“Can’t get better if you never play!”
I show off my pathetic bowling skills again this evening, but my friends are more captivated by my account of fainting.
“I already texted you about this,” I whine as I sit back down after yet another strike out.
“Abby, holy crap, listening to you tell it in person, though.Wow!He sounds amazing and you’re totally smitten with him,” Alona says before she stands up to take her turn.
I groan as I watch her walk away, and Dinah gives me a side squeeze.
“She’s not wrong, Abs.”
“I am starting a new business.”
“Yup, you sure are.But it’s not all of you.Seriously, if you think this could be something, please don’t ignore it just because you have a busy life.”
Dinah gives me a knowing smile and clicks her beer bottle against mine.We both take a sip.
* * *
Monday is the first day of October, and the weather doesn’t disappoint.A cold snap came during the night and promises to stay through the weekend.I happily throw on a sweater and beanie to wear with my jeans and boots.Checking in with Chase, I grab a coffee to go, and head to the Bruin Brothers Construction offices.
Their secretary walks me into the conference room where Bernie is talking on his cell.He gets off when he sees me and shakes my hand enthusiastically.
“I absolutely love your work and am happy to keep this relationship going.I have to run.Sorry.Something came up for our boutique hotel job.But you’ll be good in B’s hands.We’ll talk soon.Seriously, fantastic work!”
I watch him rush out the door before turning to Barrett, who stands before me in a turtleneck sweater that I want to rip off of his body.
But, instead, I say hello.
“How are you feeling?”he asks.
“Oh, fine.You mean from the other day?Totally fine.Thank you for asking.”
“Good, that’s good,” he says, shuffling his feet slightly.“I meant to text, but I also didn’t want to cross any boundaries or whatever.”
His awkward cuteness is doing me in.
“Hey, how about we get business out of the way?Then, after, I have something I’d like to suggest.”
“Uh, sure.”
Barrett sits down, looking unsure, and we discuss the contract.I am happy to keep it the way it was with Bill and so is he.The business chat doesn’t take long at all.
“So, uh, what’s your suggestion?”
“Well, you were amazing the other day.No, seriously, yes you were.I wasn't kidding about you being my hero.And I feel like I haven’t properly thanked you.I was thinking maybe I could cook you a nice homemade dinner?Maybe this Friday or Saturday?My place?”
I watch Barrett’s expression as he processes my offer.I swear I notice heat flicker past his eyes at one point.
“That sounds pretty great, actually.Sure.I’ll bring the wine.”
* * *
My place smells amazing.The roast in the oven is close to done and I am chopping up vegetables for the side dish when there’s a knock at my door.
“Hi there, come in.Wow, it’s cold out there,” I say as I let Barrett into my place.
“It smells like rain, too.”
