Page 49 of A Little Light

Hi. I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner tonight if you’re free? Andi.

Andi lowered her phone to the table, puffing out her cheeks. “She’s probably working.”

“You didn’t say what it is that she does…”

Oh. Shit. Would Rachel want Andi to tell people that she was an escort? While Andi had no issue with it, she wasn’t sure what the lay of the land was when it came to that discussion. Think! “She’s like a therapist.”

Sally lifted a hand. “Wait! She’s not your therapist, is she?”

“I…don’t have a therapist, Sal.”

“Okay, okay. I didn’t know if you’d booked yourself one and then kind of fallen for her, you know?” Sally offered an uncertain smile. “You never know these days.”

“She’s not my therapist. Don’t worry.”

Andi’s phone lit up on the table, her stomach flipping as she stared at the screen.

Hey. I’m sorry but I’m working tonight. Maybe some other time?

Sure. I had a feeling you might be unavailable. Let me know when you’re free and we can make some plans.

Disappointed, Andi locked her phone and placed it on the couch to the side of her. She wouldn’t show that disappointment to Sally—it wasn’t the end of the world—but she had secretly hoped she would see Rachel sooner rather than later. “She’s working. We’re going to arrange something for another time.”

Her phone lit up again.

Definitely. Thank you for the perfect evening last night.

Andi smiled at that. Rachel had enjoyed herself, and that was what mattered most.

You’re welcome. Thank you for being the perfect plus one.

Andi’s disappointment had been replaced with a tingling sensation throughout her body. Rachel often made her feel that way, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on why. Perhaps it was because something new and exciting was coming into her life, or maybe it was just who Rachel was. There was no denying that she had some kind of pull when it came to Andi.

“At least you’re arranging something with one another.” Sally got to her feet and looked down at Andi. “Another coffee?”

“Go on then. I don’t have anywhere to be anytime soon.” Andi exhaled a contented sigh when Sally left the table. As she opened her handbag to put her phone away, she found a message waiting for her on the screen.

I’ve managed to switch a client around. Does 7 work for you tonight?

Andi’s brows rose with surprise. Rachel had changed her work plans for her?

Don’t go out of your way to change clients. I can see you when you’re not busy.

Too late. And if I’m being honest, I wanted to see you anyway. So, 7?

With that sensation fizzing throughout her body once more, Andi grinned and responded.

7 is perfect. Looking forward to it!

* * *

Rachel stepped through Andi’s garden gate, a bunch of flowers tucked under her arm and a bottle of wine grasped in her hand. She wasn’t sure flowers and wine was the right way to go about this, dating wasn’t Rachel’s specialist subject, but flowers and wine were always appreciated. Right?

She cleared her throat and knocked on the door, checking she didn’t have any creases in her dress. She’d rushed here in a cab after finishing with a client, and if anything, she felt under-prepared. It had only been a two-hour cocktail booking, and it really had been a beautiful evening, but she just felt out of sorts. Unsure of what this even was.

Before she had time to think about it, the door opened, and Andi stood staring back at her. “Hi. You look…wow.” Andi checked herself out, wrinkling her nose. “I didn’t realise it was that kind of date.”

“I’ve come straight from work, sorry. I didn’t have time to go home and change.”

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