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She shrugged. “It’s not a big deal. Let’s move on.”
He swallowed again. Maybe she wasn’t mad, but she simply didn’t want a relationship with him. He could have misread the situation entirely. After all, she said it was a kiss and nothing more. His heart sank, and the hot air balloon surrounding him died.
“Well,” he said, swallowing his pride, “your show is a week from Friday. Will that work?”
She nodded.
“Do you have all your pieces?”
“Yes.”
He could have done this over the phone, text, or email, but he longed to be with her. Not calling her was one of the hardest things he’d done in life, but maybe it was for the best. It appeared Suzy didn’t want a relationship with him.
“Just one other thing,” he said. "I promised Vivian I would invite you to a Thursday paint night. She wants us to go and says it’s important to her, but I understand if you’re busy or don’t want to.”
She took a deep breath. “As long as we go as acquaintances and nothing more.”
“I’d like to be friends, at least.”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “That doesn’t work for me.”
He hated her answer, but there was nothing left to say. Suzy made her position crystal clear.
“Okay,” he mumbled.
“Fine, text me the address, and I’ll meet you there. If there’s nothing else, I should leave.”
“Why don't I pick you up?" He gazed at her. "It's the least I can do?"
"Fine. Anything else?"
We covered everything,” he said.
“I’ll see you Thursday.”
She stood and walked out of the restaurant without even a backward glance. His heart sank. How could he have thought she wanted a relationship with him? What a fool he was.
He felt suckered punch. He should never have let her close to him.
***
The bright sun stung her eyes, along with her unshed tears. He tried to apologize, but her hurt and pride prevented her from accepting it.
He seemed to feel bad about not calling. Had she done the right thing? She cut him off before he could hurt her again. To be fair, she kissed him and insisted it was nothing more.
She groaned. “Why is love so complicated?”
“Are you asking me?” said a man by her. “Or the universe?”
She flushed. She hadn’t even seen him standing near her. He was an older gentleman wearing a sharp business suit. In one of his hands was a cane, and in the other a folded newspaper.
“Because if you want my opinion, I will tell you?” He smiled at her as he waited for her reply. “Let’s just say I am an old man and know a thing or two about love.”
“Dad,” called a woman from a gold Lexus. “We need to leave. Mom will be waiting for us.”
“But I was just about to tell this young lady my opinion.”
The woman flashed her a smile. “I’m sure she’ll be just fine.”
