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"Don't ask," my father said. "She could live somewhere nice, but that's my Kate. Independent to a fault."
"Daddy," I said, frowning. A nice moment between us was ruined. "I have a perfectly fine apartment." I turned to Drake. "I'm sure it's out of your way. I can catch a cab. But thank you."
"I insist," Drake said. "I won't take no for an answer."
I sighed and my father kissed me this time and we were off. Drake opened the door and he and Dave escorted me into the elevator. Dave offered me his arm as did Drake. I didn't want to encourage Dave, but I also didn't want to pick Drake. Instead, I took both their shoulders and limped inside.
"So, Katherine," Drake said, as we went down to the garage. "You should watch those cuts, make sure they don't become infected. If they do, you can go to a clinic to have them cleaned."
"Thank you," I said. "My best friend is a nurse, so I'll get her to check."
"Where does she work?"
"Harlem," I replied. "She's doing her Master's right now and only works part-time."
He nodded. When the elevator opened, he very purposely took my arm to help me walk. I initially resisted, but finally gave in when he kept hold of me. As we walked through the garage, I held onto his shoulder to take the weight off my ankle. When we arrived at his car, a shiny black Mercedes, I thought it seemed perfect for him, sleek and expensive. Drake held the door for me and I got inside.
"Where do you live?"
I gave him directions and we drove through the streets north and west to Harlem. Dave turned and glanced back at me from the front seat.
"So Kate, do you feel like going out for a drink? I'm still up for some fun tonight."
"I don't think so…"
"Come on, live a little. I've been trying to get you to go out with me for a long time. Why not tonight? Muse is just around the corner from your place. We could have a drink and something to eat."
I shook my head and caught Drake's eye in the rearview mirror. He was frowning a bit.
"I don't think so," I said. "I have class tomorrow early…"
"Kate, you are just such a mean woman," Dave said, laughing. He turned to Drake. "See what I mean? Turned down again!"
"Maybe you should take a strong hint," Drake said, his voice low, sounding a bit impatient.
Dave made a face and turned back to me. "No offense meant, Kate."
I shook my head, my cheeks heating. "No offense taken." I forced a smile but saw Drake watching me in the rearview.
Still, Dave didn't give up. "One of these days, you will have to go out with me, Kate. Live a little. Nigel told me you've been practically a hermit for the last two years."
"Final year of classes before I write my thesis," I said. "I've been working hard trying to keep my grades up."
We drove up to my apartment and I was never so glad to be able to get out of a car, feeling like Dave was totally ignoring Drake's not so subtle warning to leave me be. Dave hopped out when the car stopped and opened my door.
Drake got out of his door and watched as Dave walked me up the stairs to the front entrance.
"Good night, Kate," Dave said when we reached the door. "Call me about that interview."
"I will," I said, regretting that I agreed to it. No doubt he'd take the opportunity to hit on me once more. I turned back to the car where Drake stood watching us. I smiled at him. "Thank you for the ride. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to finally meet you," he said and smiled back. "Take care of those knees. If you have any problems, feel free to call me."
I turned and went inside.
Once I was in my apartment and had my coat off, I calle
d Dawn.
