Page 33 of Unforgettable

“Will do.”

Like most bookworms, the customer wanted to be left alone. It goes against everything I know to interrupt someone while they peruse a bookstore, but ensuring they know that there’s someone there to help them if they need it is pretty much the only job I have and there’s no way I want to fuck that up.

As I make my way back to the front of the store, I see Oz leaning on the counter talking to Briar. I consider turning around and avoiding him, but when he looks over his shoulder and catches me watching him, I know there’s nowhere I can go.

Straightening his body, he looks around the store before walking toward me. “I’m sorry,” he exhales. “I shouldn’t have been such a prick outside.”

“It’s fine,” I say nonchalantly. “People have bad days.”

“Yes, but I don’t need to be taking them out on anyone. Especially not you.”

“It’s not a big deal, Oz,” I pacify.

He turns serious. “Don’t make excuses for my behavior. Don’t make excuses for anyone’s shitty behavior.”

While his tone isn’t scary, it’s forceful and full of conviction. “People need to take responsibility for their shitty actions. And you need to let them. You need to let me.”

Seeing how upset he is, I nod. I mean, he’s right, but I never would’ve thought it to be such a big deal. Taking a leaf out of his book, I cross my arms over my chest and lean on the nearest bookshelf. “What was wrong?”

“Do you want to go out tonight?”

“Okay, so we’re deflecting,” I murmur under my breath, now confused. “Where do you want to go?”

“The Burlington Food and Wine Festival is on. It’s a once-a-year thing, and since you’re new and not staying for long, I figured I could show you around.” When I don’t answer, he carries on. “And we can come back here and watch Jon do a set and have some drinks?”

You would think after all the time staff spend working here that they would want to go anywhere else when they’re off shift, but the truth is, most of us love it here. Whether it’s the meeting point, the venue for the night, or the place in which we have our last drink, it’s almost always on the agenda. Everybody loves Vino and Veritas.

I loved the idea of us going out together, we hadn’t done it since the night we made the rule that we were only friends, and now knowing how important festivals and food were to him, seeing him in his element isn’t something I want to miss.

And I want in his head tonight. I want to know why he was so mad. And, against my better judgement, I want to be the one to help him fix it.

“I don’t get out of here till five, and I’ll still need to get ready.”

“Text me your address and I’ll pick you up at six.”

“Okay,” I say, sounding a little more eager than necessary. “I’ll see you then.”

* * *

The day drags, as if the universe is torturing me for agreeing to go out with Oz. Like it knows better, and it’s giving me just enough thinking time to back out.

But like the idiot I am, I didn’t.

I rush out of V and V and come home to Murph sprawled on the couch in his kimono with a bowl of popcorn, his laptop on his lap, and headphones on his ears.

“Jesus, Reeve. You scared the shit out of me. Who comes through a door like that?”

“Sorry,” I wheeze. “I’m going out with Oz tonight and I need to be ready by six.”

His eyes dart to the computer screen, I assume to check the time. He looks back at me. “Are you having sex with him tonight?”

Confused, I stare at him. “What?”

“Are. You. Having. Sex. With. Him. Tonight?” he enunciates.

“I heard you the first time,” I snap. “I just don’t understand why you’re asking.”

“Well, you might need a little extra time to spruce up if you are.”

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