Page 21 of Game Changer

That’s vague, but it’s enough to satisfy my curiosity for now because I spot the delivery truck pulling up next to the curb.

William’s gaze darts over his shoulder to follow the same path as mine. “Is that the man you’ve been expecting?”

I nod. “That’s him. He comes bearing board games.”

William steps away from me to approach the truck. He greets Chuck, the driver, with a handshake and an introduction before he offers to help with my delivery.

William slides some cash out of the front pocket of his pants. He peels three twenty dollar bills free before he hands them to Chuck in exchange for the large cardboard box I’ve been waiting for. The broad smile on Chuck’s face is evident when he finally looks my way. “I’ll see you soon, Opal.”

“You know you will,” I say before he steps back into the truck.

With the box tucked under one of his arms, William walks toward me. “Where do you want this?”

“On any of the tables is fine,” I say as I trail him into my bar. “Thank you for carrying it in.”

“My pleasure.” He sets the box down. “I can help you unpack it.”

“I’mmeeting my Aunt for lunch. I should leave now to make it there on time.”

He buttons his suit jacket, again ignoring his phone when it starts ringing.

Misplaced anxiety gnaws at me. “You should answer the phone, William.”

“I’ll call whoever it is back soon,” he says calmly. “In which direction are you headed?”

As his phone quiets down, I glance at my own to see a missed text message from Malvie telling me she’ll be stopping by later this afternoon. The temptation to text her back immediately is strong, but I resist that since William ignored his ringing phone twice for me.

I’ve struggled to set that boundary for myself. I should ask him for some pointers on how to stop prioritizing my phone over everything else.

“Uptown.” I smile, keeping it vague.

I don’t think he’s a serial killer, but we barely know each other, and I’m a single woman living in a big city. He already knows a hell of a lot more about me than I know about him.

He nods. “You didn’t answer my question about whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker.”

I don’t see the harm in confirming that, so I do. “I am. Are you?”

“I’ve always lived here, although I did take a few years away to study at Harvard.”

That’s a humble brag I can’t top. I went to NYU. I barely scraped by to earn a business degree, but I did it. It’s one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. That and watching almost every episode of every sitcom ever produced. I like to laugh, so that was an easy feat for me.

Since I don’t wear a watch, I glance at my phone’s screen to see how much time I have until Aunt Hildy starts calling, wondering if I got lost on my way to the restaurant.

“I’ll walk you out,” William offers.

Okay.” I nod, glad he picked up on my silent cue that I need to leave. “I’ll grab my sweater and my keys.”

I do just that, scooping both up from the bar, along with the small brown leather crossbody bag I keep my wallet, lip balm, and everything else I deem essential in.

After shoving one arm into my navy blue cardigan, I do the same with the other. By the time I’m at the door, I have my keys in my hand, ready to lock up.

“You didn’t mention why you stopped by today,” I say to William as he crosses the threshold to exit the bar.

I can’t read him at all, so I’m not sure if he’s interested in me or if the reason he keeps landing in my orbit has more to do with my business.

“I have a question.”

I jingle my keys in my hand. “Ask away.”

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