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“You okay?” he asked, looking across the street and not at her.
“I’m okay.”
“Good. I’m going to wait here with you till your ride shows up. For safety and all.”
“Right. Of course. Thank you. Aren’t you supposed to be working?”
“On break.”
He stared at the trees across the street. He crossed his arms over his chest and stretched out his legs.
She cleared her throat, talking to cover the awkwardness. “I don’t know if you know this or not,” she said, “but you’re this town’s most eligible bachelor.”
“Really?” Aiden laughed. “I’m not, but I’m flattered to hear there’s a rumor that I am.”
“You really don’t date, huh?”
“Nope,” he responded simply.
A skinny drunk guy stumbled out of the pub. “Hey, don’t I know you?” he yelled at Bex.
Aiden’s body snapped to attention and he sat forward.
She motioned for him to stand down.
“No, sir. Must have me confused with someone. I’m headed home to my husband after a girls night. Such a relief for a night out without the kids,” she shouted back with a southern twang, pretending to be someone else.
“Ah, my bad. Have a nice evenin’!” The drunk nodded and continued on his way.
Aiden looked confused but settled back into his seat. “How did you...?”
Bex laughed. “I live in New York City. That was nothing. He was nice.”
Aiden shook his head. “I don’t like it.”
“My apartment is near a bar. It happens all the time. No biggie.”
He sighed and shook his head, but didn’t comment.
“Who’s your Uber driver?” he asked finally, after an extended silence.
“Uhhh. Brian.”
Aiden nodded. “Good, he’ll get you home safe.”
“Are you saying some drivers wouldn’t?”
“No, I’m saying I know Brian and I trust him.”
He leaned his head back and relaxed, closing his eyes.
She watched him. He seemed tired and she felt guilty that this was his break. He worked too hard. Could she do anything as his friend to help? Would he let her do anything? She wished she still had permission to kiss him and wipe the serious look off his face.
“Why aren’t we together anymore?” she asked after a few minutes of silence.
“We can’t be. It’s out of our hands,” he said without opening his eyes.
“I disagree.”
