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“Do you want to at least chat with them? We don’t have to. Or we can, but only briefly. It’s up to you. I thought it might do you good to start dipping your toe in the proverbial dating pool.”

“I don’t know. It’s probably early for me.”

“So, another round?”

I look at the guys more carefully. One of them is focused on me, and when our eyes meet, he smiles and gives me a small nod and a beer salute. He’s a decent-looking guy, around my age. Reminds me a bit of some of my brothers’ friends. My brothers’ friends who never did anything for me.

“Nah. Not today. I think I’m ready to go home.”

“Suit yourself.” Roxie waves over the waiter and follows with a scribbling motion, ready for the check.

When I get in the car, I’m buzzing with energy. For the first time since I moved here, I feel excited and hopeful, and not like a horrible person for leaving everyone behind and for not lamenting my engagement. I feel like I’m on the brink of something amazing and I don’t want to go home. I need to move. I need to do something. I need to channel the buzzing into something good.

I want to see Joe. I want to channel all this crazy, buzzing energy into Joe.

****

As soon as I get in my car, I pull out my phone.

Liz: Are you home?

He responds immediately.

Joe: Yeah. Why?

Liz: Can I come over?

Joe: Sure. Is everything okay?

Liz: Yeah

I wanna see you

And not talk

?

Chapter Nine

Joe

It’s been a few weeks since I last saw Liz, and we’ve been low-key texting, but she’s ignored my hints at getting together. I understand that’s not where she is right now and, as much as I hate it, I have to respect it.

So her coming over to not talk is definitely unexpected.

When I open the door, she looks a bit sheepish, but her eyes are blazing. She’s dressed in business attire, a gray suit with a stretchy top underneath. She has discreet makeup and her hair is up in a sleek bun.

“Hi,” I say, taking her in as she steps inside. “You look great.”

“Thanks.” She gives me a small smile, then looks away. “You look nice, too.”

“Did you come from work?”

“No, still interviewing.” She drops her purse by the door.

“Ah, okay. Well, I’m sure something will work out soon.”

She steps closer and places a hand on my chest. “So, is it okay with you if we don’t talk right now?”