little tug of longing and excitement at the thought of hearing his voice.
Not good.
But I’d harbored a crush on Zachary Haven—misplaced as it was—for so long. The currents of emotion I had for him ran deep.
“Hello?”
“Hey, I’m glad you answered. What are you up to?”
“Just sitting at home.”
“Yeah, me too. Do you want some company?”
I closed my eyes. An emphatic yes tried to bubble its way up my throat, but I swallowed it before it could pass my lips. I couldn’t spend an evening with Zachary. It wasn’t even about Preston. He and I weren’t exclusive. I wouldn’t be doing anything wrong.
