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But something about Piper ignites an inability to back down when I’d defer with anyone else.
Icaremore, I guess. And that’s stupid and dangerous—for a whole bunch of reasons. Mostly because I’m sure she doesn’t give a damn about my opinion.
The apology hangs too long between us. It gives me the space to reflect on the last time I spoke those words. I wish I’d said them more often because the last thing I want to be doing right now is recalling standing in a cemetery.
“It’s fine,” Piper finally responds, jarring me back into the present.
There’s an awkwardness hanging between us that tells me she was anticipating my apology about as much as I was planning to make one.
“There’s a bar in town. Wagon Wheel, it’s called.” I sound nervous, and I feel uncomfortable.
I bite the inside of my cheek, welcoming the burst of pain.
She’s here for herjob, which has been well-established, and I sound like an awkward teenager, asking her out on a date.
“Charming name.” Piper closes her computer, shifting her full attention to me.
My anxiety increases.
“I’m headed there with some friends tonight. You can come, if you want.”
“What a heartfelt invitation. I’ll pass.”
Amusement and annoyance war within me. Why did the label have to sendher?
“Let me rephrase. Please come, Piper.”
Blue fixes me in place. I’ve been unable to figure out exactly what shade her eyes really are. Sometimes, they look light. Other times, they’re dark. Right now, they’re confused.
“Going to a bar with awork assignmentisn’t very professional.”
Nothing between me and Piper haseverfelt professional, but I decide pointing that out isn’t necessary.
So, I change tactics since I do feel badly about earlier, and going out while she sits here, alone in a town where she knows no one, has the same gut-punch effect as watching her search the kitchen for vegetarian options did.
“You’re here to convince me to sign a new contract, right?”
Hesitantly, Piper nods. She’s wary of walking into a trap.
“Is that more likely to happen here while you’re sitting all alone in your room like you’re grounded or at the bar where I also happen to be?”
“According to you, it’s not likely to happenanywhere.”
I smile because something about her petulant tone compels it. “Offer stands. I’m heating up leftover lasagna. You want any?”
She fumbles for her phone, glancing at the time. “Oh. I didn’t realize it had gotten so late.”
“You doing work?”
Piper shrugs, tapping her fingers on the smooth metal of her laptop. She’s painted her nails since this morning—a light shade of pink that catches my attention despite their subtle color.
“It’s Saturday night. Carl can’t really expect you to be working?”
No clue why I’m pushing down this path. Work should be thelastsubject I bring up with her.
“I don’t know what the hell Carl expects.”
Piper slides off the bed and stretches. Then pulls her hair into a ponytail, which tugs her shirt up. It’s a challenge to keep my eyes on her face. They want to roam. Explore.
