Page 58 of Hard To Love

Chapter Nineteen

Three weeks later…

Istoodin line at the coffee shop near my office; stuck in one of those moods where nothing sounded good to me. Surrendering in frustration, I ordered a bagel and a coffee and found a small table in the corner of the shop. I was avoiding going into the office this morning, so I pulled out my laptop and connected to their wireless.

Brad and I had agreed to meet for coffee. I shot him a quick text letting him know I had claimed a small table and was waiting for him. We’d been spending a fair amount of time together lately. He was there for me when I fell apart after Chase. As much as I knew it was wrong of me to lean on him, I couldn’t help it. He was a good friend to me in more ways than I deserved. He was familiar, and he was one of the few people in my life who never let me down.

I fired up the computer and started searching through listings that might be suitable for a newly engaged couple that hired me to find them a home. My head lifted to the sound of the seat in front of me being pulled out. My eyes connected on a pair of warm brown eyes smiling down at me.

“Hey,” I greeted him while pushing my laptop aside to make room for him to join me.

“Hey, sorry I’m late.” He said sliding into the seat across from me. He stretched his legs out in front of him and shot me a wink.

“No worries, I know what a pain it is trying to get around in this traffic. I’m just glad it all worked out. So, what’s new with you?” I looked around and noticed that the cafe was now packed with the morning breakfast crowd.

After he sat down, Brad started to stir his coffee. “Sawyer and I are actually working on a case nearby. So, this was perfect.” He said, then peeled the wrapper off his muffin and took a huge bite.

I closed my laptop and folded my hands under my chin. “How is Sawyer? Are he and Faith still going strong?”

Sawyer was one of Brad’s best friends, and Faith was the woman he had been dating for almost four years now. A hint of sadness swept over me. The four of us used to do a lot together; this conversation was a reminder of much had changed in my life.

“They’re doing well even though her left finger is still bare. Not sure how much longer she’s going to stick around waiting for his sorry ass.”

Faith and I had many conversations about that. I knew he loved her, but Sawyer was one of those guys that sometimes needed a flashing neon sign to get the point.

“Maybe you and Lucas should just take his credit card, buy the ring and give him instructions on how to propose.”

He nodded before taking a sip of his steaming hot coffee. “I’m not sure I would be the best person to give advice, considering my track record.”

My heart sunk with any hope that we still hadn’t reached the point where that was all behind us. Brad lifted his lips into a slow grin. “I’m just teasing, Emily.”

As much as I wanted to believe him, I knew him well enough to know he was covering for his little slip of the tongue. I sat back and crossed my legs, and gave him my undivided attention when I noticed a drop of coffee run from his chin to his shirt. I tried to suppress my chuckle as he looked down at the mess he had just made and smirked.

“You think that’s funny, huh?” He dipped the napkin in my water and started to dab the stain forming on his dress shirt.

I held my hands up smiling, “I’m sorry, but you haven’t changed a bit.”

I always used to make sure he never left the house without a stain removal stick in his pocket. Brad always had a very bad habit of spilling on his shirts.

He put his napkin down, and rested his elbows on the table with his hand under his chin. “Seeing you smile and hearing you laugh was completely worth it. For you, I’d spill the whole cup.” He winked.

“Brad,” I stressed hoping he got the hint that I was only interested in his friendship. I knew he was only joking, but I had a sinking feeling that he wouldn’t mind picking up where we left off.

His lips curled up into a smile. “Relax, Emily. I know where your mind is at right now. I’m not expecting anything more than what we have right here.” He gestured between us.

My shoulders relaxed slightly. “Thank you. I enjoy spending time with you. I just don’t want to give you the wrong impression. If this becomes too much for you, you have to let me know. Promise?”

“I promise that’s not what this is about. As far as I’m concerned, we’re just two friends hanging out. And,” He paused leaning forward, “if I start to feel differently, I’ll simply remind myself all the disgusting things you did when we were dating.”

My mouth fell open in surprise. ”Excuse me, but what disgusting things are you talking about?”

He shifted in his seat, and started to pull on his ear. He dramatically leaned in close then whispered, “you know, like licking the Q tips before you would put them in your ears or when you would drool on my pillow or fart in your sleep.” He sounded so serious as he rubbed his nose like he was grossed out. We both busted out laughing, causing us both relax a little bit more.

I playfully smacked his arm, as he pretended that I injured him. “I’ve told you a million times I lick the Q tips out of habit. As for the drooling on your pillow, I did it once when I had the flu may I remind you, and the farting in my sleep,” I shook my head. “No way.”

He shrugged “Sure, whatever.”

I was still laughing, when a dark figure approached our table. I heard a throat clearing just as I looked up to see who it was.

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