My body practically shook with his answering handshake. Any amusement on his face was then replaced with purpose. “How are you getting home?”
I thought a moment. “Probably the train.”
“You could also take a cab.”
I smiled. “I’ll consider it.”
He smiled back at me. “Okay, Miss Olivia.” In one swift movement, he leaned in and froze. My breath caught as his face hovered just above mine. After a long moment, he rerouted his swoop and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek. “Goodnight, friend,” he said softly.
“Goodnight,” I echoed with my heart pounding in my ears.
I wasn’t sure how long I stood there after he’d walked away. Gretchen appeared, somewhere from the shadows, and gave me a strong hug. I hadn’t yet divulged the reason for calling this emergency dinner. When she pulled back, I shook my head at her. “You big, fat liar.”
Her eyes widened fractionally and then narrowed. “That asshole. Greg went to see you, didn’t he?”
“Yes.”
She groaned and pulled open the door to the restaurant. “I knew he’d do that, even though I specifically said—”
“Whoa. Hit pause,” I said. “What the hell is going on?”
“Liv,” she said, her tone softening. “You know I could never say no to him.” She smiled automatically at the hostess and told her cheerily, “Two for dinner.”
“So what does this mean?” I asked, tailing her to the table.
“Well, we’re—I don’t know, trying again.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
She stopped behind her chair and sighed. After a moment, she pulled it out and sat down. “You haven’t exactly been available lately.”
Understanding quickly set in. It was my fault she hadn’t told me. I’d barely even asked about her life the past few months. “Oh,” was all I said as I plopped into my own chair.
“But I’m relieved that you know,” she continued. “I’ve really been needing someone to talk to.”
“Isn’t it going well?”
“Yes.” She grinned. “But it’s hard keeping it to myself.”
I nodded knowingly. “So tell me then.”
She gave me the short history of their new relationship. I wasn’t surprised by the way Greg had worn her down; he’d always been charming, and despite her cool exterior, she’d always had a soft spot for him.
“It’s weird,” she said, dipping a chip into chunky guacamole. “Things feel both different and the same.”
“What’s different?”
“We’re both more mature. He seems more open to a relationship. It was his idea to become exclusive right off the bat.”
“So you’re not seeing anyone else?”
“No. I guess he’s like my boyfriend.”
I laughed. “When was the last time you had a boyfriend?”
“Nobody noteworthy since him,” she replied.
“How’s the sex?”
