Page 25 of Overdue

I wonder why she didn’t ream me a new one for my outburst this morning? She even brushed off my attempt at an apology.

As every man knows, nothing is more terrifying than a conciliatory woman. If you ask how she’s doing and she answers with “fine,” you should run. She’s secretly planning your demise. When you least expect it. Like a ninja. Is it crazy I’m looking forward to what she has in mind? Damn, I’m a complete lost cause.

* * *

Chad is waiting for me in the library when I arrive. It takes everything I have not to take a swing at him.

But, I promised Austen on the way out the door last night I would try to be the better man. I have no doubt I’m already the better man. But I’ll try not to be a dick. Especially after Austen had gone to the trouble of arranging this meeting.

“Reed,” Chad greets me when I reach the table. “Man, it’s been a long time. You look even better than you did in high school. I think I’ve added at least two pounds a year since marrying Hailey.” He pats his stomach. “Austen said you need some help turning your presentation into a computer extravaganza?”

“Extravaganza might be a little more than I had in mind. But, yeah, I could use some help with the graphics.” I sit down next to Chad so we can both see the computer screen. So far, so good. He’s not given me any reason to deck him, and I’ve managed not to, just on general principle.

I pull out my sketchbook and flip to the final design. I stayed up late last night finishing it.

“Wow, is this it?” Chad pulls the sketch in front of him. “This looks amazing.”

“Thanks. This is the final drawing, for the most part. My idea was to show it being added to in levels.”

“Yeah, yeah. We can do that.” Chad walks me through some of his ideas on the computer. To be perfectly honest, this isn’t too bad. It seems Chad has grown up.

“What do you think?” he asks when he finishes. I hate to admit it, but his ideas will make my designs shine during the proposal presentation.

“I think that sounds perfect. Let me know how much it’ll cost, though, before you start. I don’t have much budget to work with.”

We both stand.

“Don’t even worry about it,” Chad answers. “Just spread my name around to anybody looking for a computer guy.”

“I’ll definitely do that. Thanks.”

“Also,” Chad says hesitantly, as he watches Austen help one of the high school students find a book. “I want to do this for you. As an apology for high school. I hope, if someone ever spreads rumors about one of my girls, that someone will pummel the guy doing it.”

He offers his hand, and I take it. Chad hasn’t just grown up, he’s done a complete one-eighty. “Maybe we can get together sometime?”

“Yeah, we can do that.” You know what? I mean it. Chad’s not so bad. If he can grow up, it means I can too. He rushes out of the library with a copy of my drawings. He waves at Austen before disappearing out the door. Not a single leer was thrown her way.

“How did it go?” Austen asked, rushing over.

“Good. I like his ideas.”

“And?”

“And I think we’re getting a beer together pretty soon.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Call me crazy—”

“Crazy.” I roll my eyes. “But the guy’s not so bad. This Hailey must be a lion tamer. She’s straightened him out.”

“Now, if the same could just be said for you,” she teases.

“You offering?”

Austen grins and squeezes my forearm.

“Miss Caraway!” A girl who looks to be in middle school, calls from the Young Adult section. She’s waving frantically to catch Austen’s attention. “I can’t find the next book in the series!” The distress in her voice is so intense I debate racing to the shelf and turning it inside out to help myself.

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