Page 32 of Royally Drawn

Iknew I needed to apologise to Ingrid. She deserved better than what I gave her. Why must it be so hard? Why did we have to worry about any of this? She warranted much more than my limited inaction. My impulse was always to defend a person I cared about. If anything, past girlfriends got annoyed at it. But with Ingrid, I could do little.

However, as Nate pointed out, I couldtexther and grovel a bit.

ME

I’m so sorry. I wish I could have done something.

Lars will calm down

INGRID

Will he? He’s acting like an ass

ME

He’s upset.

You hurt his pride.

INGRID

That’s his issue, not mine. I let himdown gently.

ME

It’s not your fault.

INGRID

I wish you could do something.

ME

You feel put out?

INGRID

Your family is a lot

ME

Fancy chatting on deck? Everyone else is in bed.

We could sneak out?

INGRID

Main deck in five?

ME

Sounds good.

I’m prepared to grovel.

“I’m gonna see Ingrid above deck,” I said. “Just to chat.”

“Uh-huh,” Nate looked doubtful.

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