“Doing what? I can’t see her scrubbing a bathroom. She seems more like the type who spends her time at a computer.”
“Stop making assumptions. You don’t know anything about her.”
“Neither do you.”
“No, but I know better than to judge a person by what I see on the surface,” Evie said firmly, ignoring the fact that she’d had the same thought as him. “You don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt.”
“I know. It’s a terrible flaw.”
She laughed and poked him in the chest. “Take you for example. People could think you were just a grumpy, scary person by nature, but I knew immediately when I saw you that you’d probably just come off the phone from your father.”
“Stop telling me I’m grumpy. It makes me grumpy.”
“I adore you, you know that. All I’m saying is that there are a million reasons why human beings behave the way they do. That’s what makes them fascinating.”
“That’s what makes them annoying. And your new friend wasn’t exactly warm, either. If my ice machine breaks, I know where to go.”
“Give her a chance.” Trying a different approach, she gave him her pleading look. “Do it for me.”
“Why would I do it for you?”
“Because you love me really. As a friend, obviously. Deep down.”
“Do I?” But there was humour in his eyes so she pushed ahead.
“She’s probably tired. Long journey. Probably feeling a bit lost. And then you gave her the chilliest welcome since Scott arrived in Antarctica. You’re the one who froze her. Promise me you’ll smile next time you see her. No more frowning.”
He leaned against the wall. “Do I have to promise?”
“Yes.” She gave him a stern look and he sighed.
“Fine. I’ll take food up to her. I’ll even polish the apple. If you prefer, I could turn it into humble pie. Why are you smiling?”
“Because you’re funny when you’re grumpy.”
“Do you always have to be so damn cheerful?”
She shrugged. “I like being cheerful.”
“Maybe, but right now you’re doing it to annoy me.” She beamed at him. “You’re right, I am. Is it working?”
“It’s working. You always know how to wind me up, and not in a good way. No wonder we only went on one date.” He eased away from the wall. “Don’t worry, I promise to keep an eye on your city princess.”
“You’re doing it again. Judging.”
“Okay. But can I at least say ‘I told you so’ when she twists her ankle?”
“No, if that happens, you’ll say ‘oh you poor thing, let me take you to hospital.’ I’m serious. I need her to like it here. Things aren’t great at work. I think she might be able to help.”
He gave her a sympathetic look. “Everyone still trying to do things the Gerald way?”
“They are. I’ve tried everything. I’ve tried sweeping everyone along on the tide of my enthusiasm. I’ve written a memo.I shower everyone with enthusiasm. Nothing works. If I hear ‘but Gerald did it this way’ again I might scream.”
“Yeah?” He gave a half-smile. “I’d drag myself up from the cellar to witness that.”
She ignored that comment. “I’m hoping Abby is going to help me turn things around if only because she doesn’t know Gerald.”
“You don’t think your expectations might be a little high?”
