What did she really think of him?
Did she really want to be friends, or had he kind of pushed her into it?
Would she want to have dinner with him sooner than the weekend after next?She’d said she was busy, but you never know…
He didn’t want to push.He really didn’t.Except he knew that one little conversation wasn’t enough.Not after ten years of wondering.
So he sent another message.
Hey, if you’re free for a non-coffee, or need any kind of meal at all, I’m available.Really happy to feed you.Or meet you somewhere.Anytime.Anywhere.It’s only been a couple of days and I miss you.
Did that make him sound desperate?Probably.Did he care?No.
Far better that she knew his feelings, that he was straightforward as she always was, even if it made him sound weak.
He cleaned up a bit, accepted a grocery delivery he’d ordered online, and figured he’d make pasta for dinner.He was halfway through making his beef ragu when his phone screen lit with a message.
Just finished my shift.Really tired.
He turned the pot down to low.
Happy to feed you if that helps.
Don’t think I’m much company.
I don’t mind.Seeing you is pleasure enough.
Not sure that’d be true.I’m a mess.
Please?
Her reply took a while to arrive, so he prayed for her.
The fact she hadn’t given him an outright no had to mean that she must want to see him too.Even if only a little bit.Honest Gen would just tell him outright if she didn’t want to see him.
Fine.But I can only meet for an hour or so.I need to sleep before my shift tomorrow.
I’ll take it.Want to meet at the café again or come to my place?
Where are you?
He shared the location, partway between Belltown and Pike Place.
I’ll meet you out the front.Just let me know when you’re on your way.
On my way.
He smiled.The hospital was less than twenty minutes away, which meant he should finish this meal and turn off the stove.Ten minutes later he was exiting the elevator, anticipation riding high at the thought of seeing her again.
He paced outside the building, then saw her walking down the sidewalk.It was hard not to run toward her, and sweep her up in a hug.Especially when she looked so weary and like she could do with one.
“Hey you.”
She glanced up, eyes widening.“Kyle.”
“Gen.”
Her lips tweaked.“I still don’t know why I’m here.”
