She narrows her eyes at me. “What does that mean?”
“It means what it says. I’m not looking for a man.”
“I think we should go out on Friday night. We’ll have some dinner and then go dancing. I’m pretty sure you’ll change your mind after a few cocktails. You’re like a guy magnet.”
I laugh. “I am not!” I pause. “Dinner sounds great, but I’m really not looking for anything else right now.”
She narrows her eyes more. “Who are you and what have you done with my friend? You love dancing. You enjoy male company. You told me just the other day that you want to settle down at some point, and that means getting out there and meeting people.”
“I did say that, and it is still my intention.” I pick up a file, not looking at it. “Just not right now.”
She looks at me, and some of the teasing drops out of her face.
“It was rough on Mistveil,” I tell her. “I’m still working through some of it. I want to feel like myself again before I try to be anything to anyone else.”
She nods slowly. “You said nothing happened.Didsomething happen while you were on Mistveil? I mean aside from being traumatized and in fear for your life. I know it was a biggie but…is there something you aren’t telling me? Something you need to tell me?”
Yes.
My mind instantly goes to Magma.
“No, nothing. But it was—” I search for it. “It rattled me. In ways I haven’t fully figured out yet.” I fold my hands on the desk. “I just need some time, that’s all.”
She sits forward. “You need to see someone. A professional. I’m serious, Carla. You were technically on duty when you were taken. Everything would be covered by the hospital.”
“I’m fine.” I wave a hand.
“You are not letting me finish.” She shakes her head. “I’m setting up the consult. I know exactly who to call. She is brilliant, and I’m not taking no for an answer. It wouldn’t hurt to talk about it.”
“It’s not necessary.”
“I’m doing it. And you’re going to go.” She gets up out of the chair, already pulling her phone from her coat pocket, clearly intending to make this call the moment she leaves this office. “And we are going out on Friday. You and me. Forget the dancing, but we’ll go to dinner. I feel like we need a little girl time.”
“Cosmos?”
“Obviously Cosmos.”
I feel something in me loosen a little. “Fine. Okay. Sounds nice.”
She stops by the door and turns back. Her expression goes from firm to softer in the space of a second. “I’m sorry about Flint.”
“It is what it is. The evening was good. I’m glad we did it.”
“Good.” She gets a look. Her eyes dance.
“What?” I ask.
“Ridge and I are moving in together.”
My mouth makes an O-shape for a few seconds. “That’s great, but quick. You’ve been together for a few weeks.”
“I know,” she says.
“That’s…fast.”
“I know how it sounds. But when you know, you know.” She shrugs, though there’s nothing casual about the way her whole face has lit up. “We’ve spent every night together since we got back together. He’s my person.”
“He’s a good guy,” I say. “It’s easy to see how happy he makes you.”
