Page 113 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Seven

We reach our table and I step up to push in Skye’s chair before the host can offer. The host disappears as I take the seat across from her. Skye frowns at her cleavage. “This is ridiculous.”

I cover my mouth with my hand to hide my smile. “What’s ridiculous?”

She motions to her chest. “I don’t even have a shawl to hide any of this nonsense.”

“I’m partial to the view.”

She shakes her head. “I can’t believe I let my daughter take control of my wardrobe. I didn’t even consider how much worse it would be when I sat down.”

“But didn’t you sit down on the drive here?”

“Yeah, but I was wearing a jacket, and everything was covered. Anyway, you won’t offend me if you have a hard time not looking at them, since they’re basically trying to jump out of my bra.”

The server greets us and I’m thankful it’s a young woman, probably college-aged if I had to guess. I’m over forty and struggling to contain my excitement about the cleavage that is very much on display. I can’t imagine a twenty-year-old man-boy would fare much better.

I order another scotch on the rocks, and Skye orders a glass of wine.

“So you work at an accounting firm. How is that?”

“It’s very numbery, which I’m a fan of. It’s stable and I have benefits which is important as a single parent. The company is good about flexing my hours if Violet has a Mathlete competition, so I can attend most of them.”

“I’ve never experienced a Mathlete competition before. What’s that like?”

“Mostly it’s a bunch of super nerdy guys who live and breathe numbers. But Violet’s math teacher begged her in her freshman year to be on the team. She tried to resist; however, they offer some pretty great perks and scholarships to teams with female members. She decided the potential for social ostracism was worth the possible financial aid in the future. She’s nothing if not pragmatic.”

“Well, I think it’s brave and smart.”

“She’s definitely both. And clumsy, but that’s not her fault. She gets that from me.”

The server returns with our drinks and asks if we’d like to order appetizers.

“I’m good with anything apart from dairy. Dairy and I are not friends, and I would prefer not to regret my food choices tomorrow.” Skye makes a face like she didn’t mean to be that honest.

“Got it, no dairy. How do you feel about calamari?”

“I feel good about it, easy to eat and non-dairy.”

“Perfect, we’ll have the calamari to start.”

The server leaves us to put in the order.

“So…you’re a hockey scout. That’s kind of a big deal job, isn’t it? Always searching for the newest talent.” Skye sips her white wine.

“It can be rewarding, especially when I discover a diamond in the rough,” I reply.

She smiles. “You love your job, don’t you?”

I nod. “Yeah, absolutely.”

“Do you play hockey?” She clasps her hand and props her chin on her fingers, effectively cutting off my view of most of her cleavage.

“Recreationally, yeah, and I shoot the puck around with my son. He’s a hell of a lot better than I am, so it’s not much of a challenge for him, but a damn good workout for me.”

Skye’s gaze roves over my shoulders and down my arms. “You’re definitely in great shape.”

“Thanks. Having a teen in competitive sports keeps me active.” I tap the edge of my glass. “Tell me about your hobbies. What do you like to do in your spare time?”

She hums. “I’m an avid reader. My daughter enjoys sewing, so we’ve taken courses together, but I’m not nearly as good at it as she is. I’m not very athletic, I’m afraid. Putting one foot in front of the other without tripping is a win for me most days. I do like to swim, though, since there’s a low chance of tripping or pulling a muscle.” She reaches for her wineglass but doesn’t bring it to her lips. “You’re probably looking for someone more athletic, huh? Like a person who wants to hike wilderness trails with you on weekends. I can’t even skate.” Her throat bobs with a nervous swallow. “I feel like I applied for the wrong job and now my resume is falling short.”

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