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“I’m not entirely sure, actually. My fate is in her hands tonight.” I jerk a thumb at Callie, who is pink-cheeked and bright-eyed in her wool coat.
“I’ll pick you up later,” he says, and then he’s gone.
I'm alone with Callie on the street in Midtown Manhattan. She looks up at me with those lovely blue eyes, and my chest twinges. This feels like a date. Something I haven’t done in years. Don’t think about it. I’m supposed to be living in the moment tonight, letting her lead and all that. Another thing I don’t usually do.
“Want to walk a bit?” she asks, oblivious to my inner turmoil.
“Sure.” We fall into step, heading downtown. “What made you text me tonight?”
“What made you say yes?” She gives me a sly smile.
“You first.”
“I don’t know if you’re going to like this answer.” Her tongue swipes her lips nervously.
“Try me.”
“Well. You just seem, lonely, maybe. I was thinking about you in your office working, and I thought it was terrible. Luz was the one who pushed me to text you. She said everyone deserves a night of karaoke.” She shrugs sheepishly. “Sorry if that was presumptuous. Were you at the office?”
“I was.”
“Rough.” She gives me a sympathetic look.
“It was by choice.” I shrug, but I don’t feel casual. I feel pathetic. Something I rarely feel, and I hate it. The brightness of Callie’s life makes my own feel lacking.
“You’re very driven,” she murmurs. “Do you ever rest?”
“Rest?” I scoff. “No. Why would I rest?”
She laughs softly. “That is such a you thing to say.”
“Yeah?” I flick a glance at her. Her chin is tucked into her coat and she’s smiling faintly. Warmth fills my chest at her knowledge of me. I always thought I would hate having someone presume to know me, but instead, it feels good.
“I don’t need to rest. I just survive on coffee and revenge,” she mocks, mimicking my voice.
“I can still fire you,” I say mildly.
She rolls her eyes. “You won’t. Admit it.” We wait for the light and she smiles up at me. “Say it.”
“Say what?” I raise my brows.
“Say you won’t fire me.”
“Here’s the thing, Thompson.” I step in and her eyes widen a fraction. “I like having one over on you.” I wink and start walking again, and she scurries to keep up.
“You’re very annoying. You know that, right?”
“Mmhmm. My sister says the same thing.”
“Is that why you never see her? Shit. Sorry.” Regret is written on her face. “I didn’t mean to say that. Ignore me. I can never hold my tongue.”
A laugh tears from my throat at her face scrunched up in distress. “It’s fine.” I shake my head. “I see her now and then, but my family doesn’t exactly understand my lifestyle.”
“What do you mean?” She turns the corner with purpose. I have no idea where she’s leading me, and the desire to ask is on the tip of my tongue.
“My family are regular people. They’ve never wanted more than what they have.”
“Sounds admirable.”
