Page 28 of Back to Me

“Good.” Dylan’s shoulders relax as he exhales. He pauses, still unsure of my answer. “So, is that okay? If I take you out?” He’s stuttering, and I find his nervousness a little endearing. It feels good to have a person feel this way around me. It’s often the way I feel around Graham, but after so many years, you learn to work your way around it.

“Sounds great,” I grin, letting him know I’m excited about our date.

Three lines crease the corners of his mouth, his smile growing wider. “Awesome. Would you like me to pick you up, or would you just want to meet here or at the restaurant?”

The thought of Dylan showing up at my apartment and meeting Graham makes my skin crawl. It’ll be awkward enough with me going on a date, the last thing I need is for my date to meet Graham—not a situation I would want for any of us.

“We can meet at the restaurant.”

“Would seven be okay?”

My cheeks warm, feeling excited about where this date might lead. Dylan seems like a great guy so far. I may have only known him for a few minutes, but I can already tell we have a few things in common. He has a sense of humor and agrees with how overpriced Allison’s pieces are—two qualities I absolutely agree with. I say yes with a simple nod.

“Alright, I guess I’ll see you later then.” Dylan drums his fingers on my desk and backs away, his mouth still spread out into a toothy grin.

“Yeah. I’ll see you at seven,” I grin, feeling the nerves start to rise within me.

I watch as he makes his way out of the gallery and crosses the street, opening the front door to his restaurant. When he disappears inside, my stomach is still a bundle of nerves. The only problem is, I’m not sure whether it’s because I’m going on a date with Dylan or because I feel like I’m betraying Graham.

Opening my desk drawer, I pull out my phone and open my thread of texts with Graham.

Sara: I won’t be able to work on any of our pieces tonight.

Awaiting Graham’s reaction, I nervously bite my nail.

Graham: How come? Is Allison making you stay late?

My chest twists, and I sink farther into my chair as if Graham was in the room with me. Heat rises within me, and my fingers shake as I type out my response.

Sara: No, I have a date tonight.

His response is quick.

Graham: With who?

Sara: A guy who manages the barbecue restaurant across the street. I’m meeting him there tonight at seven.

I wait, my phone still resting between my fingers. I don’t know what I expected him to say. Would he be angry? Sad? Would he play it off as he does with everything as if he doesn’t care one way or another?

I wait a while longer, but I never receive a response. Graham is silent.

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