Page 15 of A Little Light

“Nathan is studying medicine. He’s going to be a doctor. My sister has raised those boys single-handedly. I really couldn’t be any more proud of her. Or them.”

“Single mothers really are the heroes of society. And single fathers, too. My dad raised me and my sister alone.”

“I think that anyone who can raise children alone is incredible. Whatever the gender, it really doesn’t matter.”

Andi’s soft eyes shone against the low light in the bar. Rachel was getting herself into trouble here. She knew it. She could feel it in the atmosphere between them. “Andi, can I ask you something?”

Andi nodded, then lifted her beer and sipped. “Sure. Ask away.”

“Why did you text me tonight?” Rachel watched on as Andi lowered her eyes, twisting her stein on the table.

“Company.” She scoffed, seemingly embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I’m sure you’d rather be at home. You’ve been working all night.”

Rachel instinctively reached out a hand, placing it over Andi’s. “No. That’s not what I’m worried about. If you want company, then I’m happy to be here. But…did you have something else in mind, too?”

Andi’s brows drew together. “Something else in mind?”

“I’m an escort, Andi. I just want to be on the same page here, that’s all.”

“Okay, you’ve totally lost me.”

Rachel cleared her throat as she leaned in a little. “Is that what this is? Do you…need an escort?”

Andi seemed taken aback by that, but as Rachel allowed her suggestion to sink in, she understood why. Andi wasn’t client material. No way.

“I…no.” Andi tugged her hand out from under Rachel’s, quite clearly offended. “Is that what you think?”

“No, and I’m sorry I even said it. It’s just that I don’t know why I’m here. You’re great, and I love spending time with you, but the only time I spend the evening with women is when I’m being paid by them.”

Andi nodded slowly. “So, you want me to pay you to be here? I see.”

“No. Again, that’s not what I’m saying.” Rachel was fucking this all up. God, no wonder she was single. “What I mean is that I’m not usually invited to bars during Christmas to hang out with someone like you. Someone who invited me without some kind of ulterior motive.”

“I’m sorry that’s been your experience in the past.”

Rachel exhaled a breath when Andi appeared to relax. “It comes with the job. It’s fine.”

“Rachel, I’m not looking for an escort. I understand if that’s what you’d prefer this to be, but I can’t do that. I invited you because you’re you. I love spending time with you, too.”

“Then that’s all I need to know. No need to discuss it further.” Rachel lifted a hand, smiling. “I’m sorry that we got our wires crossed. This just doesn’t happen to me, that’s all.”

“Then expect me to invite you out in a non-escort capacity more often. You shouldn’t only have the opportunity to do this when you’re working. How are you supposed to have friends and a social life?”

“Well, I don’t. I have friends at the agency and my best friend from when I was in my teens, but I don’t really socialise with people outside of my job. That’s why I had to ask—because I prefer this. This is far nicer than forced conversation with someone I don’t know.”

“Same time again one day next week?” Andi lifted a brow, a sweet smile spread on her lips.

“Yes. I’d love to.”

* * *

Andi slid out from behind the table at Bar Hütte, sad that this evening was ending. Of course, she was looking forward to dinner with Rachel on Friday, but she’d really enjoyed this spontaneous night out. Sometimes, the unplanned nights were the best nights. There was nothing worse than weeks of planning, only for the night to be entirely boring.

“So, which way are you?” Rachel asked as they left the bar together.

“I’m just out of town. Only ten minutes in a cab. Usually, I’d have the loft to stroll back to, but, you know.” Andi smiled weakly, focusing on the bright lights of the city. “You?”

“Just outside the city, too. Can I…walk with you to the taxi rank?”

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