His tone is off. I’m not sure what I said.
I grin, trying to lighten things. “It’s nice of you to use your powers for good.”
He frowns, still seeming put off. “What do you mean?”
I pull the coffee beans out of the cupboard and measure them into the grinder. “You know... you’ve dated alot—probably all kinds of different women—and in this case, it paid off.” I glance over at him and see that his frown has deepened. “What?”
“That’s not what I do,” he says, like he’s trying to make sense of my comment.
I laugh. “Miles, you go out with women all the time.”
“Not as often as you think,” he says.
“But enough,” I say, confused. Does he not want to admit this? What am I missing? “You tell them you’re not looking for anything serious. They inevitably think they can change you. You spend some time with them and, I don’t know, just move on after a while. Right? You told me yourself you’re not interested in long-term stuff.” I chuckle, but the mood has gone sour. He’s back to leaning on the counter. He’s gone from casual to rigid, the frown still firmly in place.
I freeze. “What? What did I say?”
“Uh, nothing. Just your take on me is... interesting.”
I set the coffee beans down. “Miles. Come on. You’re anti-relationship but not anti-dating. It’s pretty easy to fill in the blanks.”
He nods slowly, considering.
I look at the coffee on the counter, then back at him. “Wait, did you want to go on a coffee walk?”
He pushes himself up to standing and shoves his hands in his pockets. “Uh, no. I actually have some work to do today. The playground project—it needs a little oversight.”
“I’d love to see it,” I say. “Just, you know, whenever.”
“Yep.” He starts for the door, and before I can say anything, he’s opened it and walked out.
Chapter 22
Duffy and I agreed to meet at the entrance of the zoo.
It’s early May, and Chicago weather is showing off her sunny side, so I decide to walk. On the way, I try to think of conversation starters for this date, but “What made you want to become a dentist?” or “Why in the world are you watching Lorraine on YouTube?” are the only questions that pop into my head.
Two questions and Miles, who seems to have taken up permanent space there.
I still don’t know exactly what I said that rubbed him the wrong way. I was only saying things that he’s said himself.
Right?
So maybe I filled in a few blanks where Miles’s love life is concerned, but it’s only with things I’ve actually seen.
The real issue is that there are actual feelings there. On my part.
About him.
What am I supposed to do with those?
Stop dwelling, Claire. Think of Duffy. He probably has great teeth.
Plus, I’ve been wanting to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo since I moved here. I used to love taking Minnie to the one in Denver when she was little, and I haven’t been to a zoo in years.
I spot Duffy standing at the entrance, recognizing him from his photo. When he looks at me, I wave.
His wave back is enthusiastic. He grins wide and starts walking in my direction. He’s taller than I expected—clean shaven and preppy.
