Page 30 of The Image of You

“Do you keep in touch with Emma via social media? Facebook and such? Do you save pictures of cats and share funny stories?”

“No, I’m not one for all that stuff. Not much point since I know so few people, and they all live in town. I don’t even have an account. Emma doesn’t either. At least, not a personal one. She has a business page, but her assistant handles it. We both prefer to talk or text. Are you a big social media guy?”

“I have a presence on most of the platforms, but they’re all business-related too. My people handle all that. Much like you, my circle of friends is small, and I prefer to talk rather than use Facebook to connect.” I brushed a finger down her cheek. “I guess we’re both private people.”

She smiled. “I guess so.”

“So, you work until Thursday, and Friday is lunch. Can I take you out on Saturday?”

She started to nod again but then froze. Panic flared in her eyes, and I frowned.

“What?”

She put down her pizza, wiping her fingers. “I’m done.”

“Forget the pizza. What’s wrong?”

“I can’t go out with you on Saturday.”

“Why?”

“There’s a charity event I have to attend.”

“Another command performance?” I tried to keep the sarcasm out of my voice and failed.

“Yes,” she answered in a whisper.

“What else?”

She didn’t say anything, and she didn’t look at me.

“Ally, look at me. Now.”

Slowly, her gaze met mine. “What else?”

“I have—” she cleared her throat “—a date.”

I clenched my hands, forming fists as I struggled to stay calm. “Cancel.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“It’s complicated.”

There was that word again. I was beginning to hate it.

“Then uncomplicate it,” I growled.

“I, ah, sort of have a boyfriend.”

I felt as though I’d been sucker-punched. “What the fuck?” I hissed. “You didn’t think to mention that before now? Maybe when we were shopping for sheets together?”

“It’s not what you think. If you want to calm down, we can talk about it somewhere private.”

I inhaled and counted to ten. I pulled some money out of my wallet and flung it on the table. “Fine. Let’s go and talk at the loft.”

I stood and held out my hand. “Now, Ally.”