Page 108 of Waiting Game

“Are you going to ghost me again if we meet up?”

“No.”

“Would you have said that earlier this year?”

“Yes. But, in my defense, my circumstances changed.”

She snorts. “I’m not sure if that’s reassuring or not.”

“It’s reassuring. I’m not really a jerk.”

“I did have higher hopes for a guy who allegedly devours romance novels.”

“Are you trying to say that you don’t think I have it in me to be a book boyfriend?” I gasp. “You’re mean.”

A snicker sounds in my ear. “You know I work at my uncle’s…” She stills. Her voice gains ground. “I’m busy after five-thirty.”

“We can have a day date then.”

“You’d be fine with that?”

“Sure. It fits my schedule perfectly.” I pause. “Will you let me know what happens with Cupid?”

“I will.” Her gulp is audible. “Why do you make me forget things?”

“Like temporary amnesia?”

“No. You take my mind off stuff. It’s annoying. A half hour ago, I was sobbing as I poured myself a coffee. Now, you’ve made me laugh twice.”

“I’m going to take that as a compliment,” I rumble.

“I’m not sure if it’s that or a sign you should walk away. We did hook up and I was okay with you going radio silent then, but… I won’t be so forgiving if you pull another stunt like you did last time.”

“Meaning that you thought we connected too?”

“See, you told me you were a straight talker and that you wanted an open dialogue and then you ghosted me! Who’s the one giving mixed signals here?”

“Me. I’m sorry about that. Honestly, my summer was a fucking mess.”

“Mine wasn’t much better.”

“Coffee. Tomorrow. Two PM. What do you say?”

She sighs. “Okay.”

“And you’ll text me when you know how Cupid is doing?”

“I will.”

“I’ll send you the location to the coffee shop if you don’t want me to come pick you up…”

“No. It’s fine. You can.”

“I’ll be outside your apartment at one-forty-five.”

“You remember where I live?”

“There isn’t much about that night I don’t remember.”

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