Page 51 of Gold Rush

“I didn’t know you were dating anyone,” the woman comments. Her voice is cheerful. She sounds young, so I don’t think I’m imagining the disappointment there too.

“I haven’t actually asked her to be my girlfriend yet,” Flynn stage-whispers. “I’m nervous she’ll say no.”

I roll my eyes.

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” the woman tells Flynn, laughing a little—I assume at the absurdity of someone not finding his abrasive charm appealing.

“Got any tips for me?”

I huff with annoyance, sending my desk chair spinning in a circle and staring up at the water stain on the ceiling as I listen to a stranger tell Flynn about how her sister’s boyfriend planned an elaborate trip to make their relationship official.

It makes me wonder about Flynn’s past relationships. I never really paid close attention to them. He never brought a date to any events hosted by my family. Did he officially ask any of those women to be his girlfriend? Did he⁠—

“So, what’s up?”

It takes me a second to realize Flynn’s voice is at a normal volume again. That he’s talking to me.

I lower my voice, although most of my coworkers left after the meeting ended. “What did you tell Kit about us?”

“Exactly what we discussed.”

“We discussed telling my family together.”

“He’s not only your family; he’s my best friend. Kit asked who I was dating. I didn’t want to lie to him.”

“You did lie to him,” I hiss.

“Only if you’re backing out. Are you backing out, Rory?”

“What if he says something to my parents?”

“He won’t.” Flynn sounds very certain about that, and I basically have no choice but to believe him.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, forcing a long exhale out. “Are you coming this weekend?”

“I can’t make it. I’m sorry.”

I close my eyes, letting the stupid disappointment settle. “It’s fine. I’m going to drive out tonight since I’m almost done here. I’ll see you on Monday.”

“Okay.” He hesitates, then adds, “Uh, drive safe.”

“Thanks.”

I hang up first.

17

The office isn’t empty on a Saturday, but it’s noticeably quieter than on weekdays. I reach for my mug, swallowing another large gulp of coffee while I simultaneously click to a new page of the scanned document. I’ve been here since six a.m., and I still have three hundred twenty-six pages to review. There’s a very good chance I won’t make it through it all and have time to drive to Atlantic Crest in time for dinner tonight, which is why I never mentioned the possibility to Rory.

“Hey, Flynn. You still working on the Harbor Point MetroHealth deal?”

I glance up to see Jake standing beside my cubicle. He’s holding a mug as well, likely from the kitchen around the corner.

“Yep.” I swig more coffee, hoping a jolt of caffeine will help me focus. “What are you working on?”

He exhales. “The Lowell divorce. I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but being a third-year isn’t much better than starting out. Not if you want to make partner by thirty at least.”

I fake cheers him with my cup. “Something to look forward to.”