Page 21 of Love Off Script

Oh well. One night out probably wouldn’t kill me.

I searched for some places Shiloh could take Ember on a date; however, not knowing what Ember was into made it hard. I knew Shiloh enjoyed anything healthy, so I thought about one of those couples' cooking classes, but you had to sign up a few weeks in advance, which I went ahead and did just in case.

The next idea I checked out was a hot-air balloon ride. I thought it was a perfect date idea because you got to be outside and away from others. But if either of them feared heights, it was a no-go.

Before I wasted more time, I messaged Shiloh to see if she wanted to take her lunch break and hit up Java Jive. I was shocked when she responded that she was already there.

I phoned her, and she picked up immediately.

“Hey, sorry to come here without you, but I thought I would get a jumpstart on the recon.” Something was off with her voice, but I let it slide.

“No worries. So, she’s there?” I wanted to make sure I was needed before showing up.

“Yeah, she’s here, and she appears to like chocolate chip cookies, or they might be raisins. I can’t tell.”

I shook my head at that random non-information. “Cool. I’ll see you soon. I’m a few blocks away.”

As soon as I made it inside, I looked at the spot where I had met Shiloh the first time, and sure enough, she was there with her crossword puzzle as her guise. I didn’t wave so I wouldn’t blow her cover, and instead, I headed to the counter.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes when I noticed it was the same rude girl who gave me the third degree on Sunday. I did my best to smile but almost choked when I read her name tag. She was Ember?

Even as I approached her, she didn’t acknowledge me. If she wanted a standoff, she better buckle up because this would be a long ride. I cleared my throat, signaling that the game was on, but I refused to speak. It was her job to be personable, not mine.

She was better than I had given her credit for. She stared at me smugly as if to say, “What do you want?” but I wasn’t answering until those words came out of her mouth.

I noticed someone joining the line out of my peripheral, but that didn’t change my stance. Ember and I were playing chicken with our eyes, and I had the focus of an unblinking cat until the person behind me tapped on my shoulder, ruining my concentration.

“What?” I turned around to see Shiloh holding her hands up in surrender fashion. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay. I was checking to see if you needed something. You’ve been up here a while.” She peeked at Ember, who appeared unaffected by anything as she twisted her hair around her finger.

“No, I’m good. Just trying to order a drink. I’ll join you in a minute.” I offered a playful wink, but her cheeks instantly turned a deep shade of pink, and she scurried off to the table.

When I faced Ember again, she was staring in Shiloh’s direction, and it seemed like it was the first time she noticed her. Maybe she was one of those people who wanted a toy if someone else was playing with it first. Interesting. When she brought her gaze back to me, she still stared blankly, and I realized she didn’t even know what I was waiting for.

I released a frustrated sigh and wondered if she was that oblivious or too self-absorbed to care. Either way, Shiloh deserved better than that. I questioned what she found fascinating about her when all I felt was annoyance. I mean, she was physically attractive. She had a retro 90s punk-girl look, with choppy hair like Courtney Love, pale skin, and dark lips. If Ember and Yoni were anything to go on, Shiloh had a type.

“Can I get a caramel latte?”

“Do I know you?” Her words caught me off guard, but it wouldn’t be the first time someone had recognized me.

“I don’t think so.” I no longer wanted to glare at her. Instead, I tried to hide my face to get out of this conversation.

“I think I do. Have you come in here before?”

Why did she choose to be attentive now? Five minutes ago, when I wanted her to ask to take my order, she acted like she could see right through me.

“This isn’t my normal coffee shop. I’m here with someone.” I pointed to Shiloh, hoping she would direct her focus on her.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen her before. What’s her story? Are you two…” Her gaze stayed on Shiloh a beat too long if she thought she was my girlfriend.

Out of spite, I almost said yes because I wanted her to have regret. But I wouldn’t put up a beaver dam because Shiloh deserved happiness. Even if I couldn’t see what Ember had to offer, it wasn’t my choice. I was here to help, not hinder.

“No. I’m not sure if she’s seeing anyone right now, but she’s a catch.” I watched as Shiloh sipped her drink but kept her eyes glued to her puzzle book.

“Hmmm,” she was pensive, which I would take as a good sign.

“I could maybe put in a good word for you.” I didn’t know how we had gone from a who's-the-bigger-alpha showdown to me offering to hook her up, but it was organic, which usually yielded better results.