Page 148 of No Such Thing as Serendipity
“I’m in my office, working on bills.”
“Fun.”Yep.We were going to make it weird.
Through the silence, the twang of a country song played in the background. It wasn’t Robyn’s typical genre, so it would give me something else to talk about.
“What are you listening to?” I asked.
“Um, nothing…I mean, just a song.”
I laughed. “Well, yeah, I figured it was a song.”
Robyn’s laugh came out as a nervous chuckle. “It’s nothing.”
“Are you embarrassed I caught you listening to country music?” I teased.
“No.” This time, her laugh was genuine. “I listen to country sometimes.”
“Well, I don’t, so tell me what’s playing.” I was happy for this diversion—something to say before I told her I wouldn’t be seeing her tonight.
“It’s just Garth Brooks.”
“Hey, I’ve heard of him.” I put extra pep into my voice, hoping my antics would make her laugh.
It worked. “You’re such a goof. I’d hope you’ve heard of him.”
“So what song is it?”
“Do you even know any of his songs?”
“I know the one bar song.”
“You meanFriends in Low Places?”
“Yeah, that’s it.”
“Well, that’s not the one I’m listening to.”
“Then which one is it?” Why did it seem I was having to pull it out of her?
“You wouldn’t know it. It’s calledThe Dance.”
“Oh, so you’re thinking of me?” I chuckled.
“I thought you didn’t know the song.” Her tone sounded defensive.
“I don’t. But, you know, dance. Like our dance in the woods.”
She laughed. “I doubt you called to quiz me about my listening habits. When are you going to get back?” Her tone was hopeful.
My chest tightened, knowing I was going to dash that hope. “Uh, that’s why I called. I’d hoped to see you tonight, but I won’t be able to.”
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry. It’s not that I don’t want to.”
“I understand. Of course, your new company wants to celebrate with you.”
She was assuming what I’d hoped she would, but I refused to lie, so I said, “I’m really sorry. I wanted to see you tonight, but I promise I’ll be there tomorrow night.”
