Page 78 of Pulled Away

“No reason.” Giving her a half-smile, I straighten. “Another time then.”

Trying hard, and failing spectacularly, not to feel sorry for myself, I make my way to the stockroom. I enjoy having my own space, but sometimes the quiet gets to me. It gives me too much time to think.

I’ve been out of sorts since seeing Ryan at the gallery. Almost as if I’m in some kind of recovery program and I’ve been set back a couple of steps. So I’ve tried keeping busy, but there are only so many shifts I can pick up at the Silver Stiletto. Technically, I don’t need to work there anymore, as the rent Kallan’s charging is ridiculously low. But like I said, it keeps me busy, and it adds to my savings.

I’m busy cross-checking our stock of antibiotics against our inventory list when my phone chirps. For some unfathomable reason, Tuesdays are always a slow day at the clinic, so I always take advantage of that, checking that we’re not running out of supplies.

Pulling it out of my coat pocket, my lips tip up in a smile.

Derick: You don’t happen to be free on Saturday night?

Biting my lip, I ponder my response. We’ve exchanged a few messages since the night at the gallery, but we haven’t been able to firm up a date. Seems the man is as busy as I am. Is this the universe telling me I should throw caution to the wind and just go for it?

From the few interactions we’ve had, I can tell I’ll have a good time with him. I’m not sure if I’m ready for something more than friendship, and only time will tell if there’s potential for more. But for now, I’m willing to start as friends.

Aspen: As a matter of fact, I am

Derick: Can I pick you up?

Aspen: I’ll meet you there. Where is there? Do you have anything in mind?

Derick: No. As long as there’s food and drinks that make you happy

Aspen: Frosty Frogs. Eight?

Derick: It’s a date

Derick: I mean not a date, date. A time and place where two people meet to get to know each other better

Aspen: Smartass

Feeling a lot better now that I have plans, I pick up the clipboard, humming, while I continue to count.

Maybe I shouldn’t have picked Frosty’s, I think as I battle my way to the bar. It’s packed, the noise levels deafening. Which is not ideal when you’re trying to get to know someone. I shouldn’t be surprised at how busy it is. We’re fully into fall, and everyone’s taking advantage of the good weather before the first snowfall.

“You made it.” Derick smiles at me, his dimple popping out.

Sliding on the barstool he kept open for me, I return his smile. “Of course. I said I was coming.”

Proving my thoughts on the noise, he leans in close enough for his lips to brush my ear. “What can I get you?”

“A beer will be fine.”

While he’s trying to get the bartender’s attention, I use his distraction to take him in. He looks just as good in jeans and a white button-down as he did in the tux.

His dark stubble accentuates his jawline, giving him a rugged and masculine look. Ryan prefers a smoother look, forgoing shaving every day only when he’s on holiday. Not that having a smooth face makes him look less masculine…

Stop it, I chastise myself. There will be no comparing to Ryan tonight. Not tonight. Not ever. Shaking my head in irritation, I let my eyes wander and they stop when they land on Maya, who’s frozen, staring at me like a deer in headlights.

Giving her a quizzical smile, I watch as she hesitates for a second before walking up to me.

“Aspen! What are you doing here?” she says, her voice higher pitched than usual, her eyes darting around. She seems shifty, but then it’s busy, so I’m sure she’s run ragged.

I frown because I didn’t miss the way her eyes shot to Derick, so I think it’s quite obvious. “Meeting a friend for drinks. I didn’t think to book a table. Is our booth available?”

“It’s ah…” She licks her lips, swallowing. “It’s actually not.” The smile she gives me looks more like a grimace.

“Oh, really? Who’s here tonight?”

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