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“You said you needed it so you could get the dates sent out,” she explains.
“Yes, but this is one of those things that makes sense to be digital.” I set the sheets on top of the cookie box and flip one open. She’s printed off a spreadsheet of names, addresses, and emails.
“Oh, sure, I will email it to you. But I thought, well, just didn’t want to show up empty-handed after standing you and Theo up for lunch.” She laughs nervously.
“Don’t worry about it, Nora. I got the budget sheet finally filled out. My lunch accomplished something.” I try to assure her. If only it accomplished me officially wanting to get to know her brother more.
“Great, well, I better let you get back to work.” She turns to leave the small meeting room. I follow behind her, still a little confused as to why she showed up.
“Are you dating anyone?” she blurts out as she steps toward the door.
I wasn’t expecting her question, so I stammer a bit. “Uh, yes, kinda. I’m seeing someone, but it’s casual.”
She grins. “So it’s not serious?”
“Oh no, dear, it’s not serious at all. I would be willing to guess she doesn’t even remember the man’s name,” Ruth says from somewhere behind me. I fight an eye roll. She doesn’t ever remember Alan’s name. Her problem, not mine.
Nora giggles.
“Ruth,” I hiss. “Really?”
“Hi, I’m Ruth, and you must be Nora Abbot.” She holds her hand out to Nora and they shake.
“So what you’re saying, Ruth, is that Cassie is pretty much single?” she asks and I huff.
“My goodness,” I mutter.
“Exactly what I’m saying. Speaking of which, do you have a moment? I’d like to pick your brain about something,” Ruth asks Nora and I’m immediately suspicious.
“Oh, of course,” Nora replies happily.
Ruth beckons Nora back toward the Crazy for You room we just exited.
“What are you up to, Ruth?” I flat-out ask.
And Ruth, with that devilish grin, looks over her shoulder at me and says, “Oh, don’t you worry about it, darling, you just go back to thinking about that boring, no-name man you claim you’re dating.” And she winks. Freaking winks at me.
It takes everything in me not to stomp my foot and let out a retort, so I narrow my eyes at their retreating backs and turn on my heel and flee upstairs to my office.
At least I can stuff my face with a snickers brownie cookie while I contemplate all the confusing conversations I’ve had today.
Chapter 8
CALL ME CYNICAL
THEO
Of courseI arrive at the restaurant before Charlie. He’s perpetually late. I look down at my phone to make sure I’m here at the correct time and place, and yup, his text says seven thirty at Harry & Izzy’s. He flew into town this morning for business again, and while I admit I enjoy seeing my best friend, him being late is obnoxious. I could be at home right now, actually relaxing, but no, I’m here, waiting.
Who am I kidding? I’d still be at the office if I hadn’t had plans tonight. The Fourth of July holiday earlier this week caused my office to fall behind with the extra day off. It just means more work for me. While I push for the company to obtain a healthy work-life balance, I myself do not follow that code.
“Oh, man, sorry for being late,” Charlie says from next to me as he joins me at our two-top near the bar.
“You’re not,” I grumble.
“Fine, you’re right. I purposely waited around in the hotel lobby bar just to make you squirm with annoyance that I made you wait,” he tells me as he takes a seat.
“I can’t tell if you’re serious or not.” I tease
