“About six months, give or take.”
I start to connect the dots. I know Art has been with the protection division for nine months. If I’m doing my math correctly, the timing of his refusal roughly coincides with when Bruce and the security office began looking for his replacement. He didn’t do the show because of me.
“Art,” I start, but he interrupts.
“No, I know where your mind is going. I want you to know that I had plenty of time to weigh all the pros and cons. I even talked it overwith Angela. I stand by my decision. Not doingThe British Baking Championshipwas the right call. I enjoy working with you, Alice. I wouldn’t give this up for anything.”
Does he really mean being with me? Or is it that his time here could be the stepping stone to something bigger and better? If he bides his time, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s offered a better position in the future, like protecting my brother or my father. If he’s around long enough, he could even become the head of the security office someday.
“Your destination is on the right in one hundred meters,” the cool female voice says.
Art slows the car and pulls into a spot near the front of the shop. I agree to wait in the car with the doors locked while he runs in and places the order. He’s bending the rules by letting me be alone. I hand him some cash.
As I sit in the car, I have a few moments to mull over Art’s words.“I enjoy working with you, Alice. I wouldn’t give this up for anything.”
We’re securely in the friend zone by now, but I want us to be something more real. He’s beginning to open up to me in a way I never thought possible. The more I learn about him, the deeper I’m falling for him. I enjoy being around him too. A little too much for my own good.
Pulling out my mobile, I open the text message app and begin to type.
Alice
Hi, Alfie, my name is Alice. I’m the friend Jenna was telling you about. Are you up for getting drinks sometime? I’d love the chance to get to know you.
I read the message over one more time, then click Send. Closing my eyes together, I lean against the back of the seat. There. I’ve done it. I’ve reached out to Jenna’s friend. If I were one of the characters in the books Angela likes, I’d be told I’m doing the sensible thing. However, as I look through the glass of Pret and watch Art checking out at the till, I’m filled with sadness. My heart belongs to him, and I don’t think that’s likely to change anytime soon.
Fifteen
Aknock sounds at the door. Art pokes his head inside the private room of the pub I’ve booked for the evening. “Ma’am, I have a Mr. Alfred Moore asking to see you.” His forehead creases and his tone is flat and coldly professional.
“That’s my date.” I stand from the table. “Send him in, please.”
“Ma’am.” His shoulders hunch and he continues wearing the frown he’s had on his face all morning.
“Good luck and have fun.” Angela winks. “Leave Mr. Grumps to me.”
“What are you going to do to him?” I ask, genuinely curious. He’s been moody all day.
“I’ll tell him he can be the one who gets to stay outside the door and babysit you two. I’m hoping if he’s away from the crowds and noise of the main pub, he’ll loosen up.”
“Is it social anxiety?”
“I think so.” Angela nods. “He’s come a long way, but loud places like this don’t help the situation.”
The door creaks open and a tall, slim guy enters, holding up a hand to wave. “Cheers Alice, I’m Alfie.”
He’s got a bright smile on his face and carries himself with a looseeasiness about him. I immediately like him. “Hi, Alfie. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Jenna’s told me nothing about you.” He pushes up the round black glasses perched on his nose. “I can’t wait to fill in the blanks tonight.”
“Likewise.” I let out a nervous chuckle.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling incredibly awkward right now.” He lets out a deep sigh. “I haven’t been on a proper date in ages.”
“You’re not alone. I’m feeling awkward too.”
We share a laugh, and the tension flees the room. Angela discreetly disappears as Alfie approaches me. He’s dressed casually in black jeans, a heather-gray T-shirt, and white trainers. He has wavy brown hair and almond-brown eyes with thick lashes.
“I hope it wasn’t too much trouble for you to meet me here,” I say.
