“That she’s still cute when she gets embarrassed.”
“Ha!” Mike’s grinned as he clapped his friend on the back.
“Watch the coffee!”
“Sorry, man. But that’s great! You told her you teased her because you thought she was cute.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Not in so many words. Aurora’s not dumb. She’ll put two and two together.”
“I … crap, you’re right. Guess I’m attracted to intelligent women.”
“See? There you go! Now I’m already married, so why don’t you try saying these things to her?” Mike unlocked the car as Duncan sighed.
“I never had this much trouble with Mariah. It was so much simpler in college.” Duncan threw his bag into the back and plopped into the passenger seat.
Mike buckled his seat belt and started the car.
“Life was simpler in college. And each relationship is different. Aurora’s always been a bit of a mystery.”
“Yeah, she was always surprising us with hidden talents.”
“Like when she brought honest-to-goodness embroidery projects and worked on them backstage.”
“Which show was that, again?”
“Oklahoma!?”
“Yeah, I remember now. It was so impressive how she could walk, sew, and have a conversation with you at the same time. She kept everything in that cute little basket on her arm.”
“Duncan, you can’t waste this opportunity. This could be your last chance.”
The red and white arm of the parking barrier lifted like a checkered flag at the start of a race.
It’s a good thing you still have that dazzling smile. It always took the edge off the pain.Did he dare risk his heart again? Or was the greater risk not taking the chance at all?
Mike turned on the radio, and the first line to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” came over the airwaves. That settled it.
“You’re right.” He was doing this.
Downtown at the Women’s Clinic, Aurora’s phone vibrated on her desk.
Duncan: Hey, I just landed. What are you doing?
Aurora: Working. Nothing exciting here.
Duncan: Skip work and get breakfast with me.
Aurora stared at her phone in shock.
Aurora: I can’t. But I’ll be free at noon. I took a half-day of vacation to help set up.
Duncan: Lunch, then?
Aurora: I can’t possibly get there until at least one o’clock.
This was out of the blue. Was he coming onto her?
