Page 14 of Catalyst

“Oh, right. That would be weird, since she’s the one you want to date anyway.”

I roll my eyes. “No, that’s not why. She hasn’t had to deal with my personal stuff yet. I thought it might make her uncomfortable.”

“Okay. Sure, bro. Keep telling yourself that.” Matthew laughs. “So, what are you going to do?”

“I don’t know. I can’t just call one of the women I normally bring last minute. It would make me look desperate.”

“You are desperate.”

“Not helpful.”

“You could just go alone, like I normally do.”

“I already RSVP’d for two. I have to bring someone or I’ll look like an idiot with an empty plate next to me.”

“Yeah, not a good look forthe most eligible bachelor in Westlake.”

I shake my head at his jest.

“Can you take Mom?”

“No, she and Dad are hanging with Ben’s parents tonight.”

“I find it hilarious that our parents have become such good friends with our sister’s boyfriend’s parents.” Matthew walks to my bar cart to make himself another drink. We usually have someone drive us to these events so we don’t have to worry about how much we drink. Granted, I never drink enough for it to be a problem.

“Speaking of, what about Sara?” he suggests.

“She takes a class on Friday nights.”

“You could call Ellie. I’m sure she’d help you out.” The look on Matthew’s face makes me narrow my eyes at him.

“You’re enjoying my distress entirely too much.”

His idea starts to take root, though. If I called Ellie, she could either suggest someone I could invite or come herself. Hanging out with her outside of the office could prove to be interesting. Plus, it would make the event a whole lot more fun. I wonder if she’d even want to come with me.

Before I know it, I’m pulling out my phone and walking into the kitchen, with the sound of Matthew’s laughter behind me.

“Hey, Adam,” Ellie answers, and I find myself smiling at the sound of her voice.

“Ellie, I apologize for calling after hours, but I’m in a bit of a situation.” I hate admitting that to her. I feel like an idiot.

“You forgot to call someone to be your date tonight.”

I can hear the laughter in her voice. It doesn’t surprise me she already knew what this phone call was about. “Yeah… I did. I already RSVP’d for two, so I have to bring someone. Any chance you have my social calendar handy?” The words taste bitter in my mouth. I don’t want to go out with some random woman who’s going to spend the entire night trying to get in my pants or attempt to climb the social ladder. More than likely, she’d attempt both at the same time. “Or perhaps you happen to be free tonight?”

“Did you just ask if I was free tonight?” Her surprise couldn’t be more evident.

I clear my throat, bucking up my courage to ask her again. “Yeah, I did. It would probably be more enjoyable if you were there instead of some random last-minute date. Matthew will be there, too, so you won’t have to only talk to me.”

“Well, if Matthew’s going, then I’d love to go,” Ellie teases.

“Psh. I’m way more fun than Matthew.”

“Ha! You’ve got jokes tonight.”

I bristle at her insinuation. “I can be fun. You’ve just never seen me outside of the office.”

“Okay, fine. If you can show me you’re not a stick in the mud, I’ll buy us milkshakes at the end of the night.”

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