Page 20 of Why Not Both?

I take the backpack and set it on the floor by my feet. “You didn’t have to bring it today. There was no rush.”

“I wanted to. You said it was your favourite. I’d never really intended on keeping it.”

I wish she had. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to wear it again.

“Well thanks. You got everything you need for today?”

Her eyes light with excitement at the thought of the upcoming event. “Yeah. It’s just a corporate lunch. And the staff seemed excited to work. So, I’m sure it’ll go great.”

“Absolutely. You’ll be amazing. But if you need anything, just send a text. I’m only down the hall.”

She smiles, finally a genuine smile again that’s just for me. The first one I’ve seen from her since Sunday morning—other than when she was grinning like a fool because of her kitchen. My heart hurts and I resist the urge to rub my chest.

“You think you can keep up with me in the kitchen?”

“Fuck no. But I take direction pretty well.”

Her gaze drops from mine and her cheeks flush pink. I wonder if she’s remembering the directions she’d given me Saturday night, because I sure as hell am. I hadn’t meant to reference it, but there it is, sitting between us.

“Anyway,” she says, clearing her throat. “I better get to it.”

I nod and when she leaves, I get up and close my door. We almost never close the office doors at Blue Vista, but I need a second to myself. I unzip the backpack and inside, neatly folded, are my t-shirt and hoodie. I pull out one and then the other, smelling them, inhaling the scent that has clung to my sheets for the past two nights. The smell of her and me together.

I shove the clothes back into the backpack and then stride out of my office into Vic’s, flopping into a chair.

“This is the worst day of my life.”

She doesn’t look up from her computer when she says, “Two days ago, you said it was the best day of your life.”

“I stand by both statements.”

“And both statements are about the same woman?”

“Yes. Do you know what it’s like to hold perfection in your arms, Vic?”

She stops what she’s doing and slides her gaze over to me. I can see her considering. Finally, she says, “No.” Then she sighs. “Maybe she’ll change her mind.”

“A man can dream.”

“And in the meantime, you guys can be friends like you and me or you and Adalie.”

“No offense, but I don’t have any desire to fuck you or Adalie.”

“Good. Keep it that way.” She turns back to her computer, typing something.

“That friend idea isn’t a bad one, though. We had a lot of fun together Sunday morning. We made up this game—”

“You told me already,” she interrupts. “Back on the best day of your life.”

“Right. Hey. Where were you Saturday night? I know I’ve been a bit preoccupied, but I noticed you didn’t come home.”

She lifts one shoulder in a shrug. “You had company, so I made myself scarce.”

“You didn’t have to do that. It’s your place.”

“You pay rent. It’s your place, too.” She continues typing.

“You didn’t stay here, did you? The couch in the staff lounge is not the most comfortable of places to sleep. Trust me, I know.”

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