“In that case, as soon as the server comes back, I’ll ask her to box up the dessert. You really should get home. I can call a cab and have it take me back to the rink.”
“We’re fine on time. I’m enjoying your company.” Charlie clenched his jaw. “And don’t worry about the cab. I’ll drive you back. You’re on my way home. I promise.”
“Are you sure? I thought you lived in Sequoia Valley, not Grizzly Springs.”
“I’m positive,” he said.
* * *
The next morning, Frankie texted Gemma.
Frankie:I’ve never been more confused in my life.
Gemma: ???
Frankie:I’ve received an offer that I don’t think I can say no to.
Gemma: Call me right now!
Frankie:It’s like two in the morning in Auckland!
Gemma: There’s no show tomorrow and I’m waiting for the season finale ofCupid’s Arrowto drop. I only have another hour to wait.
Frankie: Only you. *Shaking head emoji* Do you want to do a video chat, or chat-chat?
Gemma: Either one.
Frankie: Do you have your own hotel room?
Gemma: No, but it doesn’t matter. I’m sharing with Vivian.
Frankie: Even a thundering herd of elephants wouldn’t wake her.
She snickered.
Frankie:Let’s do video.
Gemma: *Thumbs-up emoji*
Frankie sent her bestie a video request. A moment later, she picked up. The background was dark. Gemma held up her finger to her lips, took her phone into her hotel bathroom, and shut the door. Her friend’s curly blond ringlets were secured into a messy low ponytail.
“Hey, pretty lady, how are you getting on?”
She’d missed hearing Gemma’s thick Scottish drawl. Lying on the couch, she brought her knees to her chest and rested her phone on them. “Good?”
“What’s this about a crazy offer you’ve received? I’m dying for details. Spill.”
“I had dinner with my boss last night,” she started.
“Mr. Blanks? The grump? A date? Woah. Reverse the train back into the station. How didthathappen?”
“It’s nothing to read into. It wasnota date. It was a getting-to-know-you kind of dinner.”
“Sure. If that’s what you’re going to call it,” Gemma said dryly. She signaled for Frankie to continue.
“You’re never going to believe this, but guess what, Gem? He’s offered to become my pairs partner. He wants to help me take my ASU Senior Pairs test!” Saying it aloud still didn’t make it feel real. She resisted the urge to pinch the skin on her forearm.
“And what did you say?”
