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“It’s fine. It’s none of my business.”
I hadn’t turned to face him, but I could feel his eyes on me. It felt like there were words he was holding in his throat, like he was afraid to set them free just yet. I was afraid, too, because they could possibly undo me.
I looked toward the door, hoping my friends had finally arrived to save me from whatever this situation was. I didn’t see them. I let out a sigh of frustration.
“Are you waiting for someone?” asked Daniel curiously, following my gaze to the door.
“Yeah, but they’re late.”
“Is it a date?”
I looked at him, surprised that he’d asked that.
“Um, no. It’s my coworker’s birthday.”
Was it just me, or did he look relieved? That drink was playing tricks on me.
I reached in my purse. “I’m just going to text her.”
Daniel nodded and stood next to me patiently. I noticed he hadn’t taken a seat, but he still lingered beside me. I wasn’t complaining, though. He was here. And he wasn’t with that snooty girl after all.
I typed out a quick text to Shelley.
Me:Where are you? I’m at Bemelman’s.
Shelley:Oh, shit, Heart. I thought Brian told you I was sick.
Me:He did, but I thought you were just playing hooky.
Shelley:I wish. I’m so sorry! Raincheck?
I looked down at my phone before locking it, the screen going dark. I was here alone. Well, not entirely alone. Daniel was here, but I still felt so out of place. I chewed on my bottom lip as I thought of what to do next.
“Is she not coming?” he asked, leaning against the bar.
“Um, no. I guess not. She’s sick.”
I looked down at my half-full drink. Part of me wanted to chug it and get the hell out of there, but part of me wanted to stay.
“Would you like to join us?” asked Daniel, gesturing toward his friend at the other end of the bar. I peeked over and saw him flirting with the pretty bartender.
“Oh, that’s okay. I don’t want to intrude.”
“I insist.”
Daniel held out his hand and looked at me expectantly. Before I placed my hand in his, I braced myself for that familiar feeling I got when our hands touched. When my palm met his, there it was. This time it ran across my skin like tiny electric kisses. He helped me down from the barstool and I trailed behind him holding his hand, balancing my drink in my other.
“Freddy. I’d like you to meet Addison,” said Daniel as we sat down.
“Addison, huh? Nice to meet you,” replied Freddy, holding out his hand.
“Likewise,” I said, shaking his hand firmly.
It was an entirely different feeling than having Daniel’s hand in mine.
“So, how do you two know each other?” asked Freddy, pointing between the two of us.
“Addison here works at the nonprofit, Leading to Learn. They’re doing amazing things. I’ve decided to become a donor.”