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What?Asher shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Your…business?”
“Yes, haven’t I told you? Because I have so many cats, they shed fur all the time. But I use that fur to make and then sell items. I have an online store, and it’s doing really well!”
Asher’s heart dropped to his toes.This is definitely not going to work out.
“I can show you some of this stuff, if you like?” Gabby’s key hovered by the door. “I’ve got a few things still inside, although they do sell quickly.”
“What sort of stuff do you make?”Why am I asking?
Gabby’s eyes brightened. “Hats, scarves, bags, and Christmas decorations. It’s a little early for Christmas, but you’d be surprised that those items sell all year. I could always make you a Christmas hat, if you would like?” A slightly coy smile curled her lips, and Asher cleared his throat, suddenly uncomfortable.
“I think we might have to skip the ice cream.”
Her smile cracked, and her eyes widened. “Why? If this is because of my business, then I’ll have you know it’s how I make a living! I know it’s a little strange, but—”
“Gabby, I’m allergic to cats.”
Her mouth remained half open for a few seconds, and then she covered her mouth with her hand, looking away.
“This would explain the sneezing,” Asher told her as Gabby dropped her hand to her side and turned her head to face him.
“Well, that’s sweet of you to say, at least…but I’m sorry this isn’t going to work out for us. You can’t be around cats, which means I can’t be around you.”
“I’m sorry about that.” A small nudge of guilt shoved against Asher’s heart, but he ignored it, disliking the fact that he actually felt relieved. There was nothing wrong with Gabby; she was really sweet and kind, and they’d had a good time over dinner. But still, there was only a place for Willow in his heart.
“I guess I’ll be staying in, then.” Gabby raised a hand goodbye. “I won’t ask you to come closer. Thank you for dinner. I had fun.”
“Me too.” Waving, Asher turned around and headed toward the street where his car was parked. Glancing at his watch, he bit his lip for a second. He could go to Meredith’s party for a little while.
The thought of seeing Willow sent a thrill up his spine, and Asher grinned to himself.
* * *
“Willow?”
The music was so loud that Willow didn’t turn around when Asher called to her.
“Willow!” Reaching out, he tapped her on the shoulder. When Willow finally turned, her eyes flared wide, and she did nothing but stare at him for a few seconds before throwing her arms around his neck. Her squeal of delight filled his ears, and Asher grinned.
“You came! I can’t believe this!” Pulling back, but with her arms still around his neck, Willow looked up into his eyes. “What happened? I thought you had a date.”
“Ididhave a date, but I had to end it. There was someone else.”
Willow stared at him, her smile dropping. “Someone else? Asher, I’m so sorry!”
“Don’t be. It wasn’t a person.” Seeing her eyebrows knot together, he laughed. “She has ten cats, Willow.”
“Oh!” Willow clapped one hand over her mouth.
“Exactly.”
Shaking her head, she pulled her hand away. “Ten? Are you sure she said ten?”
“Oh, yeah, I’m sure. Plus, she has a small business going where she makes things from their fur. It’s probably better not to ask.”
The corner of Willow’s lips edged up. “I don’t think I want to. Although I am sorry that the date ended, especially if you liked her.”
Shrugging, Asher lifted his hands for a second. “Let’s just say I’m not too upset about it. She was nice, sure, but I’m allergic to cats…and well, it was just a little too weird for me. And not the good kind of weird.”
