"Tell me about it then," he offers, leaning forward slightly, like he actually wants to listen.
I hesitate. Then, before I can stop myself, I clear my throat and set my fork down. "Brooks said I was selfish because I—"
"Are you really taking advice from the guy who drives the shuttle?"
"He has more than one job," I say, sharper than I mean.
Holden holds up his hands in mock defense.
My stomach dips.
"I think I’m done here," I say, pushing back my chair.
He frowns. "Wait, what?"
"This isn’t working," I say, standing. "I’m heading out."
Holden scrambles to stand. "Wh—what? Elowen, come on."
"Yeah." I wave him off, already stepping away from the table. "I think I’m gonna head home."
"But I drove you," he argues.
I pull out my phone and hold it up with a saccharine smile. "Good thing I know a guy who drives a big white van."
Holden stares at me, speechless, as I turn and head straight for the front doors.
I don’t even look back.
Brooks answers on the first ring. I don’t know whether to laugh or groan at that.
"Any chance you can pick me up?" I ask, already crossing the street.
"The date went that bad, huh?" Brooks sounds way too amused.
I exhale sharply. "Just… pick me up. Little café on Main."
He chuckles. "I’ll be there in five."
The call ends, and I keep walking. Further and further away from Holden.
And, if I’m honest… closer to something else entirely.
Brooks arrives exactly five minutes later.
Almost like he was betting on my date being a disaster and had been waiting nearby.
But when I reach the curb, my steps falter. Someone’s in the front seat.
Not someone. A woman.
I hesitate, suddenly caught off guard.
A woman? Is Brooks even mature enough to be fraternizing with actual women?
"Over here," Brooks hollers, reaching across the cab to shove his seat forward. "You’re in the back."
I glance at the woman beside him, my suspicion doubling. "Am I… interrupting something?" I ask.
