Page 32 of Any Second Now
“A lot of people get divorced.” See? I sound like an asshole.
“Twodivorces by age thirty-four? It’s pretty bad, Atticus.”
I hate the crestfallen look on her face. Literally can’t believe two men let this woman slip away.
“The way I look at it—” I lean forward and catch awhiff of a light floral scent. “You are at least a mature enough human being to be in a serious relationship?—”
“And you, mate, aren’t.” Lachlan jumps back in the conversation as he rejoins us. “What are we talking about? How Atticus is hopeless in love?”
“Dude. Until two months ago you’d never seriously dated someone either, so shut your trap. You’re not a love expert.” I shoot daggers with my eyes at Lach.
“It just takes one, mate. The right place, the right time, and I was ready.” Hearts spring up in Lachlan’s eyeballs. “I don’t think you’re emotionally capable of going on a real date yet.”
“I am too capable!” I’m a child. Why are we talking about my pathetic love life in front of Raleigh? “And you can fully fuck off,mate.”
“When’s the last date you went on?” Lachlan cocks his head.
I shrug and try to look chill. “I don’t know.”
“Never. It’s basically never.”
“I go on dates.” Fuck Lachlan and his insider information.
“Okay, so when’s the last time you went on more thantwodates with the same person?”
Well, shit, that answer might actually be never.
“You’ve never really dated someone?” Raleigh looks at me with shock.
“Hey, I met someone today that I could take on a date.” It might be my imagination, but a shadow passes over Raleigh’s face for just a second.
“Who?” Lachlan narrows his eyes.
“Her name is Rose. She works at the bookstore.” I lean my elbows on the table and attempt to look casual and confident, like I’d actually want to take the bookstore woman out on a date. Which I do not.
“And you want to date her?” Lachlan shakes his head. “I don’t believe you.”
“Why not?” Because I’m lying.
“Did you ask her out?”
“No.”Fuckno, I meant. I shake my head and plead with Lachlan to take my side. “Listen, even you just said I’m not good at this kind of thing. I wouldn’t know how to act.”
So that’s kind of a lie. Of course I know how to ask someone out. I’m a thirty-year-old man. But I simply haven’t had to do it very often. Usually women just sort of appear in front of me after I toss a charming smile and expensive drink their way.
Yup. I’m an asshole.
“Yeah.” Lachlan tilts his head at me, then looks at Raleigh. “Butsheis definitely good at this kind of thing.”
“Who?” I say, hoping he’s not going down some ridiculous rabbit hole.
“Raleigh. Raleigh’s good at dating.”
Raleigh’s eyes widen as Lachlan looks overly pleased with himself.
What the fuck is he thinking?
CHAPTER 7
