I rolled my eyes, pulling the note loose:
Something told me that you would really hate getting violets but I just couldn’t resist. I hope these are more to your liking. I had a lot of fun last week, I’d like to do it again some time.
– Officer O’Neill (maybe someday Chris)
A hintof a smile appeared on my lips. Okay, maybe he wasn’t the worst ever. If my dream was any indication, I did need to getlaid. And Officer O’Neill might not be the worst distraction from Avalanche—who’d been ignoring me since he weaselled his way back into my good graces.
Well, ignoring-adjacent. He still called here and there but he was acting weird, distant.
Maybe Eva was right, I didn’t need to trust O’Neill. I could leave my villain phone at home and never invite him over to my place. Weave was already doing regular bug sweeps of my apartment, I could just ask him for the equipment and do it myself.
I opened my left-hand drawer. His business card was still sitting on top of some paperwork. I picked it up, twirling it between my fingers. It couldn’t hurt to call. I should at least say thank you, it would be rude of me not to.
I dialled his number into the hospital landline.
He picked up in the middle of the first ring. “O’Neill.”
“Officer O’Neill.”
“Miss Hayes, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?”
I could hear the smile in his voice.
“I was calling to let you know I hate violets; they’re overused and cliché. But the roses are nice, so I guess now I’m calling to thank you.”
“I’m glad you like them, and I’m glad you called.”
“Are you?” I leaned back in my chair feeling my own smile grow. “Why is that?”
“It gives me an excuse to ask what you’re doing tonight.”
“I have a hot date with a bubble bath, a book, and a glass of sangria. Why? Did you have something else in mind?”
“I don’t think I can compete with that.Buthow would you feel about a steakhouse and a pitcher of sangria? You can even bring your book and completely ignore me. Does that sound appealing?”
“Hm… And you’re paying even if I don’t talk to you all night?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“No dumbass excuses this time?”
“No chance. I’ll walk all the way there if I have to.”
“You have yourself a deal Officer O’Neill.”
There was a brief moment of dead air before his breathy voice came back on the line.
“Excellent, Miss Hayes. Can I pick you up at 6?”
“I’ll meet you there at 6. The one on 65th?”
“Sounds like a plan to me. I’ll see you then, Miss Hayes.”
An hour later,Maddy came bouncing into my office this time.
“You’re a popular lady, V. Another bouquet arrived for you at reception.”
My red-headed friend held up a collection of dark-blue and white roses with light-blue accents. They were absolutely beautiful and so much more me.
