“I was wondering if you’d like to get a coffee in the quad and have a chat? Maybe take a walk?” There’s a huge grassy park next to the quad where we can talk without being overheard.
“I have work to do before classes.” Sadie hitches the strap of her laptop satchel higher on her shoulder, locks her car and starts walking.
“Please? I’d like to clear the air.”
She stops, keeping her gaze on the ground. Finally, she sighs, nods and turns towards the quad.
Coffees in hand, we start down one of the concrete paths through the park.
“I wanted to apologise for the things I said in the car—”
“You already did. It’s fine.” She still isn’t looking at me, and I feel the loss of her normally warm gaze all the way to my cold, brittle bones.
“I don’t think it is. The things I said … they came from a place of fear, I guess. But that doesn’t make it alright. You didn’t deserve to be spoken to that way when all you’ve ever been is honest and kind.”
Finally, she stops walking and turns those eyes on me. My heart rate picks up.
“No. I didn’t deserve it.” Her jaw is set tight, her lips pressed firmly together.
Not exactly the acceptance I was hoping for.
“Could we please go back to being friends? You’re not interested in a relationship, and I’m not ready. But there’s no reason we can’t be friends.”
She drops her eyes to the path again, scuffing at the concrete with the toe of her boot. When she finally looks up again, her expression is no less determined.
“I appreciate the apology, Ethan, but no. I spent my childhood being held responsible for things that weren’t my fault and making allowances for the emotional … inadequacies … of two people who should’ve known better. I’m not going to do it again. I deserve better from my friends. So we’ll continue to work together, and that’s it. We’re business colleagues. Nothing more. What happened with your wife was a tragedy. I really hope you find a way to heal. But I can’t be collateral damage while you do it.”
And with a sad smile, she turns on her heel and leaves me on the path.
So. That went well. And to add shit dressing to my fuckit salad, as I watch Sadie march off towards the Ancient History building without a backwards glance, I miss the approach of my favourite clinger.
“Ethan! Looks like we had the same idea.” Riley holds up her coffee cup. Yes, how bizarre we’d both be getting a coffee first thing in the morning. “We have so much in common.” Slipping her arm through mine with a playful squeeze, she drags me down the path. Deeper into the park. I’m so preoccupied with reliving my conversation with Sadie that I nearly miss what Riley is droning on about.
“I’m sorry? What did you say?” I interrupt.
“I was just saying we’re, you know,sympathetico.” Riley gestures between us with her coffee cup.
“Ah, I think you meansimpatico.” I hold in a sigh while trying to come up with a way to extricate myself. Quickly.
“Whatever. You know what I mean.” Riley shrugs. “And I want you to know how much I’m looking forward to going on the dig with you. It will give us a chance toreallyget to know one another.Properly.” A shudder runs through me. Because the way she leant on those words made her intentions clear.
“I haven’t even released the expression of interest form yet.” Which is something that’s steadily moving up from my to do to the urgent list.
“I know. But I’ll be filling it out as soon as you do. We’ll have six whole weeks together. I can’t wait.” Riley’s talking as though we’ll be having six weeks lounging on a beach drinking cocktails. I need to nip this in the bud.
“A dig isn’t a holiday, Riley. It will be hard work. Are you sure you’re up for it?” I’m sure she’s not. Especially with that manicure.
“Totally, if it means I get to spend more time getting to know you.” She squeezes my arm against her breast, and I jerk free of her grasp, putting a couple of feet between us.
I assemble the stern lawyer face I learnt from my dad.
“I hope you’re not implying there will be any inappropriate behaviour on the dig. We’re there to work.”
“Of course. We’ll be working reallyhard.” Did she just wink? Who winks?
I’m going to have to reject her application. Which will be awkward, but not as awkward as being with Riley in close quarters for all those weeks.
“Filling out an EOI doesn’t automatically mean acceptance either. So don’t get your hopes up.” I finally manage to extract my arm and turn back towards the building.
