Page 83 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

My hope shattered when she shook her head.

“First of all, I don’t want to know your name or where you work or why you are leaving town. If I find out something I shouldn’t, I’ll have to avoid my best friend until her wedding. I can’t go three months without hanging out with her especially because we have a wedding to plan. And second, if I went out with you, I’d know your name.” She scrunched up her face, creating a little line between her eyebrows. “You already have a hint of familiarity like I should know who you are, but I’m trying not to think about it. So, thank you, but no.”

“Fair enough. I guess I’ll see you around.” I tapped the counter, more disappointed than I anticipated.

She touched my arm. “I’m sorry. All of what I said is true, but also, I just don’t date anymore. I didn’t mean to sound rude.”

“You didn’t. Not at all.”

She opened the back of the display case. “Would you like another doughnut?”

“No, thanks. I’d go into a sugar coma. But you’ll see me around.”

“Okay, well... have a nice day, Mr. X.” She’d turned me down, but I did have a mysterious new nickname.

“You too, Tessa.” I acted like I didn’t see the shocked look on her face as I walked out.

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