***
Last night was a mess in Zita’s head. She’d had a lovely time at the restaurant and she smiled, remembering the surprise on David’s face when she’d asked for coffee. He’d been so cocky and sure of himself, and she’d wanted to slow things down, make him not take her for granted. But then she’d made one silly flippant remark and ruined it all. The disappointment on his face and the way he’d shut down made it clear his wealth was an issue for him. She’d been careless, not considering her words, but it had also surprised her.
During dinner, she’d slotted David into the fun-to-hang-out-with category, but their backgrounds were too different for anything more. She’d recognized his line for what it was, and thought it would be a fun way to end the evening, but then he’d honestly been upset by her comment.
And she’d missed out on the sex.
With a groan, she got out of bed and threw on a track suit. She’d not slept well and wouldn’t be going back to sleep now. Jogging down the stairs, she called to her dogs and headed to the kitchen. She didn’t have time to take them on a long walk today, but hopefully throwing the ball in the garden would be enough to help her clear her head. She grabbed an apple and the dogs’ ball and headed out the back to the large grassed area at the rear of the property.
Zita threw the ball and both dogs raced after it. When Bess returned it, she threw it again.
She’d hurt David, and she wasn’t entirely sure how to make it up to him. Apologizing again would help, but they were just words. She hated to make anyone feel bad.
Sighing, she threw the next ball with more force. She should decide whether she wanted to date him again. He intrigued her more now he’d shown a sensitive side, but she’d been honest the night before when she’d said she wasn’t after a husband. Right now she didn’t have the extra emotional capacity for a relationship, even if she wanted one. She was busy with the girls and if she explored her options to become a lawyer, she’d have even less time.
Still, that kiss at Carly’s engagement party was up there on her top three. That had to count in his favor. She wouldn’t mind kissing him again, and more. But he may no longer be interested.
She checked the time. David would probably be up by now. She’d call, say sorry and go from there. She dialed his number.
“Hi Zita.” He sounded surprised.
Perhaps she shouldn’t have called so soon. Maybe he’d think she was really interested. “I wanted to apologize again for the thing I said last night,” she said. “It was careless of me.”
He sighed. “I know you were joking. It hit a raw spot, is all.”
“Yeah, well Carly has the same one, so I should have known better. I’ve been worrying about it all night.”
“You needn’t have. I was kicking myself for suggesting you go. We could have had a great discussion about which fantasy series has the best dragons in it.” His tone was playful.
She grinned, relieved he was fine, but still wishing she could see his face to make sure. “Well, that’s obvious, isn’t it?”
“Oh really?”
“The Emperor’s Conspiracy.”
“Not in a million years,” he replied and promptly told her all the reasons she was wrong.
After debating the issue for quite some time, Zita laughed. “I’d better go. The battery on my phone is almost dead and I don’t want to hang up on you.”
“Where are you?”
“The dogs and I are at the back of Mama’s property.” Both dogs had tired of fetching the ball and were sleeping under a tree.
“Have you got any plans later? We could go to the movies tonight, if you want.”
“I can’t.” She was surprised at her level of disappointment. This was the real David and he was fun to talk with. “We’re having a girls’ night at Carly’s tonight.”
“How about Sunday?”
“I need to take Teresa to art class in the morning. How about in the afternoon?”
“Darn, I forgot that’s my afternoon with Mom. How about next Saturday?”
“Sure. Why don’t we talk during the week and sort something out?” Her battery was in the red now.
“OK.”
Zita hung up feeling a lot better. If the conversation was any indication, David wasn’t upset about her joke. He was available for some fun, and she could definitely find some spare energy for that.
