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It makes a face and goes back to brushing its teeth.
When I wake up, I’m so disappointed that he’s not there. I can't help but feel a bit pathetic. I have a message from Trish telling me the girls are trying to pick a date we can all go out. I call her, but she doesn’t answer.
“Hi, it’s me. I’ll check my work schedule and let you know. Can’t wait.”
I sit at my kitchen table, nursing my morning drink and hoping she’ll call back. When she doesn’t, I assume she’s too busy at work to talk. It’s a shame, as I’m kind of bursting to tell someone, anyone, about Renxel. On my walk to the inn, I practice the imaginary conversation in my head.
I’m seeing someone.
Who? Is it serious?
Not that serious, not yet. But…
What?
He did introduce me to his parents.
Then it is serious! Tell me everything.
There’s plenty to keep me busy at work. Every time someone walks in the front door or comes down from the guest rooms, my heart soars, hoping that it’s Renxel.
Trish finally manages to escape the bar for half a minute. “I think we have it narrowed down to two dates, but they are in a couple of weeks.”
I check my calendar. “Both look good. I’ll block both off.”
“Cool, I gotta get back to work. It’s crazy here today.”
“Is it just the girls or can we bring someone? Trish?”
She’s already halfway across the lobby and can’t hear me. Probably for the best. It might just be a girls’ night.
I really want to introduce him to my friends, though. He introduced me to his parents, and my friends are all the family I’ve got. It seems like a logical step.
There’s less than an hour left on my shift when I finally see him through the window, coming up to the door. I race back to my spot behind the front desk and pretend to be busy looking at the comm-pad. I don’t look up until I hear the door open. He walks in, looking at the floor.
It’s like he’s still on the mountain,I think fondly. There, you always have to be looking where you place your feet. Safety first.
“Hi.”
He looks up slowly.
“How was the climb? Were you happy with your time?”
“Sure,” he says indifferently.
He takes a couple of steps towards the hall. I come out from behind the desk to greet him more affectionately. I look in every direction, aware I am still at work, and confirm that the coast is clear. But when I get close to him, he puts his hand out, warding me off.
“I’m pretty gross. I need a shower.”
I don’t mind, but he takes another step away from me.
“Wait,” I call. He turns back. “I have to ask you something.”
“Okay.”
He doesn’t sound thrilled about it.He probably had a terrible training session,I think. He just needs to shake it off. I probably should let him do that.
I don’t. The words tumble out of my mouth.
