These two fretted worse than my parents. But with Max’s generosity two years ago, paying off Mom’s enormous medical bills, my dad was able to help me with my university fees. Still, I preferred working and not relying on my family for everything, which was why I wanted to pay my way this year.
“I’ve worked at the bar for three years, just one more until I’m done with my studies. Now, how about a little stroll?” I suggested.
Both men got up, thankfully putting an end to the inquisition.
The next couple of hours flew by as I visited with my regulars.
It was close to five when I finally left the retirement home. As I headed for the bus stop, a bellow from across the street startled me. “Ray!”
Denise stood on the other side, waving like mad to catch my attention. She darted between the idling vehicles, waiting for the red lights to change.
“Hey—” she gasped, stumbling to a halt at my side, appearing like a winded bee in her bright yellow sweater and black leggings, her wavy hair all over the place. A wide grin graced her face.
“What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for Chris…” She pressed a hand to her heaving chest. “He’s with a client, who’s thinking of selling his place.” She waved to a building opposite us. “So, mission O completed?”
I shook my head in wry amusement. “You risked your life cutting through dangerous traffic to ask methat?”
“Hey, I live vicariously through you, so yes. And?”
I snorted. “Not yet.”
“Calum didn’t measure up?”
Tell her that Jack had kidnapped me? Or about the kiss that followed? I didn’t want to see the smirk on my best friend’s face. But annoyance crowded me for reliving the darn kiss. As if it wasn’t bad enough that I’d tossed and turned most of the night. “We had drinks. We clicked. Seems promising.”
Faint lines marred Denise’s brow. “Can’t wait to hear about it.”
If it ever happens. But I nodded, glancing at the busy street. No sign of a bus.
“You know, Jack would be great, too.”
My heart nearly jumped out of my throat. I wheeled back to her. “You’re kidding, right?”
She shrugged, her expression thoughtful. “It’s just that when I watch him around you, he’s always teasing you. And he frowns when guys hit on you.”
“Wh-what?” I nearly choked on my spit. “You have to be hallucinating. My God, Denise, Jack lives to torment me, that’s all.”
“Hmm…” She pursed her lips, then fixed me with a curious stare. “You’re telling me you’ve never been attracted to him—to any guy?”
“Oh, I’m attracted to the male species, all right,” I said, evading her question. Why dull her optimism that I would soon join her and Ila in Club Cupid, with hearts and flowers floating around my head. “Only the feline variety right now.”
Denise sputtered a laugh. “Wilbur’s still with you?”
“Yeah…” I heaved in a weary breath. “I don’t get it. He hates me. And yet, he remains—”
“That’s because he loves you.”
“It’s because I feed him,” I countered. “All I get are hisses and scratches for my effort. I’m considering filing for emancipation. Can I do that with a cat?”
She burst out laughing. “It’s why Jack would be perfect.”
“He’s no stray cat,” I muttered. More like a Cheshire-cross-Abyssinian, with that taunting grin and sleek model looks. And the guy could rock a suit like no one’s business.
Refusing to think about him, because then I thought of that smirking mouth on mine—sheesh! I refocused my attention on the busy street. Still no sign of a bus. My friend? She continued pressing her point like a dog with a bone. Maybe I should get a new friend.
“Jack’s nice, Ray. I haven’t seen him with anyone for a while, if that helps. In fact, he’s different these days, don’t you think?”
