Page 46 of Samson

“Why don’t you sit?”

She couldn’t appear eager. He’d know something was wrong. “I’m working.”

“You’re filling in.”

“Same thing.”

“It’s not busy tonight. If your boss complains, send him my way. I’ll smooth things over.”

She bit her cheek in mock indecision. “I shouldn’t.”

“There are probably a lot of things you shouldn’t do. But I’d like you to sit nonetheless. I’d like to apologize for the other night.”

“Apologize? For what? Punching that guy?”

“No. I didn’t do anything wrong there. Sit. Please.”

If she could keep the topic to things like apologies, this might turn out less taxing than she’d expected.

“Okay, but I can only stay for a minute.”

“That’s the most time I’ve had with you since we met.”

“That’s not true. We spent a good hour with the police.”

“I mean socially. I hope it’s a sign of things to come.”

“I guess we’ll see how this couple of minutes goes.”

“I thought you said you only had a minute.”

“You’re going to argue with me about it?”

He laughed. “No, please, stay as long as you like. I’m surprised you’re willing to stay at all. Can I get you a drink?”

“I’m still on the clock.”

“Suit yourself.”

“So, your apology?”

“I knew you weren’t going to let that go.”

“Not a chance. You seem to delight in making my life miserable.”

“Miserable? Is that how I make you feel? I can assure you I take no delight in that. What Idoenjoy is our banter. And trust me, you give as good as you get.”

“I’m not sure where the apology is in all of that.”

“That’s because there wasn’t one.”

Her eyes shifted to the door, and she saw Marc enter. She took a glass of water that sat untouched on the table and took a sip, making sure to keep eye contact with Samson. She couldn’t afford to let him stray now.

“I give up. What are you sorry about?”

“When I asked you out. I could see you didn’t take it very well.”

“I don’t ever remember you asking me out.”

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