“Then I apologize in advance. 2017 me is boring and lame and I like to stay in. Beer night on Thursday being the exception. It’s my chance to hang out with Brandon.”
I looked up. Tomorrow was Thursday.
“He’s canceled for tomorrow,” he said to my unspoken question. “Said maybe in July. No explanation.”
Changing the subject, he leaned forward and said, “So, tell me about these women. Are they hot?”
I laughed.“Every one. Tall, blonde, and big boobs. You seem to have a type.”
“Jealous, are you?”
Annoyed, I used the remote more savagely than usual. My cheeks burned as I sensed him watching. It was hard not to compare myself to those women who were beautiful even when they didn’t smile.
“I didn’t know that Brandon died. None of your family thought to tell me. You seemed happy, and I was miserable. I was jealous of your life, not the women. I was angry.”I hadn’t thought about it much, but this seemed like the truth.
“But I’m not so bad after all,” he said with a grin.
That look was irresistible, especially when his dimple reappeared.
The next two episodes were the Season Two finale, called ‘Becoming.’ The narrator’s voice entranced me and I almost forgot Christopher was there or that he’d annoyed me. Ember crawled onto my lap and snuggled, purring.
After several minutes, Christopher said, “Cute kitten.” He held out his fingers and ran them along the edge of the cushion between us. Ember, intent on their motion, twitched her tail and her small body tensed. He pretended not to look while he wiggled his fingers. She pounced. They played for a few minutes, and then, to my surprise, she climbed his shirt to his shoulder to perch. It looked like she was watching TV with us.
Christopher stayed through the second half of the finale.
“One of my favorite episodes,” he said when it had finished.
“It was so sad,”I said.“She sent her true love to hell to save the world, just as they cured him. The magic kicked in and he got his soul back.”
“That’s what was brilliant,” he said. “If he was still evil, and she stabbed him with the sword, it wouldn’t have been heartbreaking.”
We sat and debated the merits of the show for another half hour, though he was careful not to spoil upcoming episodes, which I appreciated. The night had flown.
It was after ten when he stood up and stretched. I hadn’t enjoyed a quiet evening with company like this in years. It hadn’t felt phony or forced, and somehow, we’d eaten every bite of the food. It had been comfortable, like we were friends.
“Thanks for dinner. You’re sure I can’t pay for my share?”
“Na, I’m good. Thanks for the clues and the relaxing evening,” he said. “I’ll stop by Brandon’s work on Sunday or Monday. Make him talk.”
“Will his company let you in? I’ve never made it past reception. Security and all.”
“Won’t know until I try.”
I walked Christopher to the door, and this time was less surprised when he hugged me goodnight. I never would have guessed he was a hugger, but it appeared he was. As I took a deep breath, I tried not to be obvious. He smelled like rich chocolate.
“There’s an episode in Season Three I’d like to watch. Can I come back?”
I nodded.“Which one? I’ll let you know when I’m close.”
He grinned and started down the stairs, jingling his keys. “You’ll relate to this one. It’s called ‘The Wish’.”
Chapter 6
Friday was rainy and miserable, and I arrived at work with my feet soaked, but I’d brought spare clothes and dry shoes. Sitting at my computer, I researched bus schedules and routes to take to get to my dad’s for the engagement party. I’d just about decided when I’d need to leave when Christopher texted.
“Pick u up at 6. I’ll drive.”
I needed to change for the party after work.“6:30? My place?”I didn’t drive and his offer was thoughtful, so I added,“Thanks.”He didn’t make me feel like he felt sorry for me. We were becoming friends again. It was more satisfying than disliking him. That had made me feel petty. We had more in common than I’d thought.
