Page 27 of David's Chase

“It doesn’t matter,” she says, as if his absence is connected to her in some weird way.

“If you say so.”

She brings her gaze to me.

“Have you thought about my idea?” she asks.

“What idea? Oh, that…” I say right away. “No. I’m not coming to Spain,” I add, laughing. “I may come visit you, but that would be it.”

She shakes her head, a smile beaming on her face.

“Liar.”

I laugh.

“I’m not a liar.”

“Yes, you are. But okay… All right.” She sighs. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

“What? Cold weather? No, thanks. I have that here.”

“We could go out. Have some fun.”

“We did that here, and it didn’t work that well for either of us.”

“You’re still celibate?”

I chuckle.

“I’m not celibate. Come on.” Warmth spreads across my cheeks. “What about you?”

“What about Keith?” she tosses at me, ignoring my question, a twinge of curiosity flashing through her voice.

“Keith?” My cheeks burn even more. “You remember Keith?”

“How could I forget him?”

“I haven’t seen him since that night at the club. But I met a cute valet.”

Oops.

At the last moment, I stop myself from bringing my hand to my mouth.

Why did I have to let that out?

I was only trying to make some conversation.

“A valet? As in a parking valet?”

I’m so warm, I want to fan myself. I’d run to the window, open it and get some fresh air if it didn’t look suspicious.

Instead, I pick up my drink and take a swig. The alcohol makes me even warmer.

“Yes, a parking valet.”

“Huh… Where did you meet a parking valet?”

Swallowing hard, I place the wine down and run my fingers through my hair.

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