“How do you know if we eat that kind? Maybe we’re vegetarians.” I walk to the opposite side of the table from Grant and push the pizza box toward him. It’s a big hint he should take.
“He’s a man. Of course he wants the meat lovers special.” He pushes the box to my side.
I pinch my lips together so I won’t make the reference to his mention of Drew loving meat. I don’t want Grant to think we’re friends who banter.
Drew sits, pulling the pizza box toward him. I glare in his direction silently threatening roommate murder if he opens the box.
He opens the box. The bastard.
Grant’s eyes lock on me, his lips turning into a smile. “Don’t worry. If you’re vegetarian, I’ll get you a pizza too.”
Both palms pressed flat against the table, I lean into the space. “I definitely don’t eat meat.”
I totally do.
Grant’s mouth opens slowly, like a fish taking a breath. I can practically see the words forming. He wants to make a comment regarding our one-night stand, but then Drew moves and Grant’s eyes flick in his direction. Just for a second, but it’s enough. His mouth closes.
I smirk and take a step back from the table.
Grant: Zero
Clare: One
Drew lifts his head, finally acknowledging the standoff taking place in our dining room. With a mouth full of pizza, he says, “You two go have fun. The TV and I have big plans tonight.”
“I’m not going anywhere with him.” My eyes don’t leave Grant’s light blue ones.
“A simple walk around the block. We’ll get you a meal without meat on it and then come right back here.”
I eye him suspiciously. My anger and irritation helped keep the delicious smell of Giorgio’s pizza from distracting me, but now it steals my focus. Lunch was six hours ago. Six long hours ago.
“Fine. One time around the block and you buy me pizza.” It’s not my fault food is the quickest way to my heart. I grew up on a steady diet of SpaghettiOs and peanut butter sandwiches. I still get excited over food that tastes good. Especially when I’m not the one paying.
“Take a sweatshirt. It might be cold,” Drew yells as I’m about to open the door.
“I won’t be gone long enough to get cold.”
“Don’t worry. If she gets cold I’ll keep her warm.” Grant waves a goodbye to Drew like they became best friends in the last five minutes.
I’m so glad my best friend is super protective of me hanging out with random guys.I even think the words sarcastically.
I turn around and stop fully at the bottom of the front porch. “We arenottouching each other.”
Grant continues down the steps until he’s standing next to me. “I meant you could borrow my jacket if you need it.” He pulls on the collar of his black Columbia jacket.
Oh.
We pass the first three houses in silence. I make each stride as long as my short legs will allow, but it doesn’t hurry Grant any. He strolls along behind me without a care in the world. Like he’s enjoying this.
“Fine. We’ll do this the hard way.” I fall in step with him. Giorgio’s is only around the corner. I’ll play nice for that long since it involves pizza. “Are you still living in the hotel?”
When I met Grant two months ago, he was living in a swanky hotel in the Financial District of the city.
“Yup. The houseboat still makes me seasick, but I put it on the market last month and she sold fast.”
Only a wealthy person with no concept of money buys a houseboat before figuring out if they get seasick.
“What’s your long-term plan?” I don’t care what Grant does, but it’s an easy topic. And a good reminder of why we could never work together.
